The Outer Worlds: How to Betray Phineas Welles and Give Him to the Board
The Outer Worlds is a game known for its morally ambiguous choices, and one of the biggest decisions you can make is whether to betray Phineas Welles and give him to the Board. While you might assume that betraying him would end the game, it actually doesn't. Instead, you'll continue on a different path, completing quests and making choices that will ultimately lead to a unique outcome.
Why Betray Phineas Welles?
Spoiler alert! Betraying Phineas Welles doesn't necessarily mean you'll be kicking him to the curb and abandoning the main quest. Instead, you'll actually be advancing the Board's plans, which can lead to a darker and grittier outcome for the game. If you're looking to mix things up and try a new route, this might be an interesting alternative to consider.
Giving Phineas Welles to the Board
When to make the decision: You'll get the chance to turn in Phineas Welles during your first visit to the Groundbreaker. To get there, you'll need to complete the questline on Terra-2 to retrieve a power regulator and use it to get your ship into orbit. Don't worry too much about which option to choose – the outcome won't affect your ability to join the Board later.
Where to turn in Phineas Welles: Once you arrive at the Groundbreaker, head to the Halcyon building in the central courtyard. You'll find Udom Bedford there, the man who will take Phineas Welles off your hands.
Proving Your Devotion to the Board
Before Udom Bedford accepts Phineas Welles, you'll need to prove your loyalty to the Board. This involves heading to Monarch and giving control of a transmitter to the Board. This quest is largely the same as the one you'd have to complete if you were siding with Phineas, so you can resolve it in whatever way you prefer. Your choices won't affect your companions, and the majority of your experience will remain the same.
What Comes Next
After completing the Monarch quest, things start to diverge from the main storyline. Udom Bedford will give you passage to Byzantium, where you'll meet with a high-ranking official and begin working on quests for the Board. These quests involve some shady dealings, including assassination and sabotage. You'll also miss out on the quests Phineas would have given you, which take place on Byzantium.
The Final Quest and the Alternative Ending
The final quest remains largely unchanged: You'll still be working towards the same goal, but in this case, you'll be siding with a corporate official rather than Phineas. If you complete the game down this path, you'll get an alternative ending that showcases the Board's success and your role in the new hierarchy. This outcome is certainly darker than the original path, but it's still a viable option for those looking to explore a different side of the game.
Overall, betraying Phineas Welles and giving him to the Board offers a fresh take on the game, one that can provide a new perspective on the world and its characters. If you're looking for a reason to replay The Outer Worlds, this might be just the thing to spin your adventure in a new direction.