Outer Worlds 2: The Cosmic Scavenger Hunt for Mural Pieces (And That Sweet, Sweet XP Boost, Mate!)
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Embark on a cosmic scavenger hunt in *The Outer Worlds 2* to find five elusive mural pieces across Golden Ridge. Completing this 'The Pursuit of the Partite Pentaptych' side quest unlocks the 'Art Enthusiast' perk, providing a significant +10% XP boost from companion kills.
Alright, fellow digital explorers and accidental dimension-hoppers, Jeff here, back from another trip through the data stream. We’re diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic mess that is *The Outer Worlds 2* – specifically, a quest that’s less about shooting baddies and more about… well, art appreciation. Or rather, *re-appreciation*.
Our mate Paulo Kawanishi over at Polygon (cheers for the intel, Paulo!) has been gallivanting around Golden Ridge, tracking down all those elusive mural pieces for the side quest dubbed ‘The Pursuit of the Partite Pentaptych’. Sounds fancy, right? Like something a very confused wizard might name after trying to summon a sandwich. But fair dinkum, finding these isn't just for a pretty picture on your ship; there’s a proper juicy reward involved.
Now, Golden Ridge is a *big* ol’ region, sprawling out like a forgotten cosmic doodle on a napkin. And naturally, the game isn't going to hold your hand with map indicators for these five original mural parts. Oh no, that would be far too civilised, wouldn't it? It’s a proper old-school scavenger hunt, requiring a keen eye and a willingness to wander off the beaten track. Think of it as a treasure map, but instead of 'X marks the spot,' it's 'X marks the subtly-hidden piece of ancient space-art.'
But why bother, you ask? Because, my friend, the galaxy rewards the artistic. Completing this collection unlocks the ‘Art Enthusiast’ perk. And here’s the kicker: this perk isn't just a one-off. It evolves! You snag the first piece, and boom, you get +2% experience points from companion kills. Collect all five, and that perk maxes out at ‘Art Enthusiast V’, netting you a tidy +10% XP bonus. That's a solid chunk of digital enlightenment, perfect for levelling up your character without *too* much extra grinding. Who doesn't love a bonus for admiring pretty things?
You don’t need to find these in any particular order, which is nice – less rigid, more chaotic exploration, just how I like it. The quest itself only pops into your journal once you've stumbled upon your very first piece. And when you do, it automatically makes its way to the wall near the stairs on your ship, the Incognito, after your first visit post-discovery. A little digital gallery, how quaint.
Right then, put on your metaphorical adventuring hat (or wizard’s cap, whatever floats your spaceship), because here’s where Polygon's guide points us to find these cosmic canvases:
**Mural piece #1 — Alexandra Station:** Kick things off near the landing pad. Head inside the station, past the general hubbub, and look for the elevator. This first piece is cunningly placed to the *left* of that elevator, part of a replica mural. Easy-peasy, like finding the first ingredient for a potent spell.
**Mural piece #2 — Decommissioned Autonomous Extractorium:** This one's a bit further afield, northwest of the landing pad. This location also has the added bonus of letting you meet Aza, who you can recruit as a companion. Multi-tasking, eh? The mural piece itself is chilling out in the *western section* of this rather long-winded establishment.
**Mural piece #3 — Tram station south of Guardian Estates:** Now we’re getting into proper adventuring territory. This tram station, on the west side of Golden Ridge, is swarming with scrappers, so get ready for a bit of a rumble. You’ll need to do some parkour, using ramps and climbing edges to reach the highest level. Once you’re there, you’ll find the entrance to the scrapper camp (which used to be the station). The third piece is inside the *main building on the east side*.
**Mural piece #4 — N-Ray Range:** You'll visit this spot naturally during the 'On the Trail of the Traitor' main quest. After you take the elevator up from N-Ray station into Golden Ridge, you’ll land in the first room of the central building. Don't wander off just yet! Get out of that elevator, turn *right*, and you’ll find a small room containing our fourth artistic treasure. Almost there!
**Mural piece #5 — Alexandra Monastery:** The grand finale! This one is practically reserved for the climax of the ‘On the Trail of the Traitor’ main quest. You’ll gain access to it after you enter the Alexandra Monastery. Specifically, it's inside the *southern building of the monastery*, just a smidge before you confront the enigmatic Seer Wiley. Step inside the building, cast your gaze to the *right*, and there it is – the final piece of the puzzle, the missing fragment of your artistic soul (and your XP bonus).
So there you have it, folks. Five pieces, one evolving perk, and a whole lot of extra XP for your troubles. Whether you're a completionist, an XP-hound, or just someone who appreciates a good old-fashioned digital treasure hunt, this quest is well worth the expedition. Now go forth, explore, and may your companion kills be ever so slightly more rewarding!
*(Original guide by Paulo Kawanishi for Polygon)*
Tags: The Outer Worlds 2, RPG, Quest Guide, Exploration, Perks
Original article: Polygon