Starfield, the highly anticipated RPG from Bethesda Game Studios, throws you into a vast, unexplored universe filled with adventure and tough decisions. One such decision comes early in the game within the quest  “First Contact.” 

This seemingly straightforward mission can have significant consequences, sparking discussions among players about morality and the importance of first impressions.

A Distress Call and a Mysterious Ship

Your journey in “First Contact” begins on the Paradiso space station orbiting the planet Porrima II. Chief Sugiyama, a Paradiso official, hails you with news of a mysterious ship detected near the planet.  The ship is unresponsive to communication attempts, leaving its origins and intentions unknown.

Sugiyama entrusts you with a delicate task: investigate the vessel and establish first contact. Here’s where the complexity of the situation arises.

Two Opposing Factions: The Paradiso Colony and the ECS Constant

Upon reaching the designated area, you’ll encounter two conflicting narratives:

The Paradiso Colony: Paradiso is a luxurious space resort catering to the wealthy. Their primary concern is maintaining their idyllic image and preventing anything from disrupting their business. They’d prefer a peaceful resolution but are willing to use force if necessary.

The ECS Constant: Docking with the mysterious ship reveals a group of colonists – the crew of the ECS Constant. These are descendants of Earth colonists who fled a ravaged planet hundreds of years ago. Unaware of the existence of other human settlements, they spent generations cryogenically frozen aboard their vessel.

The crux of the “First Contact” dilemma lies in understanding the motivations of both parties:

The Paradiso Colony: They see the Constant as a potential threat to their business and exclusivity. They’d prefer the Constant to leave the system entirely.

The ECS Constant: Having just awoken from cryosleep, the Constant’s crew is desperate for a new home. Porrima II seems like a perfect fit, but they are unaware of Paradiso’s claim.

The Weight of Your Decision: Three Potential Outcomes

The information you gather aboard the Constant becomes crucial.  Here’s how your choices can impact the outcome:

Side with Paradiso (Violent Option):  Report the Constant’s outdated weaponry and potential threat to Paradiso. This can lead to a military confrontation where the Paradiso forces destroy the Constant, leaving its crew with nowhere to go.

Help the ECS Constant Leave Peacefully (Diplomatic Option):  Negotiate with Paradiso on behalf of the Constant.  This might involve convincing them to allow the Constant to explore other planets within the system or even assist them in finding a new home elsewhere.  Success hinges on your persuasion skills and the information you provide about the Constant’s capabilities.

Help the ECS Constant Claim Porrima II (Deceptive Option):   This morally gray path involves forging evidence or manipulating information to make the Constant appear more formidable. This could intimidate Paradiso into abandoning their claim to Porrima II, allowing the Constant to settle on the planet. However, this deception comes at a cost and could have unforeseen consequences.

The Aftermath: Choices Have Consequences

Whichever path you choose, your decision in “First Contact” has lasting repercussions.  It can affect your reputation with different factions, influence future missions, and even unlock unique rewards. Here’s what you might experience based on your choice:

Violent Option: While Paradiso rewards you handsomely for eliminating the Constant, other factions might view your actions negatively. You might miss out on potential allies or resources associated with the Constant.

Diplomatic Option:  Successfully brokering peace between the two parties can lead to positive relations and potential trade opportunities with both Paradiso and the Constant.

Deceptive Option:  While securing Porrima II for the Constant might seem beneficial, the deception could come back to haunt you later. You might face retaliation or lose trust with other factions who discover your actions.

“First Contact” is more than a simple mission in Starfield. It’s a narrative turning point that forces you to confront complex ethical questions and the potential consequences of your actions.  It compels you to consider the bigger picture – the future of humanity scattered across the stars and the importance of forging peaceful relationships in an uncharted universe.

FAQs

What is Starfield: First Contact?

In Starfield, First Contact is a critical side quest that throws you into a complex moral dilemma. You’ll act as a mediator between a long-lost colony ship, the ECS Constant, and the established corporate power on the planet Paradiso.

How do I activate the First Contact quest?

Travel to the Porrima system and land on Paradiso, the second planet.

Chief Sugiyama of Paradiso Security will contact you, requesting you to investigate a mysterious ship in orbit.

What are the key players in this situation?

The ECS Constant: A colony ship that departed Earth centuries ago, unaware of humanity’s expansion. Their cryogenic sleep malfunctioned, leaving them adrift until now.

Paradiso: A luxurious resort world managed by the ruthless Constellation corporation. They have claimed Paradiso for their own interests.

What’s the big decision?

The crux of the quest lies in how you choose to help the ECS Constant:

Side with Paradiso: Help the corporation maintain control of Paradiso, potentially leading to a harsh outcome for the Constant’s crew.

Support the ECS Constant: Find a way for them to establish a foothold on Paradiso, defying the corporation’s hold.

What are the consequences of each choice?

The outcome significantly impacts the story and your rewards:

Paradiso: Grants access to high-value rewards and potential benefits with the corporation, but leaves the Constant’s fate uncertain.

ECS Constant: Offers a more emotional reward (potentially a baseball bat!) and allows the Constant to claim a portion of Paradiso.

Are there other ways to approach the situation?

There might be a hidden path for those seeking a more creative solution. Explore the ship thoroughly, talk to everyone, and see if you can find a way to benefit both parties.

Finding Help with First Contact:

Starfield Wiki – First Contact Walkthrough: https://www.ign.com/videos/starfield-gameplay-walkthrough-first-contact-side-mission

YouTube Guide – Starfield: First Contact Best Choice: https://www.eurogamer.net/eurogamer-and-bethesda-starfield

Remember: First Contact is a turning point in Starfield.  Consider the weight of your decision and explore all options before making your choice. Good luck, captain!

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