Starfield, the highly anticipated space exploration RPG from Bethesda Game Studios, throws you into a vast and vibrant universe filled with adventure and mystery. One of the intriguing quests you’ll encounter in your travels is “Alternating Currents,” a seemingly simple task that can have a subtle impact on your reputation.

This guide delves into the “Alternating Currents” quest, offering a walkthrough, explaining potential choices and consequences, and providing tips for a smooth playthrough.

A Power Play in New Atlantis

“Alternating Currents” is a follow-up quest to “Tapping the Grid,” which you’ll receive from Louisa Reyes in The Well district of New Atlantis, the bustling capital city on the planet Jemison.

During “Tapping the Grid,” you helped Louisa locate faulty junction boxes that were draining power.  “Alternating Currents” picks up where the previous quest left off, with Louisa suspecting the Trade Authority might be behind the power drain.

Following the Trail: Locating the Junction Boxes

The quest begins with Louisa and Zoe Kaminski, a representative from the Trade Authority, debating the source of the power fluctuations.  You’ll be tasked with finding a few more junction boxes to pinpoint the drain’s location.

Here’s where things get interesting:

Scanner Savvy: Utilize your scanner to track a faint blue trail emanating from the initial conversation point. This trail leads directly to the first junction box.  Remember, having “Alternating Currents” as your active quest is crucial for the scanner to reveal the trail.

Branching Paths:  After activating the first box, you’ll be presented with a choice: activate Zoe’s box or Louisa’s box.  There’s no wrong answer here; both lead to the same outcome – locating the source of the power drain.  However, the choice can influence your reputation with the Trade Authority and potentially with Louisa.

Zoe’s Junction Box: This option is quicker and more convenient,  located close to the first box.  Helping Zoe might improve your standing with the Trade Authority.

Louisa’s Junction Box:  Choosing Louisa’s box requires navigating a slightly longer route to the surface and then to an apartment building.  This might solidify your connection with Louisa but won’t necessarily affect your Trade Authority reputation.

Tip:  If you’re keen on exploring New Atlantis and don’t mind a slightly longer quest, choose Louisa’s box.

Once you activate the chosen box, follow the on-screen prompts to reach the final junction box located on the surface. Play with it to start a cutscene.

The Culmination: Confrontation and Resolution

The final cutscene reveals the culprit – a group of scavengers who unknowingly overloaded the power grid while trying to access residual energy.

Here, you’ll have a dialogue option:

Report the Scavengers: This option informs the authorities about the scavengers’ actions. This might negatively impact your reputation with some scavengers you encounter later in the game.

Let Them Go: Choosing this option allows the scavengers to leave with a warning. This could potentially improve your standing with some scavenger factions.

Important Note:  The choice here has minimal impact on the overall storyline.  The main difference lies in potential reputation gains or losses with specific factions.

Beyond the Quest: Continuing Your Journey

After resolving the power drain issue,  “Alternating Currents” concludes.  Louisa will express her gratitude, and you’ll receive a reward (typically credits and experience points).

Now, it’s up to you!  Continue exploring New Atlantis, delve into other quests, or set off on your cosmic adventures across the vast expanse of the Starfield universe.

Additional Tips for a Smooth “Alternating Currents” Experience

Pay Attention to Dialogue: The conversations with Louisa and Zoe offer clues about their motives and the potential consequences of your choices.

Explore New Atlantis: While the quest itself is fairly linear, use this opportunity to explore New Atlantis and discover other points of interest and potential side quests.

Consider Your Playstyle: Do you favor a more diplomatic approach or a more authoritarian one? Let your playstyle guide your decisions during the quest.

“Alternating Currents” might seem like a simple fetch quest, but it subtly introduces you to the complexities of reputation and the diverse factions within Starfield.  By understanding the choices and consequences, you can navigate these currents with confidence and continue shaping your own unique Starfield adventure.

FAQs

Struggling with blackout blues in New Atlantis? Our guide tackles frequently asked questions regarding Starfield’s “Alternating Currents” quest, helping you illuminate the path forward.

What is the “Alternating Currents” quest?

This Starfield side quest follows “Tapping the Grid” and has you team up with technician Louisa Reyes to investigate a mysterious power drain plaguing The Well district of New Atlantis.

How do I activate the quest?

Speak with Louisa Reyes in The Well after completing “Tapping the Grid.” She’ll express concern about the power situation and request your assistance.

What are the quest objectives?

Locate hidden junction boxes scattered around New Atlantis using your scanner.

Activate the switches within these boxes based on Louisa’s instructions.

Follow the trail of clues to investigate a specific apartment building.

Is there a choice to be made?

While you’ll activate multiple junction boxes, you’ll be presented with a minor choice at one point: activating Zoe Kaminski or Louisa’s preferred box first. Ultimately, the outcome doesn’t change based on your selection.

Are there any walkthroughs available?

Several resources offer detailed walkthroughs for “Alternating Currents”:

IGN Starfield Guide: https://www.ign.com/wikis/starfield/Alternating_Currents_Walkthrough

Screen Rant Walkthrough: https://videogames.si.com/guides/starfield-alternating-currents

YouTube Video Guides: Search for “Starfield Alternating Currents Walkthrough” for video tutorials.

What are some helpful tips for completing the quest?

Utilize Your Scanner: Activate your scanner to highlight the faint trails leading to hidden junction boxes.

Listen Closely: Pay attention to Louisa and Zoe’s instructions when activating switch combinations.

Explore Thoroughly: The apartment building you investigate might hold additional clues or lore entries.

What’s the reward for completing the quest?

You’ll receive experience points and credits for aiding Louisa in resolving the power drain.

Does this quest tie into the main story?

While not directly related to the main story, “Alternating Currents” offers a glimpse into the struggles of New Atlantis and the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface.

Ready to bring the lights back on in The Well? With this guide and a dose of determination, you’ll solve the “Alternating Currents” mystery and earn some rewards along the way. 

Remember, exploration and a keen eye are key in Starfield!

To read more, Click Here.