Owlcat Games is breaking with the tradition of its mammoth role-playing games. Instead of over 100 hours like in Pathfinder or Rogue Trader, you should rather think in terms of Mass Effect playing time.
When you think of Owlcat Games, you immediately think of epic campaigns thateasily break the 100-hour mark. With titles such asPathfinder: Wrath of the Righteousor the Warhammer 40,000 RPGRogue Traderthe developers have earned a reputation for gigantic RPG scopes.
With the upcoming implementation of the sci-fi hit The Expanse, however, the studio is taking a different path. With an estimatedplaying time of around 30 hoursthe space adventureOsiris Rebornwill be the role-playing game experts’ most compact work to date.
A more compact adventure with a focus on density
The planned playtime of around 30 hours sounds almost like a snack compared to previous projects. Howeverthe length fits in with the role modelsof The Expanse: Osiris Reborn. Because even aMass Effect 3was finished after around 25 hours for many players.
Developer Owlcat emphasizes, however, that this length depends heavily on your playing style.Those who skip conversations will reach their goal faster, while thorough captains will invest more time.
Owlcat is focusing on a higher density and narrative relevance this time – as the studio’s first 3D role-playing game to be completelysoundtrackedin English, it represents a clear departure from previous CRPGs. Those who want pure Owlcat, on the other hand, are certainly looking forward to Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, just like we are.
Game Pass, slow motion, loot and companions
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn will be released in spring 2027 for PC via Steam, Epic Games Store and GOG as well as for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Game Pass subscribers can get started right at launch,a pre-order betawill be available from April 22, 2026. However, you will have to pay at least 80 euros for this.
In the betaone mission of the finished game is included, you will experience the start of the cinematic adventure in the role of an Earth dweller or a Belter from the asteroid belt of the solar system. In the finished game, your character can also have a Martian background. The character’s origin grants them specific advantages as well as special dialog options.
You experience battles on space stations and moons from thethird-person perspective. At the touch of a button, you can slow down time to make tactical decisions for your character and the two NPC companions. It is interesting that classic melee weapons are not used, as these would simply make no sense in the realistic world of The Expanse.
Owlcat also goes its own way when it comes to loot.There is no color scheme for rarities such as green, blue or gold. Instead, you will find unique equipment and gadgets that you can improve individually via talent trees. You can choose between different perks to adapt your weapons to your play style.
The companions also bring their own special abilities to the battles, which can also have an effect on the environment – even if your comrades are currently on the hero ship and are only following the mission via radio.
