Bloody Hell, Everyone’s Dead: Navigating the ‘Arbitrary Measures’ Mystery in The Outer Worlds 2
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Jeff breaks down the 'Arbitrary Measures' quest in The Outer Worlds 2, highlighting how specific skill checks with Tristan can turn a grim investigation into a powerful companion recruitment.
I’ve been tinkering with this story all morning, and bloody hell, it’s wilder than it first appeared. You know that feeling when you cast a spell—or, in our case, fire up a jump drive—and it works a bit too well? That’s the vibe I got when I first touched down in the latest slice of chaos Obsidian has cooked up for us in *The Outer Worlds 2*.
Now, before we dive into the guts of the 'Arbitrary Measures' side quest, I’ve got to tip my wizard hat to Paulo Kawanishi over at Polygon, who originally mapped out these breadcrumbs. Without their initial scouting, we’d all be wandering around Golden Ridge like a bunch of headless automechs.
So, let’s talk about Tristan. He’s an arbiter from the Protectorate, looking all shiny and official in a way that usually screams, “I have a very boring spreadsheet for you to fill out.” But Tristan is different. He’s looking for the shady ‘Information Broker,’ and he’s willing to work with a third party—that’s us, the glorious freelancers of the galaxy—to get it done. It’s a classic RPG setup: the high-ranking official needs a 'disposable' hero to do the dirty work. I reckon we’ve all been there, right?
### Starting the Dance at Free Market Station
Your journey begins at the 2nd Choice bar at Free Market Station. You’ll find a chap named Barney "Bruiser" Bass behind the stick. If you’re like me and can’t resist sticking your nose into other people’s business, you’ll find several ways to kick this off. You can be the altruistic sort and ask what the problem is, or you can be a bit more cynical and point out that helping Tristan might actually get him out of Barney’s hair. Either way, once you’ve shaken hands (or metaphorical tentacles) with the idea, it’s time to head to Dorado.
Now, Dorado isn’t exactly a holiday destination. You’re looking for a refugee camp on the southwestern side of Golden Ridge. Just take a left at the “Guardian Estates” fast travel point, and you’ll see Tristan waiting for you. He’s got that look on his face—the one that says, “I’m a professional, but I’m quietly terrified.” And for good reason: everyone in the camp is dead.
### The Detective Work: Why Skills Actually Matter
This is where Obsidian reminds us why they’re the masters of the genre. They don't just want you to find clues; they want you to *understand* them. This quest is a masterclass in why you shouldn't just dump all your points into 'shooting things really hard' (though that helps later). There are five clues scattered around this graveyard of a camp, and if your skills are up to snuff—specifically at level five—you’re going to uncover some juicy details that make you look like a digital Sherlock Holmes.
I’ve always been a bit skeptical of games that give you ‘detective modes’ that just highlight things in red. Here, your actual character build dictates what you see. It’s a refreshing bit of mechanical honesty.
**Clue #1: The Terminal** Down on the south side, there’s a blue building with a terminal. Read the entries. It talks about an automech defense force. Simple enough, but it sets the stage.
**Clue #2: The Corpse (Medical Level 5)** Near a burning bin, there’s a body. If you’ve spent some time in the digital med-bay, you can identify exactly how this poor soul met their end. It’s grim, but Tristan will be impressed by your keen eye.
**Clue #3: The Transmission Tower (Engineering Level 5)** This thing is a wreck. If you’re a wizard with a wrench, you can suss out exactly how it was sabotaged.
**Clue #4: The Wrecked Automech (Hack Level 5)** On the north side, there’s a pile of scrap that used to be a robot. The barrel is warped from heat. If you’re a decent hacker, you can pull the logs and figure out what triggered its meltdown.
**Clue #5: The Radio Tower (Science Level 5)** At the northern end, climb the ramp to the northwestern building. There’s a radio tower up there. A high science skill lets you know if the signal was tampered with.
Now, here’s the clever bit: you don’t *need* all of this to finish the quest. You can find one clue and tell Tristan you’re bored and want to move on. But why would you? Taking the time to use your skills improves your relationship with him. In a world of cold corporate interests, having an arbiter who actually likes you is a rare commodity. It’s the kind of social capital that feels more valuable than any loot drop.
### The Final Showdown and the Payoff
Once you’ve discussed your findings—and hopefully flexed your Engineering, Medical, or Science muscles to impress Tristan—things get loud. Two automech units will decide they don't like your face. Smash them, scrap them, and head back to the 2nd Choice bar.
After a meeting with the Broker (which I won’t spoil, but let’s just say it’s classic *Outer Worlds* bureaucracy), you’ll find Tristan outside. This is the moment. This is where you can officially recruit him as a companion.
I’m always a bit cautious when a game offers me a new friend. Usually, they just end up standing in doorways or judging my loot choices. But Tristan brings a unique flavor to the party. He’s the bridge between the corporate world and the wild frontier.
### Why This Matters for the Future of Gaming
Looking at this from my wizard’s tower, it’s interesting to see how Obsidian is doubling down on player agency through stats. In a world where some are pushing for 'everything, everywhere, all at once' in gaming—including those Web3 enthusiasts who want every item to be a unique asset—Obsidian reminds us that the most important 'asset' is the story you build with your character's brain.
If we ever do see a world where our gaming accomplishments live on a blockchain, I’d want my 'Arbitrary Measures' completion to show that I solved it with Science and Engineering, not just a big hammer. It’s about the *why*, not just the *what*.
So, if you’re diving into *The Outer Worlds 2*, don't rush through the Golden Ridge. Take a breath, check the terminals, and maybe—just maybe—try to be a bit smarter than the average spacer. Tristan will thank you for it, and honestly, so will I.
Stay curious, mates.
Tags: The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian Entertainment, RPG Guides, Gaming Narratives, Tristan Companion
Original article: Polygon