Canid’s Cradle is a main quest in The Outer Worlds that presents the player with a morally challenging decision involving two factions, the Iconoclasts and the MSI (Monarch Stellar Industries). Here’s a detailed explanation of the quest, its pivotal decision point, and its potential outcomes and rewards.
The player is tasked with obtaining a targeting module to use the UDL gunship’s weapon system to clear a path to the Stellar Bay landing pad. To do so, they must travel to Devil’s Peak Station, where the gunship has crashed. Upon reaching the station, the player learns that the targeting module has been taken by the Iconoclasts, a group of rebels led by Graham Bryant, who are in conflict with the MSI, led by Sanjar Nandi.
Both the Iconoclasts and the MSI want the targeting module for their own purposes. The Iconoclasts want to use it to launch an assault on the MSI-controlled Stellar Bay, while the MSI wants to use it to strengthen their defenses against the Iconoclasts and other threats.
Outcomes and rewards Depending On Who Gets The Targeting Module to In Canid’s Cradle
- Giving the targeting module to the Iconoclasts: If the player chooses to support the Iconoclasts, they will help Graham launch an assault on Stellar Bay. This choice will result in a reputation boost with the Iconoclasts and a reputation loss with the MSI. The player will also receive a unique weapon called the “Mauler” as a reward.
- Giving the targeting module to the MSI: If the player chooses to support the MSI, they will help Sanjar strengthen Stellar Bay’s defenses. This choice will result in a reputation boost with the MSI and a reputation loss with the Iconoclasts. The player will also receive a unique weapon called the “MSI Elite Helmet” as a reward.
- (Optional) Peaceful resolution: If the player has completed certain side quests and has high enough dialogue skills, they can convince both factions to work together for the greater good of Monarch. This outcome will result in a reputation boost with both the Iconoclasts and the MSI, and the player will receive both the “Mauler” and the “MSI Elite Helmet” as rewards.
Impact on the player’s experiences later in the game
The decision in “Canid’s Cradle” has lasting consequences that affect the player’s experience throughout the game. Depending on the choice made, the player may have access to different quests, resources, and interactions with NPCs.
- Supporting the Iconoclasts: If the player supports the Iconoclasts, they may gain access to more quests and opportunities related to the Iconoclasts. Additionally, they may receive better prices and resources from Iconoclast vendors due to their improved reputation.
- Supporting the MSI: If the player supports the MSI, they may gain access to more quests and opportunities related to the MSI. Additionally, they may receive better prices and resources from MSI vendors due to their improved reputation.
- Peaceful resolution: If the player manages to broker peace between the Iconoclasts and the MSI, they may gain access to quests and opportunities related to both factions, as well as better prices and resources from both Iconoclast and MSI vendors due to their improved reputation with both factions.
Additionally, the decision made in this quest may be referenced in later quests and conversations, showcasing the lasting impact of the player’s choice on the game world and its inhabitants.
