Saving Fairfield: Vox Relay Choices in Outer Worlds 2

The Vox Relay mission in The Outer Worlds 2 presents one of the game’s most impactful decisions, forcing players to weigh the fate of key settlements like Fairfield and Westport. This quest culminates in a high-stakes choice after battling Brigadier Montelli, where the default path leads to widespread destruction unless specific conditions are met. Understanding the setup, options, and repercussions allows players to preserve access to quests, vendors, and unique rewards while advancing the story optimally.

Quest Background and Lead-Up

The “Saboteur of Paradise” main quest arc on Paradise Island (also called Eden) builds tension through exploration and side activities. Before reaching the Vox Relay facility, players should prioritize regional side quests, particularly those enabling companion recruitment like Inez, who influences later dialogue and options. Gathering collectibles, such as unique cards, is advisable since certain choices can lock away areas permanently.

Key preparations include:

• Completing Fairfield-related tasks involving NPCs like Milverstreet and Kaur to secure rewards such as the Korroder weapon or Manager’s Tasking Hat.
• Visiting Westport to unlock it as a crash target.
• Building **Hack skill** to level 4 and acquiring a **Bypass Shunt** item, or selecting the **Lucky** (or Brilliant) trait during character creation.

These steps ensure flexibility at the decision point, preventing irreversible losses.

The Critical Decision Moment

After defeating Brigadier Montelli in her arena, players access a terminal revealing Augustine de Vries’ hidden safe room. Interacting triggers alarms and initiates the Vox Relay’s launch sequence, originally aimed at Fairfield by default. The console offers three primary paths:

Inez, if recruited and in the party, urges sparing Fairfield, adding narrative weight to non-destructive choices. Note that once inside the boss arena, backtracking for leveling isn’t possible—rely on prior saves if underprepared.

Consequences of Crashing into Fairfield

Selecting Fairfield results in the most severe fallout, making it the least favorable choice. The entire settlement is erased from the map, with cascading effects:

• All vendors, quest givers, and residents perish, halting unfinished content.
• Inez becomes unavailable if not recruited earlier.
• Missed collectibles, high-security lockboxes, and unique gear—like the Manager’s Tasking Hat from the Midnight Marauder quest—are lost forever.
• Follow-up quests from Milverstreet and Kaur vanish, forfeiting items such as the Korroder or stealable top hat.

This path suits ruthless playstyles but cripples exploration and loot potential on Paradise Island.

Impacts of Targeting Westport

Redirecting to Westport mitigates some damage since it’s less populated and quest-dense than Fairfield. Outcomes include:

• Settlement destruction, but lighter repercussions—no major reputation hits with the Protectorate.
• Some NPCs may have relocated to Fairfield based on prior choices, reducing losses if those quests were completed.
• Access to remaining Paradise Island content persists, though Westport-specific tasks end prematurely.

While better than Fairfield, this still sacrifices areas and potential rewards, especially if Milverstreet or Kaur quests extend there.

Optimal Path: Redirecting to Space

The superior resolution launches the Vox Relay into space, where it explodes without harming ground targets. This preserves both settlements intact, maintaining full access to:

• All side quests, vendors, and companions.
• Collectibles and unique loot across Paradise Island.
• Future story branches without locked regions.

Requirements are achievable mid-game: Hack 4 via skill investment, a Bypass Shunt from loot or purchase, or the Lucky/Brilliant trait. Videos demonstrate this yielding the “everyone lives” ending, sustaining campaign momentum.

Strategic Tips for Success

To navigate this flawlessly:

1. Prep Early: Max Hack early and stock Bypass Shunts; traits are set at creation.
2. Recruit Inez: Her presence sways dialogue toward mercy.
3. Clear Sides First: Exhaust Fairfield/Westport quests pre-boss.
4. Save Strategically: Before Montelli’s arena, as no exit post-entry.

These ensure the space option appears, avoiding tragedy.

Long-Term Campaign Ramifications

Choices echo beyond Paradise Island, influencing vendor availability, companion arcs, and regional stability. Space redirection maximizes replayability and achievement hunting, while town crashes streamline aggressive runs but limit content. No rep system ties directly to Protectorate actions here, focusing impacts on accessibility.

Common Player Mistakes to Avoid

• Rushing the main quest without side clears, losing rewards.
• Missing Westport visit, limiting options.
• Ignoring Hack/Bypass Shunt, defaulting to destruction.
• Not loading saves for optimal outcomes in multiple playthroughs.

FAQs

Can I access the space option without Hack 4?

Yes, the Lucky or Brilliant trait substitutes, appearing at character creation.

What if I destroy Fairfield—can I return later?

No, the area becomes permanently inaccessible, blocking quests and loot.

Does Inez survive if Westport is targeted?

Yes, as she’s tied to Fairfield; her recruitment is key beforehand.

Is there a way to back out after the boss?

No, commit pre-arena preparation.

Which choice affects the ending most?

Space preserves maximum content; others sacrifice regions variably.