The Outer Worlds Dev Apologises for ‘Free’ PS5 Upgrade Mess-Up, Can’t Provide Original Offer

by

Update [Thu 28th May 2026, 6:45pm]:

Okay, so Obsidian just put out a statement on Twitter about that whole PS5 upgrade thing for The Outer Worlds. You know, the one they promised would be free for people who already owned the game on PS4? They’re finally addressing what’s going on with it.

Although the company originally planned to offer the upgrade for free, some technical problems and limitations with who qualified for it caused issues with the rollout. They understand that players are understandably frustrated.

If you purchased The Outer Worlds between April 30th and May 27th, 2026, please reach out to Obsidian support. They’re ready to help resolve any issues you may be experiencing and apologize for the inconvenience.

Obsidian has confirmed they still aren’t able to offer the previously announced free upgrade from PS4 to PS5. They explain that, to receive the upgrade, players with digital versions on either Xbox One or PlayStation 4 will need to own the main game along with any downloadable content, or have purchased the expansion pass.

Original Story: Things can never just be simple, can they?

Obsidian announced that PlayStation 5 owners who had the original PS4 version of The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition would receive a free upgrade. However, it’s now come to light that this upgrade isn’t free for everyone. Players who own the base game on PS4 and Xbox One will actually have to pay to upgrade to the enhanced version.

This is due to mixed messaging from the studio.

Earlier this month, Obsidian said they were removing the original version of the RPG from sale. But if you already owned the base game before May 27th, 2026, you automatically received the Spacer’s Choice Edition on PS5, which includes the original game and both of its downloadable content packs.

The developer clarified that this applies to all platforms where the Spacer’s Choice Edition is available, including Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.

Yesterday, May 27th, 2026 passed without the promised free upgrades from PS4/Xbox One to PS5/Xbox Series X becoming available.

Players who purchased the game before yesterday’s announced free upgrade are reporting a problem: they’re now being told they also need to own the game’s two expansions to receive it. This is despite the developer’s original announcement, which clearly stated that only the base game was required.

Obsidian Support explained that changes are due to unexpected technical issues with both PlayStation and Xbox consoles.

To get the upgrade, players who already own the original game on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One will need to purchase the Expansion Pass. It’s available on the PlayStation Store for £12.99 or $14.99.

Obsidian initially announced that to get the free PS5 upgrade to the Spacer’s Choice Edition, you needed to own both DLC packs. However, if you already owned the base game before this announcement, or purchased it shortly after, you’ll still be eligible for the upgrade without needing the DLC.

The news post very clearly said:

If you already own The Outer Worlds (even the standard version) on any of the following platforms – Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Steam, Epic Games Store, or GOG – before May 27th, you’ll get the Spacer’s Choice Edition completely free!

Players are voicing their frustrations on social media and the game’s online forum, with many pointing out the irony of the game criticizing greedy corporations while the developers themselves engage in similar practices. One user, EducationalProject36, summarized it as, “Obsidian made a game where greedy corporations that cheat people are ridiculed. And then they do the same, it’s so ironic…”

ArcticSounds20 expressed frustration, stating that they believed an upgrade wasn’t included with the base game and questioned if the terms had changed. They ended with a self-deprecating and angry remark.

Read More

2026-05-28 21:38