Exploring the vast universe of The Outer Worlds offers players many opportunities for discovery, dialogue, and decision-making. Among the many locations in the game, Byzantium stands out as a key area filled with political intrigue, wealth, and critical storyline developments. However, this city is not accessible from the beginning of your journey. Unlocking Byzantium requires progressing through specific quests and making important choices. If you’re eager to reach Byzantium and experience what the heart of Halcyon’s elite society has to offer, understanding how to unlock this location is essential for advancing your gameplay.
Understanding the Importance of Byzantium
What Is Byzantium?
Byzantium is the capital of Halcyon and a symbol of opulence, power, and corporate influence. It’s home to the Board’s top executives, rich citizens, and some of the most luxurious structures in the colony. Reaching Byzantium is a significant milestone in The Outer Worlds, as it plays a pivotal role in the main story and opens up numerous quests, interactions, and loot opportunities.
Why Unlock Byzantium?
Byzantium is not just a flashy backdrop; it’s tied directly to the main campaign. Important decisions and plot developments occur here, including your interactions with the Board and critical endgame scenarios. Gaining access to this area also allows you to:
- Meet influential NPCs that drive the main narrative forward
- Complete faction quests for The Board and other organizations
- Find rare items, gear, and vendors
- Uncover secrets about the Halcyon colony
Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking Byzantium
Step 1: Advance Through the Main Questline
The first requirement to unlocking Byzantium is progressing far enough through the main questline. You cannot simply fly there early in the game. You must first reach and complete certain objectives on Monarch, which is unlocked after completing the quests on Terra 2 and Scylla.
Complete Radio Free Monarch
This is the key main quest you must complete to gain access to Byzantium. During this quest, you’ll assist either Nyoka or other factions like MSI or the Iconoclasts. You will work to reactivate the radio tower at Devil’s Peak or resolve the conflict between rival groups on Monarch. This step involves several branching paths and moral decisions.
Speak to Phineas or The Board
Once Radio Free Monarch is completed, you will trigger the quest The City and the Stars. This mission is the bridge that takes you directly to Byzantium. At this point, you can choose to align with Phineas Welles or begin working with The Board, depending on your decisions up to this point. Either way, the next major step is to investigate an individual named Alex Hawthorne, which leads you to Byzantium.
How The City and the Stars Unlocks Byzantium
Starting the Quest
Once The City and the Stars becomes available, you’ll receive coordinates and instructions to head to Byzantium. Your ship, the Unreliable, will now be able to fast travel there via the navigation terminal. Byzantium will appear on your star map as an accessible landing zone.
Key Objectives
In this quest, you’ll explore Byzantium and uncover important plot developments regarding Project Gorgon, corporate experiments, and the fate of Halcyon. You’ll meet characters like Minister Clarke and engage in quests that further your relationship with major factions.
Alternative Ways and Side Paths
Working with The Board
If you’ve chosen to side with The Board, certain side quests and objectives will offer alternative routes into Byzantium earlier or with different narrative consequences. For example, completing specific Board tasks or helping Sophia Akande can fast-track your access.
Faction Reputation Influence
Your reputation with factions like MSI, Sublight Salvage, or the Iconoclasts can impact your path to Byzantium. While it doesn’t block you from entering, these relationships may affect dialogue options and quest outcomes once you arrive.
What to Do Once You’re in Byzantium
Exploring the City
Byzantium is filled with upper-class citizens, sleek architecture, and high-level quests. Take your time to explore the city and interact with its residents. You’ll find terminals containing lore-rich content, shops selling advanced weapons and armor, and optional side quests.
Important Quests in Byzantium
Several significant quests begin or conclude in Byzantium:
- The Puppet Masters reveals deeper layers of corporate control
- At Central involves high-stakes political intrigue
- Foundation a critical quest tied to endgame decisions
Accessing Restricted Areas
Certain buildings and offices in Byzantium are locked behind security or reputation requirements. Use disguises provided by your holographic shroud or complete related quests to gain entry. Sneaking, lockpicking, or persuading guards may also be required.
Helpful Tips Before Visiting Byzantium
Level Up Your Character
Byzantium contains higher-level enemies and difficult quests. It’s recommended to be at least level 1520 before entering. Focus on dialogue, hacking, and lockpicking skills to maximize your options during interactions and exploration.
Bring Your Best Companions
Characters like Parvati, Felix, and Nyoka have unique reactions and story insights related to Byzantium’s elite society. Choosing the right companions can enhance the experience and unlock special conversation paths.
Manage Your Resources
Stock up on ammo, healing items, and gear before heading in. Vendors in Byzantium can be expensive, so be prepared to spend or sell high-value loot.
Common Issues When Unlocking Byzantium
Not Completing Monarch’s Quests
Skipping or rushing through Monarch can prevent The City and the Stars from triggering. Make sure you’ve completed the full Radio Free Monarch storyline and spoken to Phineas to progress.
Ship Navigation Not Updating
Sometimes Byzantium won’t show up on your map right away. Restarting the game or re-talking to Phineas can solve this issue. Also, ensure that all previous objectives are marked complete in your journal.
Alignment Conflicts
If you’ve taken actions that severely anger The Board or sabotaged key factions, some dialogue paths or quest chains may close. However, alternate routes usually still allow Byzantium access through other means.
Unlocking Byzantium in The Outer Worlds is a major narrative turning point that reflects the choices you’ve made throughout your journey. By progressing through the main quests, especially Radio Free Monarch and The City and the Stars, you’ll gain access to this luxurious and complex city. Whether you’re seeking to overthrow the system or work your way to the top, Byzantium offers critical missions, unforgettable characters, and the next chapter in Halcyon’s unfolding drama. Take your time, explore thoroughly, and be prepared for the difficult decisions that await behind the city’s gilded walls.