Among the many challenges in The Outer Worlds 2, few are as memorable as the Observatory riddle in Golden Ridge. While most objectives rely on skill checks, this one puts your observation and logic to the test. If you’re stuck deciphering the clue near the terminal, here’s how to solve the Observatory puzzle and claim your rewards without breaking a sweat.
How to Begin the Observatory Puzzle in The Outer Worlds 2
You will meet the Observatory later in the Golden Ridge questline, shortly after visiting the Monastery. When you arrive at the top part of the Observatory, you will see a terminal that has a riddle next to it. Talking to it initiates the Order Initiate Scavenger Hunt puzzle.
Although the message sounds mysterious, it simply instructs you to turn three dials to the right numbers according to the planetary models in the room. The solution relies on a look at the orrery — the large revolving planetary model on the floor.
The Observatory Riddle Explained
You are told three things by the riddle:
- The first dial must be adjusted to the number of moons revolving around Elysium.
- The second dial should have the number of moons that rotate around between Dorado and Elysium.
- The last dial should have the number of times Eden revolves around Elysium while Praetor and Cloister make a complete revolution.
- At first glance, these lines might appear like astronomical trivia, but the answers are before you.
Step-by-Step Riddle Solution
Start by facing the orrery in the center of the Observatory. It displays all the planets and moons you’ll need to reference. If you’re unsure which planet is which, inspect the smaller planetary models scattered around the room — they’re labeled with names that correspond to those in the riddle.
- First Dial: Elysium is the central planet in the orrery. Count the moons orbiting it — there are four.
- Second Dial: Next, locate Dorado, the orange-hued planet close to Elysium. There is just one moon that revolves between Dorado and Elysium.
- Third Dial: For this section, you will need to go out to the courtyard, where you can see the rotation rates of the planets. See how many times Eden goes around Elysium before Praetor and Cloister complete theirs. The reply is four.
Put the numbers together, and your full riddle code is 414.
Entering the Observatory Code
Return to the terminal near the puzzle and set the dials to 4-1-4. Once the final number is in place, you’ll hear a mechanical click, and the nearby door will slide open. Inside, you’ll find a Pitchball Card of Feargus Urquhart along with some additional loot.
Don’t worry if you were lusting after the blingy gun down the corridor — that one gets available later on through story advancement or certain skill tests based on your character background.
