The Outer Worlds: Murder on Eridanos

The Outer Worlds: Murder on Eridanos is the second and final story expansion for the 2019 action-RPG The Outer Worlds. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Private Division, the DLC was released in March 2021. Acting as a brilliant tonal shift from the grim, pulp-noir atmosphere of the previous expansion (Peril on Gorgon), Murder on Eridanos leans heavily into vibrant, Agatha Christie-style “whodunit” murder mysteries, all wrapped in the franchise’s signature corporate satire.

The story begins with a shocking crime: Halcyon Helen, the colony’s most beloved celebrity and the famous spokesperson for the Rizzo’s corporation, is found dead just days before the highly anticipated release of the new “Spectrum Brown” vodka. Hand-picked by Rizzo’s eccentric Administrator Ludovico to act as the lead investigator, you and your crew must travel to the gas giant Eridanos. Navigating a luxury resort built on floating atmospheric islands, you are tasked with interviewing a bizarre cast of high-profile suspects—including jealous co-stars, obsessive sports athletes, and shady corporate executives—to unravel the conspiracy behind Helen’s demise.

Gameplay

Murder on Eridanos introduces dedicated investigative mechanics to the core gameplay loop, making it feel distinctly different from the rest of the game’s more combat-heavy zones.

Key gameplay additions include:

• The Discrepancy Amplifier: The defining feature of the expansion. Players are given a semi-sentient, talking Science gadget called the Discrepancy Amplifier. By looking through its scope, players can reveal hidden clues, highlight invisible footprints, and uncover temporal anomalies scattered across the crime scenes to piece together timelines.
• The Floating Islands: The new hub world is Eridanos, a spectacularly beautiful and colorful gas giant. The playable area consists of several massive rocks chained together in the upper atmosphere, featuring locations like the lavish Grand Colonial Hotel, the colorful Purpleberry Orchards, and Rizzo’s sprawling distillation plants.
• Expanded Level Cap: The expansion bumps the game’s maximum level cap up by another three levels (raising it to 36), allowing players to unlock even more skill points to further maximize their late-game builds.
• Interrogations and Accusations: As a true murder mystery, players must gather evidence and actively choose how to handle suspects. You can use your dialogue skills to press them for information, call out their lies, and ultimately decide who to formally accuse of the murder in the expansion’s climax.
• New Science Weapons: The DLC introduces three new Science Weapons, including the Spectrum Gatling (a heavy rotary cannon that fires different types of elemental damage based on the flavors of Spectrum Vodka in your inventory) and The Needler (a pistol that fires different status-altering darts).

Development and Legacy

For the final expansion of The Outer Worlds, Obsidian Entertainment wanted to end the game on a vibrant, humorous high note. They explicitly designed Murder on Eridanos to contrast with the dark, rocky, and depressing atmosphere of Peril on Gorgon. The writers drew heavy inspiration from classic parlor mysteries, specifically playing with the tropes of locked-room murders and eccentric suspect pools.

Upon its release, the expansion was met with highly positive reviews. Critics and fans praised the incredibly colorful art direction of Eridanos and the clever writing that managed to balance a compelling mystery with the game’s trademark absurdity. The Discrepancy Amplifier was singled out as a highly engaging tool that forced players to actively look at the environment rather than just following a quest marker.

Coupled with Peril on Gorgon, Murder on Eridanos cemented The Outer Worlds as a complete, highly satisfying RPG package, tying up the game’s post-launch support and leaving fans eager for the eventual sequel.

Key Features:

• A Sci-Fi Whodunit — Step into the role of a freelance inspector to solve the highest-profile murder in the history of the Halcyon colony.
• The Discrepancy Amplifier — Use a brand-new, talking investigative gadget to uncover invisible clues, temporal echoes, and hidden pathways.
• A Vibrant Gas Giant — Explore the breathtaking atmospheric islands of Eridanos, from the luxurious Grand Colonial Hotel to the sprawling, syrupy Rizzo’s factories.
• Accuse the Suspects — Interrogate a colorful cast of elites and executives, using the evidence you gather to ultimately point the finger at the killer.
• New Arsenal and Skills — Wield the legendary Spectrum Gatling gun, unlock new armor sets, and push your character to the absolute limit with an increased level cap of 36.

Release Platforms:

• PlayStation 4 — March 17, 2021
• Xbox One — March 17, 2021
• Microsoft Windows (PC) — March 17, 2021
• Nintendo Switch — September 8, 2021
• PlayStation 5 / Xbox Series X/S (Included in Spacer’s Choice Edition) — March 7, 2023