- The Outlast Trials Deluxe Edition bundles the co-op horror base game with bonus cosmetic and progression items.
- Base game first: The core experience — Trials, Rigs, Prime Assets — is identical in both editions.
- Best value: Deluxe mainly appeals to players who want extra customization options from day one.
- Verify before buying: Edition contents and availability can change with seasonal updates on the Steam store page.
What Is the Deluxe Edition?
The Outlast Trials is Red Barrels' cooperative survival-horror game, released in full on March 5, 2024, where up to four Reagents endure Murkoff's Cold War-era experiments. The Deluxe Edition sits above the standard version on the official Steam page, adding cosmetic and convenience content on top of the complete base game.
The key point for most buyers: every Trial, enemy, map, and progression system is included in both editions. The Deluxe upgrade is about style and small convenience perks, not gated gameplay.
Video Highlights:
- Official 1.0 launch trailer showing the core Murkoff experiment setting
- Confirms single-player and up to 4-player co-op structure
- Showcases the tone and environments Deluxe buyers also receive
After the trailer, the comparison below breaks down exactly what each tier offers.
Standard vs Deluxe Comparison
The two retail editions divide cleanly between gameplay and cosmetics. Use this table before checking out:
| Feature | Standard Edition | Deluxe Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Full base game (all Trials) | Included | Included |
| Co-op up to 4 players | Included | Included |
| Future free seasonal updates | Included | Included |
| Bonus character customization items | Not included | Included |
| Extra starting cosmetics pack | Not included | Included |
| Discount vouchers for in-game store | Not included | Varies by promotion |
| Price tier | Base price | Higher tier |
Edition contents, bundled vouchers, and regional pricing change between seasonal promotions. Always confirm the current bundle listing on the official Steam store page before purchasing, and watch for publisher sales announced on Red Barrels' official site.
Standard Edition
- All gameplay content
- Full co-op access
- Best pick for budget players
- Cosmetics earned in-game
Deluxe Edition
- Bonus customization items
- Extra cosmetic variety
- Same Trials and maps
- Suited to dedicated fans
Complete Your Setup Later
- Upgrade paths appear in sales
- Cosmetic items are non-essential
- Progression carries over either way
- Rigs and Prescriptions unaffected
Who Should Buy Which Edition: Step-by-Step
Choosing the right edition takes less than a minute if you follow this decision flow:
Decide If the Game Fits You
If you enjoy tense stealth, cooperative objectives, and psychological horror rather than combat-heavy action, the base experience will deliver. Watch the launch trailer or check gameplay first.
Assess Your Customization Interest
Deluxe perks are cosmetic-focused. Players who invest hundreds of hours and want visual variety get the most from the bundle.
Compare Prices During Sales
Seasonal Steam promotions frequently discount both editions. If the price gap narrows to a small amount during a sale, Deluxe becomes more attractive.
Confirm Current Bundle Contents
Read the live edition listing on Steam, since bundled items and vouchers can rotate between updates.
Buy and Build Your Loadout
Either way, your first Therapy Tokens should go toward a dependable Rig — Stun or Heal — and Amps that match your playstyle, not cosmetics.
New Reagents get more value from spending early currency on Rig upgrades and core Prescriptions than from any cosmetic pack. A focused stealth or heal build clears Trials far more reliably than a stylish outfit.
Deluxe Buyers: First Priorities After Purchase
Owning Deluxe does not change how Trials play, so your early game plan should mirror any new player's:
| Priority | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete early Trials solo or duo | Learn patrol routes and hiding spots safely |
| 2 | Unlock and upgrade one Rig | Stun or Heal covers most situations |
| 3 | Learn one map deeply (Police Station) | Familiar routes speed up all later runs |
| 4 | Manage noise and stamina | Stealth avoids chases better than sprinting |
| 5 | Spend Murkoff Dollars on tools | Utility items outperform early cosmetics |
Joining the official Discord or r/OutlastTrials makes matchmaking and coordination easier, and team runs consistently outperform solo attempts on higher difficulties.
New Owner Milestones:
- Complete your first three Trials without a failed extraction
- Fully upgrade one Rig to its final tier
- Memorize two hiding spots in every objective room
- Finish a Hard difficulty Trial with a full team
- Complete a seasonal limited-time event before it ends
FAQ
Q: Does The Outlast Trials Deluxe Edition include extra Trials or maps?
No. All Trials, maps, enemies, and seasonal content are included in the standard edition. Deluxe adds cosmetic and convenience items on top of the same full game.
Q: Is the Deluxe Edition required for co-op play?
No. Both editions support single-player and up to four-player online co-op. Edition choice has no effect on matchmaking or party size.
Q: Can I upgrade to the Deluxe Edition after buying the standard version?
Upgrade options have appeared on Steam during various promotions. Check the current store listing for availability, as bundle offers rotate between seasonal sales.
Q: Do Deluxe items affect gameplay balance?
The bundled items are cosmetic-focused and do not grant gameplay advantages. Rigs, Amps, Prescriptions, and progression are identical across both editions.
Related Content
Explore more The Outlast Trials buying guides or head back to the The Outlast Trials Wiki homepage for the latest coverage.