SIDE EFFECTS

SIDE EFFECTS

Released Nov 2025

A twisted trial of pill roulette for up to 4 players (solo or online). Pick your poison. Use experimental items to shift the odds. And remember: only one of you can survive.

84% positive · 1,018 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence

Where to buy

Steam $2.99 $4.99 −40%
Can't confirm — worth a look
We couldn't confirm these stores carry this game.
Green Man Gaming Steam key Search IndieGala Steam key Search
Prices in USD, as listed by each store.
Buying through an affiliate store helps support the site

Evaluation

Side Effects launched on November 21, 2025 as a complete product featuring solo and online multiplayer modes for up to 4 players. In the weeks following launch, the developer shipped a series of patches addressing multiplayer stability, bug fixes, and quality-of-life improvements — most notably v1.05 (December 9), v1.07 (December 10), and v1.09 (December 17, 2025). These updates focused on polish and stability rather than new content, consistent with post-launch maintenance of a finished product. There is no DLC listed on the store, no announced future content or roadmap, and no developer statements indicating plans for expansions or additional updates beyond the fixes already delivered. The game appears to have launched as a self-contained, complete package, and all post-launch communication has been maintenance-oriented. The most recent developer communication was on December 17, 2025.
Evidence
Side Effects officially launched with solo and online multiplayer for up to 4 players
news post · Nov 21, 2025 source content shipped
high
Patch v1.05 addresses major bugs, adds a turn timer and a new strategic item (Prescribed Pill), and introduces voice-to-text chat — post-launch polish work
news post · Dec 9, 2025 source development ongoing
medium

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Free Lives
Achievements
—
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · PvP

About this game

Up to four test subjects. One twisted medical trial. Only one leaves.

Welcome to Side Effects: a tense, turn-based medical roulette game. Each round you'll be presented with a selection of pills. Some are helpful, some are harmful, and some mean instant death. You never know what you're about to consume or what it might do to your mind or body. Winning means outlasting – AKA, outliving – your opponent across the table.

Resist

Every pill impacts your resistance. Manage it wisely: zero resistance means death.

Experiment

Between rounds, you can choose from a range of experimental items and treatments that can shift the odds in your favor, from vaccines to mouth clamps.

You’re not alone

The other patient wants to outlast you. They’ll bluff, adapt, and use everything at their disposal to keep breathing one dose longer than you.

Would you like to participate?

This trial includes:

  • A single player mode

  • A multiplayer mode (2-4 Players)

  • 15+ unique items 

  • 6 pill types to test

Last evaluated Jun 16, 2026
Something about this evaluation looks wrong Report illegal or harmful content