Navigating the Critical Decision: Fairfield, Westport, or Space in The Outer Worlds 2

Players within the virtual cosmos of The Outer Worlds 2 encounter a critical juncture involving the trajectory of the Vox Relay. This decision, emerging after a confrontation with Brigadier Montelli and the discovery of De Vries' safe room, compels participants to determine the fate of either Fairfield or Westport, two distinct settlements on Paradise Island, or to find an alternative solution by launching the relay into the void of space. The ramifications of this choice are far-reaching, influencing the availability of quests, the acquisition of valuable items, and even the dynamics with in-game companions, making a thorough understanding of each path's consequences indispensable for a strategic playthrough.

Ultimately, the most advantageous outcome involves avoiding destruction entirely, a feat achievable with specific character skills. Possessing Hack Level 4 and a Bypass Shunt allows players to divert the Vox Relay into space, thereby preserving both towns and their associated resources. This 'best' option ensures no areas become inaccessible, no quests are prematurely terminated, and no companions depart due to the player's choices. This emphasizes the importance of character build and planning, offering a path to mitigate all negative consequences associated with the pivotal decision on Paradise Island.

The Dire Consequences of Targeting Fairfield

Opting for Fairfield as the landing zone for the Vox Relay leads to a series of substantial and largely negative outcomes. This decision results in the complete destruction of Fairfield, making it permanently inaccessible for exploration and interaction. Consequently, players lose access to all associated content, including numerous side quests and valuable loot unique to the area. Furthermore, a key companion, Inez, will abandon the party, and the player's reputation with Auntie's Choice will significantly decline. This path is generally considered the least favorable due to the extensive loss of game content and character progression opportunities it entails.

The impact of selecting Fairfield extends beyond mere property damage; it fundamentally alters the player's gameplay experience by removing a significant portion of available content. Quests like 'Perilous Journey to the Grove,' 'The Mystifying Case of the Midnight Marauder,' and 'Diabolical Drones of Doom' become unavailable, along with their unique rewards, such as the Manager's Tasking Hat found in a High Security Lockbox. Additionally, progress with characters such as Milverstreet or Kaur, and their respective questlines, is halted, preventing the acquisition of items like Kaur's Korroder or Milverstreet's top hat. Even access to Advanced Decryption Keys and collectibles like Tossball/Pitchball Cards in locations such as the Fairfield Saloon is forfeited. Curiously, Ethel Tinsley's lab remains untouched, though its primary function in Inez's companion quest becomes moot after she leaves the party, underscoring the severity of this choice.

The Lesser Impact of Choosing Westport or Space

Directing the Vox Relay towards Westport presents a less damaging, though still impactful, set of consequences compared to Fairfield. While Westport does suffer some destruction, primarily rendering the main town area inaccessible, the overall loss of content is considerably smaller. Some quests, such as 'The Saga of the Malfunctioning Mechanicals,' become unavailable, but the impact on loot and companion relationships is minimal. Inez, if present in the party, will advocate for a different course of action but remains a part of the crew even if Westport is chosen. This option is generally considered a more tolerable alternative if avoiding Fairfield's destruction is the priority.

Choosing Westport results in a partial loss of the town's functionality, yet key areas outside the main settlement, like Zeb's house and surrounding loot locations, remain intact. Players will miss out on specific items such as the Adrenaline Edge Mk.3 knife and an Advanced Decryption Key, typically purchased from the Requisition Mech. However, the Protectorate does not operate a reputation system tied to this decision, meaning there are no adverse faction penalties. A strategic approach could involve completing Milverstreet's quest to relocate Westport's citizens to Fairfield before directing the relay to Westport, effectively minimizing civilian casualties and resource loss. Nevertheless, the optimal solution for preserving all content and avoiding any form of destruction or loss is achieved by successfully diverting the Vox Relay into space. This superior option requires a Hack Level of 4 and a Bypass Shunt, allowing players to save both towns and maintain all available quests, loot, and companion relationships, thus representing the most favorable outcome for a comprehensive gameplay experience.