The City and the Stars is one of the most pivotal story missions in The Outer Worlds. It sends players directly into Byzantium to secure a supply of Dimethyl Sulfoxide for Phineas Welles. Navigating this opulent settlement requires careful social maneuvering, clever stealth, or high combat readiness.
Arriving in Byzantium and Contacting the Docks
Your journey begins after landing at the Byzantium docks and speaking with Carmen. She informs you that Minister Clarke is under guard, but his security personnel frequent a local watering hole. Visiting the pub allows you to trick a intoxicated guard out of his keycard.
Alternatively, players can obtain a delivery package from the Halcyon Parcel Service. Presenting this package to the guards at Minister Clarke's estate grants peaceful entry without drawing hostiles. This flexible approach highlights the game's emphasis on player choice.
Infiltrating the Ministry of Accuracy and Morale
Once inside the estate, Minister Clarke reveals that Chairman Rockwell is holding him under house arrest and hoarding the chemicals. He provides his keycard, allowing you to access the Chairman's office and locate the research facility.
Entering the Ministry requires either a valid ID card, strong dialogue skills, or complete stealth. You can steal a keycard from a locker room or convince personnel to clear the security checkpoints for you. Using the Holographic Shroud makes navigating restricted areas much easier.
Securing the Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Making a Choice
Inside the deep containment labs, you will locate the container holding the Dimethyl Sulfoxide. You are presented with a major dilemma regarding how much chemical solution to extract. Choosing 100% secures the full amount for Phineas but results in the death of the test subjects.
Extracting roughly 26% preserves the lives of the test subjects, though Phineas will express disappointment with the smaller yield. Regardless of your decision, pick up the chemical canister and exit using the private lab elevator. Return to your ship to conclude the mission and set up the final stages of the story.
