Key Highlights
- The Pinching the Pupa quest is a Golden Ridge side quest in The Outer Worlds 2.
- Involves resolving issues at Fort Endurance by dealing with Mantisaur as commander.
- Players must locate and retrieve a Zyranium Mantisaur Pupa from the nest to proceed with the quest.
- Different outcomes based on which NPC players choose to give the Pupa to, affecting reputation and rewards.
The Pinching the Pupa Quest in The Outer Worlds 2: A Guide for Gamers
In the expansive universe of The Outer Worlds 2, players are often tasked with navigating the complex dynamics between alien species and human colonists. One such quest, “Pinching the Pupa,” offers an intriguing narrative twist as players step into the role of a problem solver for Fort Endurance.
Background and Context
The quest commences when players progress through “On the Trail of the Traitor.” During this journey, they encounter Abbot Josef Newell who requests their assistance in resolving issues within the region. This leads to the addition of “The Invocation of Inconclusive Innocence” task on your log. Players are directed to Officer Dunbar at Outpost Opportunity, located to the northwest. After engaging with Dunbar, various tasks can be undertaken, one of which is to head to Fort Endurance to address the situation involving a Mantisaur as its commander.
Quest Mechanics and Objectives
Upon arrival at Fort Endurance, players will immediately notice Strategic Ingestment Exec. Wotjek (a Mantisaur) and Trooper Wentworth, who claims to communicate with the Mantisaur, and Biological Designer Bradford, who disputes this claim. Wentworth informs players that Wotjek has “told” him about a nest of mutated Mantisaurs nearby where he wants one of the pupas secured to raise as his own.
To begin the quest, players must head east through no man’s land by the trenches and enter the Mantisaur Nest.
The objective is clear: find the Zyranium Mantisaur Pupa located in a large open space after navigating the initial valley. However, retrieving it comes with significant risk as every Mantisaur becomes hostile and will relentlessly pursue players.
The challenge of escaping the nest without being overwhelmed by Mantisaurs requires quick reflexes and strategic movement. Once the Pupa is retrieved, players must exit the location quickly to avoid excessive damage and potential loss of the valuable item.
Outcomes and Consequences
Upon returning to Fort Endurance with the Pupa, players are given the choice of which NPC to give it to. Giving the Pupa to Wentworth results in a negative interaction where he angrily scolds Wotjek for disrupting his plans. However, this option increases your reputation by 1 and provides unique rewards including the Cleo’s The Hunt weapon and 1,500 Bits.
Alternatively, giving the Pupa to Bradford yields positive feedback as she expresses relief and gratitude for the logical choice.
This path boosts your reputation with Auntie’s Choice by 3 and also offers the same rewards as going to Wentworth.
No matter which option is chosen, Fort Endurance goes on alert due to a Mantisaurs’ assault. Players must engage in combat against these aggressive creatures while managing aggro from other NPCs to ensure their safety.
Conclusion
“Pinching the Pupa” not only provides an engaging narrative but also tests players’ strategic and combat skills. The choice players make significantly impacts in-game reputation, showcasing the depth of character interaction available in The Outer Worlds 2. Gamers are encouraged to explore both options to see which path yields the best outcome, adding layers of complexity to their gaming experience.
