The Outer Worlds: Edgewater vs Botanical Choices and Consequences

The first major decision players have to make in is whether to redirect power to the town of Edgewater or the Deserters at the Botanical Lab. Your ship requires a new Power Regulator to get offworld and your only option is to take it from one of the factions. As part of, you have the opportunity to decide which faction loses out.

Players have several options for resolving this dispute, although your chosen character build also plays a role. Dialog skills can be useful for convincing certain individuals, making certain paths easier. You can divert power to Edgewater or to the Botanical Lab, but taking extra steps leads to a slightly better ending overall.

Faction Influence Increases

Faction Influence Decreases

Redirecting power to the Botanical Lab dooms Edgewater. On returning to Edgewater's Saltuna Cannery, players will be confronted by administrator Reed Tobson. Reed threatens to have his guards kill the player if they attempt to take the Power Regulator from the Cannery. However, with Intimidate 30, he can be convinced to order them to stand down.

Choosing to fight leads to Reed's death, automatically failing all remaining quests in Edgewater. However, players can also loot a keycard for a room filled with useful items.

Choosing the Botanical Lab is the quickest resolution to this quest and suits a character who intends to fight back against the corporations, regardless of the consequences. However, fan-favorite companion Parvati may leave your party permanently if Reed is killed. Passing a Determination/Lie 10 check convinces her to stay.

Faction Influence Increases

Faction Influence Decreases

Redirecting power to Edgewater dooms the Deserters. On returning to the Botanical Lab, players can speak to Adelaide McDevitt, and can convince Thomas and Grace to return to Edgewater if their side quests were completed.

However, Adelaide will not return unless Reed is removed from power. Dealing with Reed is optional; your can convince him to leave or murder