The Outer Worlds Dev Issues Apology Over Controversial Decision

Obsidian’s official support channel has released a statement addressing the recent shift in its plan to offer a complimentary PS5 upgrade for owners of the base title, The Outer Worlds.

Initially, the studio promised a free transition to the newer console, but “entitlement restrictions and backend issues” have complicated the rollout, leaving many players disappointed.

Players who purchased the game between 30 April 2026 and 27 May 2026 are being asked to reach out to Obsidian’s support portal so the company can “work with you to make it right.” The team apologizes for the frustration caused.

In its final remarks, Obsidian clarified that it still cannot deliver the advertised free PS4‑to‑PS5 upgrade. Because of how console entitlements operate, digital owners on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 must own the base game plus any DLCs or the expansion pass to qualify for the upgrade in the future.

Obsidian has announced that owners of the base PS4 and Xbox One editions of The Outer Worlds will receive a complimentary upgrade to the Spacer’s Choice Edition on PS5, effective from yesterday. However, the rollout has proven to be more complicated than initially promised.

Earlier this month, the studio revealed that it would be removing the original version of the RPG from sale, while offering the Spacer’s Choice Edition—bundling the core game with its two DLCs—to anyone who purchased the base edition before 27 May 2026. The upgrade was intended to be available across all platforms where the new edition is supported, including Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.

Despite the clear communication, the promised free upgrade did not materialise on 27 May 2026, leaving PS4 and Xbox One owners without the expected transition to the newer console versions.

Gamers who purchased the title in anticipation of yesterday’s advertised free upgrade are now finding themselves in a frustrating predicament: the upgrade is only available to those who own both expansions, not just the base game as originally promised.

Obsidian’s support channels have clarified that a sudden technical hurdle on PlayStation and Xbox platforms forced the change, citing “unforeseen platform limitations” as the culprit.

Consequently, owners of the base edition on PS4 and Xbox One must now purchase the Expansion Pass—priced at £12.99 / $14.99 on the PlayStation Store—to unlock the upgrade.

From May 27th, Obsidian’s original announcement indicated that only those who owned both DLC packs would be eligible for the PS5 upgrade to the Spacer’s Choice Edition. However, early adopters who had secured the base version before the announcement—or those who purchased it during the pre‑launch window—will still receive the free upgrade.

For owners of the base edition of The Outer Worlds who have the title in their digital library before May 27th, a complimentary upgrade to the Spacer’s Choice Edition will be automatically applied. This free enhancement is available across all supported platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.

Players have voiced their frustration on social media and the game’s subreddit, with users like EducationalProject36 lamenting, “Obsidian made a game where greedy corporations that cheat people are ridiculed. And then they do the same, it’s so ironic…”

ArcticSounds20 expressed their disappointment, stating, “So if I only have the base game I don’t get the upgrade? You guys changed your mind? I’ll go f*ck myself I guess.”