Choosing whether to rescue the workers or rush ahead is a key moment in the On the Trail of the Traitor quest in The Outer Worlds 2. You’ll come across hostages about to be crushed in Golden Ridge, and stepping in isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. This guide explains the consequences and how to solve the puzzle to save them.
Should You Free the Hostages?
During your run through On the Trail of the Traitor quest in Golden Ridge, you’ll eventually hit a crossroads that says a lot about the kind of Spacer you want to be. A group of hostages is moments away from being flattened under a pneumatic press, and you’re the only one who can step in, so what should you do?
Here’s the thing, most players will be better off saving the captives. Yes, you burn a little extra time and attract a couple more Automechs later, but that’s hardly a punishment. It’s free experience, a rep boost, and you keep your conscience clean. Saving them also helps you gain +3 Order reputation and Wiley manages to transmit the security codes to De Vries while you’re busy with the puzzle.
This bit of delay means De Vries ends up controlling the Automech units over at the Greater Tranquillity Substation. Valerie fills you in afterwards, explaining why the robots there aren’t exactly thrilled to see you during your next infiltration.
Freeing the Hostages by Solving the Puzzle
Your task is to guide a rolling orb through the area to unlock the console that stops the press. All you need to do is head upstairs and clear the enemies blocking your way and then step on the floor plate directly ahead to set the orb in motion. Two more plates to the left must be triggered quickly to open each gate so it doesn’t stop.
Afterwards, drop back down to the lower level and shoot the three stacked crates in the orb’s path. You will now have to hit the switch with red wiring attached. Once the orb crosses the first barrier, flip the same switch again. And finally, give the orb a moment to settle, then use the ground-floor plate to raise it. When it rolls and halts again, use the plate to the right of it to send it onward.
Once the orb reaches its destination, you’ll be able to open the safe below. Inside is the Auto-Pneumatic Keypunch Activation Card—that’s the item you need to stop the press from crushing the victims. The safe also holds a little bonus treat: the Pinnacle Perfume Kilo mod for your inhaler.
