Fixing All That Money Can Buy Bugs in Starfield

The All That Money Can Buy quest in Starfield represents a pivotal moment in the main storyline, set amid the neon-lit streets of Neon on Volii Alpha. Players often encounter debilitating bugs that halt progress, particularly during key conversations or ship departures. This guide provides original, detailed strategies drawn from community reports and official updates to restore your game without losing hours of playtime.

Understanding the Quest and Its Common Issues

All That Money Can Buy follows the Into the Unknown mission and unlocks at level 5 with no strict prerequisites. It involves intrigue with Walter Stroud, corporate espionage, and security hacks in Neon’s bustling districts. The quest rewards 400 EXP but no credits, leading into the Starborn storyline.

The primary glitch manifests as a hard lock after speaking with Walter Stroud. Controls freeze, preventing movement, ship takeoff, or interaction. This blocks the main campaign, forcing reliance on saves or drastic measures.

• Conversation with Walter ends abruptly, locking keyboard inputs.
• Unable to fast travel, board ship, or progress objectives.
• Persuasion or payment options earlier in Neon exacerbate the freeze if not handled precisely.

Secondary issues include stalled objectives at Newill’s Goods or VIP Balcony terminals, where doors fail to unlock despite successful hacks.

Official Patch Solutions

Bethesda addressed the core blocking bug in Update 1.7.29, released September 13, 2023. This patch specifically targets quest progression halts in All That Money Can Buy, restoring functionality for many players.

Ensure your game is updated via Steam, Xbox, or Game Pass. Post-patch, retry the mission by:

1. Reloading a save before Walter’s conversation.
2. Fast traveling away from Neon, then returning.
3. Walking directly to your ship instead of using elevators.

Despite the patch, some users report persistence, indicating save corruption or mod conflicts.

Console Command Workarounds for PC Players

For unpatched or persistent cases, console commands offer a lifeline. Access the console with the tilde key (~). Note: These disable achievements until re-enabled via Nexus Mods tools.

Full sequence from player reports:

1. Open console post-freeze.
2. Enter dumpinputenablelayers for log.
3. Use resetinputenablelayer X (X from log).
4. Fast travel to another system.
5. Return to Neon ship and takeoff.

Avoid killall; it corrupts saves requiring reinstall.

Prevention Strategies During Quest Completion

Avoid the bug by optimizing your approach in Neon:

• Security Setup: At Astral Lounge, persuade for VIP package (1000 credits vs 4000).
• Terminal Hack: Bypass Novice security, use Remote Door Control once only.
• Newill’s Goods: Persuade James Newill to skip 2000-credit payment.
• Walter Talk: Board ship first, sit in pilot seat before conversing.

Save manually before each major interaction. Disable mods temporarily, as they often trigger freezes.

Advanced Troubleshooting for Hard Locks

If basic fixes fail:

1. Verify game files via Steam (Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity).
2. Load an earlier autosave from before Neon arrival.
3. Use Starfield Achievement Enabler mod post-fix to restore achievements.
4. For Xbox/Game Pass: Clear cache or reinstall if console-locked.

Community videos demonstrate these in action, showing freezes mid-Walter dialogue and resolutions via layer resets.

Quest Walkthrough to Minimize Risks

To complete without issues:

1. Arrive in Neon, head to Walter Stroud’s residence.
2. Discuss artifact security; opt for VIP.
3. Elevator to VIP Balcony, hack terminal (Novice).
4. Exit to shopping district, visit Newill’s Goods left side.
5. Gather intel, return to ship.
6. Speak to Walter after takeoff prep.

Rewards activate post-departure: 400 EXP.

Impact on Main Story and Community Feedback

This bug has derailed countless playthroughs, especially after side quests, turning a 12-minute segment into hours of frustration. Forums like Steam and GameFAQs overflow with reports of stalled progress at ‘Talk to Walter Stroud’.

Post-1.7.29, satisfaction improved, but edge cases persist, highlighting Bethesda’s ongoing support needs.

FAQ

Does Update 1.7.29 fix all All That Money Can Buy bugs?

It resolves most quest blocks, but verify files and avoid mods.

Why do controls lock after Walter?

Input layer conflict; console resets it.

Can console commands break achievements?

Yes, use enablers afterward.

Is there a no-console fix for consoles?

Reload pre-Neon saves or update game.

How to persuade for discounts?

High persuasion skill; targets 1000/2000 credits.

Long-Term Game Stability Tips

Beyond this quest, maintain stability:

• Multiple save slots hourly.
• Update promptly for patches.
• Report bugs via Bethesda support.
• Use lightweight mods only.

Starfield’s vast universe thrives on patches; stay current for seamless exploration.