A Comprehensive Guide to "Arbitrary Measures" Quest in The Outer Worlds 2

This comprehensive guide delves into the intricate details of the \"Arbitrary Measures\" side quest within the immersive universe of The Outer Worlds 2. Players embark on a critical mission alongside Tristan, an arbiter from the Protectorate, to unravel the mystery surrounding a silent refugee camp on Golden Ridge. The objective is to establish contact with a secretive Information Broker, whose connection to the camp has inexplicably ceased. Through meticulous investigation, players will uncover vital clues, leveraging their in-game skills to gather more profound insights and ultimately influence their relationship with Tristan. Successfully navigating this quest not only brings players closer to understanding the fate of the camp's residents but also offers the unique opportunity to welcome Tristan into their party as a valuable companion. This endeavor demands sharp observational skills and strategic dialogue choices, making it a pivotal experience for any adventurer in the game.

Unraveling the \"Arbitrary Measures\" Quest: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough in The Outer Worlds 2

The journey into the \"Arbitrary Measures\" quest begins at the bustling Free Market Station, specifically within the 2nd Choice bar. Here, players initiate their involvement by engaging with Barney \"Bruiser\" Bass, the establishment's bartender. Through a series of dialogue options, players can choose to learn about the predicament concerning Tristan and the Information Broker, ultimately agreeing to assist the arbiter in his investigation. Once committed, the next phase involves traveling aboard your ship to the planet Dorado, setting a course for the Golden Ridge region. The refugee camp, the primary site of investigation, is strategically located on the southwestern flank of Golden Ridge, positioned to the left of the \"Guardian Estates\" fast travel beacon.

Upon arrival at the camp's entrance, Tristan awaits, revealing the grim discovery that the refugees are no longer among the living. To piece together the events that transpired, players must diligently search the area for five distinct clues. While all clues contribute to advancing the quest, players with specific skills leveled to five will gain deeper, more nuanced information. This enhanced insight not only enriches the narrative but also significantly improves Tristan's regard for the player's investigative prowess. Even without meeting these skill prerequisites, the quest can still be completed by finding at least one piece of evidence and indicating readiness to conclude the investigation.

The clues are scattered throughout the camp:

• Clue 1: Within a blue-walled structure on the south side of the camp, players will find a camp terminal. Accessing its entries reveals information about an automech defense system.
• Clue 2: West of the southern building's entrance, a deceased individual lies beside a burning refuse bin. Examining the body's injuries, particularly with a Medical skill at level five, can yield critical details about the cause of death.
• Clue 3: Further west from the corpse, a ravaged transmission tower stands. A level five Engineering skill allows for a more thorough analysis of the tower's destruction.
• Clue 4: On the camp's north side, near a building entrance, lies the wreckage of an automechanical. Signs of an intense battle are evident. A Hack skill at level five can unveil the specifics of its demise.
• Clue 5: Ascending a ramp at the northern edge of the camp leads to the top of the northwestern building, where a radio tower is situated. A Science skill at level five enables players to determine if the tower's signal was deliberately interfered with.

After gathering the necessary evidence, players should reconvene with Tristan to share their findings. Choosing dialogue options that reflect specialized knowledge, available to those with appropriate skill levels or backgrounds, will impress Tristan further. For instance, an Engineering (Level 3) skill aids in discussing the terminal, Medical (Level 3) or Guns (level 5) for the corpse, Engineering (Level 5) for the transmission tower, Melee (Level 5) or Hack (Level 5) for the automechanical wreckage, and Science (Level 5) for the radio tower. Concluding the investigation, regardless of the number of clues found, triggers a confrontation with two automechanicals. Defeating them marks the next step: returning to the 2nd Choice bar to finally meet the Information Broker. Following this encounter, a final conversation with Tristan outside the bar not only completes the quest but also offers the opportunity to invite him to join your crew as a loyal companion.

This quest serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of skills and narrative progression within role-playing games. The emphasis on utilizing specific abilities, not just for success but for enriched understanding and stronger character relationships, highlights a core design philosophy. It demonstrates that every choice, from skill allocation to dialogue selection, contributes meaningfully to the player's journey, offering diverse paths to engagement and rewards that extend beyond mere item acquisition to include valuable companions and a deeper appreciation of the game's lore.