The Expanse: A Telltale Series is a single-player adventure game that places players in the role of Camina Drummer, the executive officer on the scavenging vessel Artemis. Set in the outer regions of the Belt, the experience follows Drummer as she leads a crew through tense encounters with shipwrecks, rival factions, and internal conflicts while navigating the harsh realities of space travel and political tensions across the solar system.
Gameplay
Core gameplay centers on exploration and decision-making aboard the Artemis and within derelict vessels. Players use mag boots to navigate surfaces in zero gravity, activate thrusters for controlled movement through open sections of space, and interact with environmental objects to gather resources or uncover details about past events. Crew conversations occur frequently, with dialogue choices shaping relationships and revealing more about each character's background and motivations. These interactions form the backbone of progression, as decisions influence crew loyalty, resource availability, and the outcomes of later encounters with pirates or other threats. The narrative unfolds across distinct episodes, each advancing the story while introducing new locations and complications that test Drummer's leadership.
Zero-g sections require careful maneuvering to reach interactive points, and players must manage the crew's conflicting personalities during high-pressure situations. Scavenging runs involve searching wrecks for valuable materials, which in turn affect the ship's capabilities and the crew's survival prospects. No combat systems appear in the traditional sense; instead, resolution comes through timed choices during confrontations and careful planning of crew assignments.
Game Modes
The game operates exclusively in a single-player format with no multiplayer components or competitive modes. The primary experience consists of a linear episodic campaign divided into five main episodes that players complete sequentially. Each episode builds directly on the previous ones, carrying forward the consequences of earlier choices without branching into separate campaigns or alternate scenarios. A bonus episode released alongside the full season on Steam extends the story further but remains integrated into the same single-player structure. No additional modes such as free play, challenge runs, or cooperative options exist.
Narrative and Setting
The story takes place before the events of the television series and focuses on the Belt's independence struggles through the lens of Drummer's crew. Players confront the politics of a divided solar system, the dangers of uncharted space, and personal loyalties that often clash with broader responsibilities. Episode titles include Archer's Paradox, Hunting Grounds, First Ones, Impossible Objects, and Europa's Folly, each presenting new challenges tied to scavenging operations, mutiny risks, and encounters with established powers. Character performances, particularly the portrayal of Drummer, drive emotional weight in key scenes, while environmental details reinforce the isolation and resource scarcity of life in the Belt.
Is It Worth Playing?
This title suits players who prioritize narrative depth and character-driven stories over action mechanics. Reviews highlight strong writing and voice performances as standout elements, with praise directed at how choices affect crew dynamics and long-term outcomes. Some criticism targets the zero-g traversal and occasional reliance on quick-time events for tension. The complete season, including all five episodes plus the bonus content, delivers a self-contained experience without ongoing updates or seasonal additions. Those interested in The Expanse universe or Telltale-style adventures will find the most value here, especially if they enjoy weighing moral and practical trade-offs in a grounded sci-fi setting. Availability on PC makes it accessible for those seeking a focused, choice-based campaign rather than open-ended gameplay loops.
