Choosing Between Crabble Claw and Raptidon Fin for Inez in The Outer Worlds 2

In The Outer Worlds 2, players encounter a pivotal moment when deciding on Inez's biological enhancement, a \"graft.\" This decision, involving either a Crabble Claw or a Raptidon Fin, is permanent and fundamentally reshapes Inez's combat style and utility within the player's team. The choice dictates her subsequent skill progression and overall contribution in battles.

To obtain either enhancement, players must overcome formidable creatures: a colossal, albino crab for its claw or a Raptidon Matriarch for its fin. Although both parts can be acquired, only one can be integrated into Inez. This irreversible decision unlocks her specialized skill tree, offering new abilities every five levels. The Crabble Claw empowers Inez with plasma projectiles that erode enemy armor and inflict burning damage over time. Conversely, the Raptidon Fin grants her temporary invisibility, allowing tactical repositioning during combat, and, more significantly, the ability to restore allies' health, a rare and invaluable asset among companions.

For most players, the Raptidon Fin emerges as the superior option. While the Crabble Claw's offensive capabilities might seem appealing, its damage output and armor-reducing effects are often modest, especially at higher levels, and can be easily surpassed by the player's own arsenal or other companions. The healing provided by the Raptidon Fin, however, is a game-changer, offering crucial sustainability in combat, particularly when paired with other support characters or when conserving healing consumables. Although subsequent skill tree upgrades enhance both options, they primarily amplify existing effects rather than fundamentally altering their core functions, reinforcing the initial strategic advantage of the Raptidon Fin's healing prowess.

This decision goes beyond mere tactical advantage; it fosters a deeper engagement with the game's companion system, encouraging players to consider how each choice aligns with their strategic vision for the team. It embodies the essence of thoughtful role-playing, where every decision has a lasting impact, ultimately shaping a unique and rewarding journey through the intricate world of The Outer Worlds 2.