The Outer Worlds Walkthrough — Start to Endgame

The Outer Worlds is Obsidian Entertainment's first-person RPG set in a corporate-controlled space colony where megacorporations own everything — including you. The game channels the spirit of Fallout: New Vegas with branching quests, meaningful faction choices, and dark humor. Combat uses Tactical Time Dilation (slow-motion targeting) combined with companion abilities. The flaw system uniquely offers permanent character debuffs in exchange for perk points, creating an interesting risk-reward system. Two DLC expansions (Peril on Gorgon and Murder on Eridanos) add substantial content.

This walkthrough takes you from your first session to endgame content. Each phase has specific goals, priorities, and milestones. Follow this path to avoid common traps that stall most players.

Quick Progression Summary

Phase 1: Getting Started — Edgewater (Terra 2)

The first planet with the iconic Spacer's Choice company town. Your first major faction choice — redirect power to Edgewater or the Botanical Lab. This early decision teaches the game's branching quest philosophy.

Level/Difficulty: Level 1-10 Key Rewards: Parvati companion, first faction choice, early gear, story introduction

What to Do in Edgewater (Terra 2)

1. Learn flaw system. When you repeatedly suffer from specific hazards (fire, fall damage, specific enemy types), the game offers a Flaw — a permanent debuff (e. Spend your first session getting comfortable with this.
2. Pick Stealth Assassin as your starting build. It's the most forgiving option.
3. Accept the Robophobia flaw if offered — you rarely fight automechanicals enough for the debuff to matter, but the free perk point is valuable
4. Acquire your first equipment upgrade — Mandibular Rearranger or whatever's available.
5. Clear all main content before moving on.

Phase 1 Checklist

• Understand flaw system fundamentals
• Stealth Assassin selected and functional
• Edgewater (Terra 2) main content cleared
• Ready for Groundbreaker

Phase 2: Early Game — Groundbreaker

A massive space station serving as a neutral hub. Contains shops, the medical bay companion Ellie, and multiple faction representatives. The hub for mid-game quests and the central trading post.

Level/Difficulty: Level 8-15 Key Rewards: Ellie companion, Mandibular Rearranger, central shops, faction quests

What to Do in Groundbreaker

1. Work on companion abilities. Six companions each have unique combat abilities activated with a button press. This system becomes critical from here on.
2. Farm for Mandibular Rearranger if you haven't already. It's the key upgrade for this phase.
3. Tinker at workbenches to upgrade weapon damage to your current level — cheaper than finding new weapons each level
4. Complete all objectives before pushing to Monarch.
5. Consider whether Diplomat might suit your playstyle better than Stealth Assassin.

Phase 2 Checklist

• companion abilities integrated into gameplay
• Mandibular Rearranger acquired
• Groundbreaker fully cleared
• Ready for Monarch

Phase 3: Mid Game — Monarch

The largest and most dangerous planet with the Iconoclasts and MSI factions in conflict. The open world here is genuinely threatening with Mega Mantisaur encounters. Contains the game's most complex faction quest chain.

Level/Difficulty: Level 15-25 Key Rewards: Nyoka companion, Iconoclast/MSI resolution, best open-world content

What to Do in Monarch

1. Master tactical time dilation. TTD slows time, allowing precise aiming at enemy body parts. This unlocks a new layer of gameplay.
2. Start working toward Prismatic Hammer. It's the best equipment and becomes accessible around now.
3. Parvati's companion quest 'Don't Bite the Sun' is widely considered the best quest in the game — don't skip it
4. This area is the main skill check. If you can clear it, you're ready for late game.
5. Start investing in reputation system for the tactical depth you'll need going forward.

Phase 3 Checklist

• tactical time dilation mastered
• Prismatic Hammer acquired or in progress
• Monarch fully cleared
• Ready for Byzantium

Phase 4: Late Game — Byzantium

The wealthy elite city where The Board's upper management lives in luxury. Dripping with satirical corporate culture. Contains high-end shops and the game's most biting social commentary. Several key endgame quests start here.

Level/Difficulty: Level 20-28 Key Rewards: Endgame quest access, high-tier gear, Board faction content

What to Do in Byzantium

1. Finalize your build. You should be running Diplomat or Stealth Assassin with optimized gear.
2. Prismatic Hammer should be your primary. If you don't have it yet, prioritize getting it.
3. Science skill at 100 halves Tinker costs, making weapon upgrades affordable long-term
4. skill specialization optimization starts here. Small improvements compound into massive advantages.
5. Farm this area for the resources needed to push into Tartarus.

Phase 4 Checklist

• Build fully optimized
• Prismatic Hammer upgraded to max
• Byzantium fully cleared
• Ready for Tartarus

Phase 5: Endgame — Tartarus

The prison planet and final area of the main story. A linear dungeon leading to the final confrontation. Your faction choices throughout the game determine which allies join you here and which ending you receive.

Level/Difficulty: Level 25-30 (Final) Key Rewards: Final boss, ending determination, story conclusion

What to Do in Tartarus

1. Tartarus tests everything. Come prepared with your best build and gear.
2. On Supernova difficulty, companions die permanently; equip them with the best armor and use tactical positioning
3. The endgame loop: run Tartarus, optimize gear, push harder content.
4. Experiment with Lone Wolf for a fresh take once you've mastered the standard builds.
5. This is where skill specialization mastery separates good players from great ones.

Phase 5 Checklist

• Endgame content on farm
• Best-in-slot gear acquired
• Tartarus fully cleared
• Ready for challenge content

Common Progression Mistakes

• Ignoring companion side quests — they provide the best character development and unique perk rewards
• Accepting every offered Flaw without considering the debuff — Acrophobia and Permanent Concussion are crippling
• Not using TTD in combat — it's free slow-motion that makes combat dramatically easier, especially for headshots
• Selling Science Weapons thinking they're weak — they scale with Science skill, not weapon damage skills
• Picking only one faction and ignoring the others — the game is richest when you engage with multiple perspectives before choosing

Key Tips for Smooth Progression

1. Accept the Robophobia flaw if offered — you rarely fight automechanicals enough for the debuff to matter, but the free perk point is valuable
2. Tinker at workbenches to upgrade weapon damage to your current level — cheaper than finding new weapons each level
3. Parvati's companion quest 'Don't Bite the Sun' is widely considered the best quest in the game — don't skip it
4. Science skill at 100 halves Tinker costs, making weapon upgrades affordable long-term
5. On Supernova difficulty, companions die permanently; equip them with the best armor and use tactical positioning

For detailed build optimization, see The Outer Worlds builds. For quick wins, check tips & tricks.