The Outer Worlds: Auntie Cleo's Experiment Guide

Hey guys! Let's dive into one of the more intriguing side quests in The Outer Worlds involving Auntie Cleo and a rather… unusual experiment. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to complete the quest, make the right choices, and snag some sweet rewards. So, buckle up, spacer, and let’s get started!

Getting Started with Auntie Cleo's Experiment

To kick things off with Auntie Cleo's experiment, you'll first need to locate the quest giver and understand the basic setup. Finding the quest is your first step to uncover the details of this unique mission. You can find the Auntie Cleo’s Research Lab in Emerald Vale. Auntie Cleo is one of the biggest corporations in Halcyon, so finding their lab isn't too hard; it's near the Emerald Vale Community Center. Once you’re inside, you’ll meet a scientist named Ludovico. He’s pretty stressed out because their latest experiment has gone sideways (as they often do in these sci-fi settings). Talk to Ludovico, and he'll explain that Auntie Cleo is trying to develop a new line of super-duper beauty products, but the test subjects (a group of settlers) have developed some… unexpected side effects. Your job, should you choose to accept it, is to figure out what went wrong and find a solution. The quest is called Auntie Cleo's Experiment, so keep an eye on your quest log. Accepting this quest is the gateway to a series of decisions and discoveries that will test your moral compass and problem-solving skills. Understanding the initial context is crucial; Auntie Cleo's is portrayed as a somewhat morally ambiguous corporation, willing to cut corners in the pursuit of profit. This sets the stage for the ethical dilemmas you'll face during the quest. The information you gather and the choices you make will not only affect the outcome of the experiment but also your reputation with various factions in Halcyon. Your approach to this quest—whether you prioritize the settlers' well-being or Auntie Cleo's bottom line—will have significant repercussions. So, are you ready to delve into the bizarre world of corporate science gone awry?

Investigating the Experiment

Now that you've accepted the quest, it's time to put on your detective hat and start investigating. Gathering clues and understanding what went wrong is the key to figuring this whole mess out. The first thing you'll want to do is talk to the affected settlers. They’re usually wandering around inside the Emerald Vale Community Center or nearby. Chat with them to get their perspectives on what happened and how they’re feeling. Some of them might be a bit… altered, so be prepared for some strange conversations. Next up, dive into the research lab. Look for data logs, computer terminals, and any other documents that might shed light on the experiment. Pay close attention to the ingredients used in the beauty products, the dosages administered, and any notes on observed side effects. Auntie Cleo's might not be the most forthcoming with information, so you will need to piece together the puzzle yourself. You might need to hack into some terminals (so make sure you have a companion with decent hacking skills) or pick some locks to access restricted areas. Don't overlook the small details. A seemingly insignificant note or a discarded vial could be the missing piece of the puzzle. As you investigate, keep an eye out for contradictions or inconsistencies in the data. Auntie Cleo's might be trying to cover something up, and it's up to you to uncover the truth. Your investigation will likely lead you to other locations as well. You might need to venture outside the Community Center to search for additional clues or talk to other NPCs who have information about Auntie Cleo's activities. The more thorough you are in your investigation, the better equipped you'll be to make an informed decision about how to resolve the experiment. This quest tests your ability to gather and analyze information, so take your time and explore every avenue. The fate of the settlers (and possibly your reputation) depends on it.

Potential Solutions and Outcomes

Okay, you’ve done your homework, gathered the clues, and now it’s decision time. What are you going to do about this crazy experiment? Choosing a solution depends on your play style and what kind of ending you’re aiming for. There are generally a few paths you can take:

1. Side with Auntie Cleo: You could choose to help Auntie Cleo cover up the experiment and continue with their plans. This might involve suppressing the settlers, altering the data, or finding a way to mitigate the side effects without halting production. This path typically leads to a reward from Auntie Cleo in the form of bits (the game’s currency) and possibly some exclusive gear. However, it will negatively impact your reputation with the settlers and other factions who value ethical behavior. You'll be seen as someone who prioritizes corporate interests over individual well-being, which can have long-term consequences for your playthrough.
2. Help the Settlers: Alternatively, you can side with the settlers and work to find a solution that prioritizes their health and safety. This might involve finding an antidote to the experimental formula, helping them escape Auntie Cleo’s control, or exposing the corporation’s unethical practices. This path will likely improve your reputation with the settlers and other pro-settler factions, but it will anger Auntie Cleo. You might face retaliation from the corporation in the form of hired thugs or negative propaganda. However, you'll gain the satisfaction of knowing you did the right thing and stood up for the little guy.
3. Find a Middle Ground: If you’re feeling particularly clever, you might be able to find a middle ground that satisfies both Auntie Cleo and the settlers (or at least minimizes the negative consequences for both parties). This could involve negotiating a compromise, finding a win-win solution, or exploiting a loophole in the situation. This path requires careful planning and execution, but it can lead to the best possible outcome for everyone involved. You'll need to be skilled at persuasion and negotiation to pull it off, but the rewards can be significant. Achieving a balanced outcome will demonstrate your diplomatic skills and your ability to navigate complex situations.

Each choice has its own set of consequences, so think carefully about what you want to achieve and what you’re willing to sacrifice. Consider the consequences of your actions, because your decisions can impact your reputation with different factions, influence the game's ending, and affect future quests and interactions. Are you willing to sell out the settlers for a quick buck, or will you stand up for what’s right, even if it means making enemies with a powerful corporation? The choice is yours.

Rewards and Consequences

So, you’ve made your choice and seen the experiment through to its conclusion. Now, let's talk about the rewards and consequences of your actions. Depending on the path you took, you can expect different outcomes.

• If you sided with Auntie Cleo: You'll likely receive a generous payment in bits, maybe some exclusive Auntie Cleo gear, and a boost to your reputation with the corporation. However, your reputation with the settlers will plummet, and you might face some hostility from other factions who disapprove of your choices. You might also have to deal with the guilt of knowing that you prioritized corporate profits over the well-being of innocent people.
• If you helped the settlers: You'll earn the gratitude of the settlers, a boost to your reputation with pro-settler factions, and possibly some valuable rewards from grateful NPCs. However, Auntie Cleo will be furious, and you might face retaliation from the corporation. You might also miss out on the financial rewards offered by Auntie Cleo. But you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you did the right thing and stood up to corporate greed.
• If you found a middle ground: You might be able to negotiate a deal that benefits both Auntie Cleo and the settlers, earning rewards from both sides. This path requires careful planning and execution, but it can lead to the best possible outcome for everyone involved. You'll demonstrate your diplomatic skills and your ability to navigate complex situations. However, you might also face criticism from both sides for not fully committing to their cause. Finding a balanced solution is not always easy, but it can be the most rewarding path in the long run.

In addition to these immediate rewards and consequences, your choices in this quest can also have long-term effects on your playthrough. Your reputation with different factions can influence future quests, interactions, and even the game's ending. So, choose wisely!

Tips and Tricks

Before we wrap up, here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the most of Auntie Cleo's experiment:

• Save before making any major decisions: This will allow you to reload and try a different approach if you're not happy with the outcome.
• Invest in hacking and lockpicking skills: These skills will allow you to access restricted areas and gather valuable information.
• Talk to everyone: The more information you gather, the better equipped you'll be to make an informed decision.
• Consider your long-term goals: How will your choices in this quest affect your overall playthrough? Choose a path that aligns with your desired ending.
• Don't be afraid to experiment: Try different approaches and see what happens. You might be surprised by the results.

And that's it! You're now fully equipped to tackle Auntie Cleo's experiment in The Outer Worlds. Good luck, spacer, and may your choices lead you to a satisfying outcome!