The Outer Worlds City and the Stars Quest Walkthrough
The City and the Stars is one of the most crucial main story quests in The Outer Worlds, sending players directly into the lavish streets of Byzantium. Sent by Phineas Welles to acquire dimethyl sulfoxide, players must navigate high-society politics, secure restricted access keys, and outsmart corporate security. Navigating this quest effectively requires a blend of social skills, stealth tactics, and strategic decision-making.
Arriving in Byzantium and Locating the Contact
Upon landing at Byzantium, your first task is to meet up with Phineas Welles' contact, Carmen Imagawa, near the landing pad. Carmen informs you that Minister Clarke is being held under house arrest inside his estate by the Board. She suggests getting inside by infiltrating a local bar to secure a keycard or finding an alternative route through security.
Speaking with guard officers or utilizing high dialogue skills can drastically simplify your entry into restricted zones. Players who prefer a stealthy approach can also explore surrounding alleys to find open access points or keycards. Preparing your holographic shroud ahead of time ensures you can move through guarded areas without drawing immediate hostile attention.
Infiltrating the Ministry of Accuracy and Morale
Once you speak with Minister Clarke and obtain his access cartridge, your destination shifts toward the Ministry of Accuracy and Morale. This heavily guarded facility houses the chemical compounds required for revival efforts. To enter the restricted laboratory areas without triggering alarm systems, players should acquire a Ministry guard uniform or utilize high lockpicking skills.
While exploring the inner sanctums of the facility, maintaining disguise integrity becomes your top priority. If you encounter guards while disguised, success in speech checks will prevent full security lockdowns. Carefully plan your route through the corridors to avoid overlapping patrol routes and security cameras.
Acquiring the Dimethyl Sulfoxide
Deep inside the laboratory, you will discover the container holding the required dimethyl sulfoxide. A nearby terminal gives you the choice to transfer the full percentage or a partial amount to save the test subjects inside the pods. Choosing how much chemical to extract directly impacts your relationship with both Phineas Welles and the Board.
Taking the full amount satisfies your primary objective completely and speeds up Welles' long-term plans. However, opting for a partial extraction preserves human lives while still providing enough material to advance the campaign. Consider your character's moral alignment and faction reputation before making the final terminal selection.
Escaping Byzantium and Reporting Back
After securing the chemicals, leave the Ministry carefully to avoid engaging lingering Board forces outside. Fast traveling back to the Unreliable allows you to report your findings directly to Phineas Welles at his secret orbital lab. Completing this major milestone unlocks the final stages of the main storyline, bringing you one step closer to deciding the ultimate fate of Halcyon.