Introducing: “First Contact” – The Captivating Side Quest in Starfield
Starfield, the highly anticipated space exploration game by Bethesda, has captivated players with its immersive gameplay and vast universe. Among the many sights and secrets to uncover, one side quest stands out as a fan-favorite: “First Contact.”
Set in the Porrima star system, players can embark on this intriguing quest by traveling to Porrima II. Here, they will encounter the crew of the ECS Constant, a ship stranded in the planet’s orbit. The ship’s inhabitants, who seem to be out of time and place, become the focus of the player’s negotiation or sabotage skills.
Drawing similarities to a classic Star Trek episode (“The Neutral Zone” in season one of The Next Generation), “First Contact” offers players a narrative-driven experience like no other. However, before delving into this quest, it is advisable to complete the second part of the quest “Unearthed,” which provides essential background information about Starfield’s human history.
Upon arriving in Porrima II’s orbit, players will receive a distress message from Jiro Sugiyama, an NPC on the planet. Sugiyama enlists the player’s help in establishing communication with the stranded ship. After failing to communicate directly, players can dock with the ECS Constant and uncover its incredible backstory.
The ECS Constant is a colony ship sent from Earth before the discovery of faster-than-light travel. Having spent approximately 200 years in space, the ship has seen multiple generations live and die on board. Their mission was to settle on Porrima II, but their plans are thwarted by the corporate interests that have established the Paradiso resort planetside.
To progress the quest, players must meet with Paradiso’s board members. However, before heading to the boardroom, it is recommended to interact with the various people living on the ECS Constant, including children onboard the vessel. This exploration adds depth to the storyline.
Finally, players can attend the board meeting on Paradiso’s executive floor. After convincing the receptionist to allow entry, players have various choices to determine the fate of the ECS Constant crew. Options include arranging for them to become indentured servants on Porrima II, outfitting the ship with a grav drive for them to find a new home, or resorting to the extreme action of killing all the crew members.
Each choice carries its own consequences and moral implications. Should players choose indentured servitude, they must gather the necessary materials for this arrangement. On the other hand, fitting the ECS Constant with a grav drive requires a visit to HopeTech on the planet Polvo, where players can negotiate the price with Bennu St. James.
However, for those seeking a darker path, they can obtain a key from Amin Kazemi in engineering on the ECS Constant and proceed with a plan to destroy the ship and kill everyone on board. This option is undoubtedly morally questionable, but it offers a different gameplay experience for those seeking a challenge.
Regardless of the player’s choice, “First Contact” presents a thought-provoking story that highlights the influence of corporations and power dynamics in the context of a dystopian future. As players navigate the complexities of this side quest, they are forced to confront the moral choices and ethical dilemmas endemic to Starfield’s universe.
With its immersive gameplay, captivating storytelling, and impactful decision-making, “First Contact” stands out as one of the best side quests discovered thus far in Starfield. Players can look forward to uncovering more hidden gems as they explore the vast expanse of Bethesda’s latest space odyssey.