Outer Worlds 2 Guide: Mastering the Pinching the Pupa Quest

In The Outer Worlds 2, players can embark on the side quest titled “Pinching the Pupa.” This quest unfolds within the Golden Ridge region and involves an unusual situation where a Mantisaur has been appointed as a commander at Fort Endurance. The quest begins when players interact with various NPCs and makes critical choices that influence outcomes in the story.

Initiating the Pinching the Pupa Quest

To start the quest, players must first progress through the “On the Trail of the Traitor” main storyline. During this phase, players will meet Abbot Josef Newell, who asks for assistance in local matters. This encounter adds “The Invocation of Inconclusive Innocence” task to the player’s log, directing them to Officer Dunbar at Outpost Opportunity, located to the northwest.

Meeting Officer Dunbar

Upon reaching Outpost Opportunity, players should converse with Dunbar. He outlines several tasks that players can undertake, including an urgent mission to Fort Endurance. The objective is to address the situation involving the Mantisaur now leading the facility.

Exploring Fort Endurance

Once inside Fort Endurance, players will encounter Strategic Ingestment Exec. Wotjek, the commanding Mantisaur, along with Trooper Wentworth and Biological Designer Bradford. The characters engage in a debate about Wentworth’s claim that Wotjek expressed interest in acquiring a mutated Mantisaur Pupa from a nearby nest. By agreeing to assist Wentworth, players officially begin the “Pinching the Pupa” quest.

The Mantisaur Nest

To locate the Mantisaur nest, players must navigate through a hazardous area filled with enemies. The nest can be found to the east, situated within a sizeable valley. Players should proceed carefully, as Mantisaurs will continue to spawn regardless of how many are defeated.

• After entering the valley, take the right path and descend the slope.
• Move diagonally left to a small alcove where a faint blue glow is visible.
• The Zyranium Mantisaur Pupa can be found here, directly in front of large crystals.

Once players collect the Pupa, they will trigger a hostile response from the Mantisaurs in the nest. A swift retreat to Fort Endurance is necessary, avoiding confrontation whenever possible.

Delivering the Pupa

Upon returning to Fort Endurance with the Pupa, players face a decision regarding its recipient. The outcomes vary slightly but yield similar rewards:

• Give to Wentworth: He hands the Pupa to Wotjek, who consumes it promptly. This action raises the player’s reputation with Auntie’s Choice by 1, rewarding them with Cleo’s The Hunt weapon and 1,500 Bits.
• Give to Bradford: She appreciates the logical choice and offers a higher reputation increase of 3 with Auntie’s Choice, along with the same weapon and Bits reward.

Concluding the Quest

Regardless of whom the Pupa is given to, players will face an immediate Mantisaur assault on the facility. To conclude the quest, players must fend off the hostile Mantisaurs with the assistance of other NPCs, ensuring a cooperative defense before the mission wraps up.

This dynamic quest in The Outer Worlds 2 emphasizes strategic decision-making and provides players with choices that impact their gameplay experience in unique ways.