The quest titled “The Last Voyage of the ACS Free Market” in *The Outer Worlds 2* presents players with a series of intricate challenges, primarily revolving around skill checks that test various abilities. Players must navigate through a complex narrative while solving Otto’s puzzle, which has gained a reputation as one of the most difficult challenges in the game. This article provides a comprehensive guide on completing the quest, from gathering crucial intel to tackling Otto’s notorious puzzle.
Quest Overview and Initiation
“The Last Voyage of the ACS Free Market” unfolds on the planet Free Market Station. To access this side quest, players must first complete the main quest “Saboteur of Paradise.” Initiating the quest involves speaking with Archivist Stallworth, who can be found approximately halfway between the player’s ship and the shopping area. She is in the midst of an interrogation by a guard, making her easy to spot.
While Stallworth encourages players to search for clues regarding the ACS Free Market, it is not necessary to uncover every piece of information to complete the quest. However, players should gather enough intel to answer Stallworth’s three pivotal questions. For instance, providing incomplete information yields a reward of 465 bit cartridges, while answering all questions correctly can earn up to 1,387 bit cartridges, depending on the character’s level.
Gathering Information
To effectively answer Stallworth’s questions, players must collect specific pieces of information. Here is a breakdown of the essential data and the corresponding skill requirements:
1. **Otto’s Information**: Accessible through an Engineering skill check (level 5) or by solving Otto’s puzzle.
2. **Prospero’s Information**: Can be obtained by hacking (level 3) or lockpicking (level 5).
3. **Sub Rosa Archive**: Requires hacking (level 8) or the “Pickpocket” perk.
4. **ACS Free Market Wreck**: Requires Engineering (level 8) and Sneak (level 5) or the “Brawny” trait.
Players can utilize any combination of the above to answer Stallworth’s questions, but a strategic selection based on acquired skills will yield the best results.
Otto’s Puzzle: A Challenging Conundrum
To access Otto’s information, players must locate him in the “Oddments & Gubbin, Scrapyard Finery” stall. If Otto denies knowledge of the crash, players can convince him through an Engineering skill check or by solving his puzzle.
Finding Otto’s secret room involves navigating back toward the spaceship until encountering a sparkly rift. Crawling through a wall leads to Otto’s switch puzzle. The solution to this puzzle is critical and requires the N-Ray Scanner gadget, which can be secured during the “On the Trail of the Traitor” main quest in Golden Ridge. Players who have not yet obtained this gadget may need to prioritize that quest before proceeding.
Using the N-Ray Scanner reveals connections between the switches. Players should connect the three lights on the right side of the switches with those next to the doorway. The correct order of switches must be followed to unlock Otto’s room, which provides access to his journal and additional loot.
Returning to Otto with the acquired information from his journal will allow players to complete the quest by stating, “I read your journal, and what happened to you,” thus gaining Otto’s insights.
Acquiring Information from Prospero and Sub Rosa
To obtain Prospero’s information, players should visit The Second Choice bar located in the shopping area. Prospero can be found inside, and players must offer assistance. Acquiring Iceberg Aged Whiskey from Chef de Mecanique will be necessary, but the robot will refuse to sell unless the player is identified as Prospero.
Players can choose to hack Chef de Mecanique (Hacking level 3) or sneak behind him to steal the whiskey (Lockpick level 5 required). Once the whiskey is secured, bringing it back to Prospero will yield valuable intel.
For the Sub Rosa archive, players must find the information storage by crawling through a vent in The Second Choice bar’s bathroom. Accessing the terminal next to a sleeping cutthroat requires one of the following methods: hacking (level 8), pickpocketing, or eliminating the cutthroat. Reading all files on the terminal is essential for gathering the necessary information regarding an insurance policy on the ACS Free Market.
Players must then search the wreckage of the ACS Free Market to retrieve additional information. This involves locating a rift anomaly near the ship and crawling through a hole instead of taking the ladder to Otto’s room. Two key items can be extracted: a buried audio log and a piece of engine debris. The audio log requires Sneak level 5 or the “Brawny” trait, while the engine debris necessitates Engineering level 8.
Concluding the Quest
At the conclusion of “The Last Voyage of the ACS Free Market,” players have the option to confront Archivist Stallworth. Asking her about her conclusions opens up various outcomes based on the player’s responses and skill checks. Successfully passing a level 3 Sneak check or a level 3 Speech check can yield additional rewards, while confronting Stallworth without tact might provoke the guards.
Ultimately, players are advised against killing Stallworth, as this action incurs a negative impact on reputation with the Sub Rosa faction.
For more insights into *The Outer Worlds 2*, players are encouraged to explore beginner guides and consider companion options to enhance their gaming experience. The intricate design of quests like “The Last Voyage of the ACS Free Market” showcases the depth and complexity that *The Outer Worlds 2* offers to its players.