Navigating the glitz and corporate greed of Byzantium is one of the ultimate challenges in Obsidian Entertainment's acclaimed sci-fi RPG. The City and the Stars is a pivotal late-game main quest that tasks players with infiltrating the upper echelons of the Halcyon Holdings Board. Succeeding in this mission requires a delicate balance of stealth, silver-tongued dialogue, or decisive combat strategy.
Infiltrating the Ministry of Accuracy and Morale
Your primary objective in this mission centers around locating Minister Clarke and investigating his hoarding of dimethyl sulfoxide. To gain access to the secure Ministry building, you can either bribe the guards at the entrance or forge a valid security pass. Exploring the nearby estate offices reveals multiple alternative vents and terminal entries that grant sneaky players a bloodless path inside.
Once you step past the threshold, the internal corporate security becomes significantly tighter and requires constant vigilance. Utilizing a holographic shroud tailored to the local security forces allows you to move unhindered through restricted corridors. Keep a close eye on your shroud energy levels as interacting with highly observant supervisors will trigger tense dialogue checks.
If your stealth metrics are low, engaging in direct combat remains an option, though it will ruin your reputation with the Byzantium faction. Bringing along talkative companions like Felix or Parvati can trigger unique dialogue options that distract distracted employees. Make sure to thoroughly loot the upper desks for valuable corporate keycards before descending into the labs.
Securing the Dimethyl Sulfoxide Lab
Deep within the subterranean levels of the Ministry lies a hidden laboratory dedicated to questionable scientific experiments. Players must navigate past patrolling mechanical sentries and heavily armed guards to reach the chemical storage vats. Deciding how to approach the central terminal requires careful consideration of your current character build skills.
The main terminal presents a major narrative choice regarding how much dimethyl sulfoxide you decide to transfer into your quest canister. Siphoning the full amount maximizes your ability to revive the frozen colonists on the Hope but instantly kills the test subjects stored in the vats. Opting for a smaller percentage preserves the lives of the laboratory inhabitants at the cost of your ultimate mission efficiency.
Understanding the layout of this underground area is vital because alarms will quickly summon reinforcements from nearby barracks. Hacking specific wall vents can release gaseous compounds that incapacitate guards without alerting the entire security grid. Taking your time to observe patrol routes prevents unnecessary combat encounters during this crucial phase.
Confronting Chairman Rockwell and Escaping
After finalizing the chemical transfer, you will uncover a shocking broadcast from Chairman Rockwell detailing the true state of the colony. This critical piece of evidence can be downloaded directly from the terminal to leverage against the corporate board later. Escaping the facility requires you to backtrack carefully or hack the secondary elevator systems for a quick getaway.
Returning to Phineas Welles with the stolen chemical component marks the successful completion of this intense corporate heist. The choices made during this operation will heavily influence your final standing with the Board and the outer colonies. Reviewing your squad loadout and diplomatic perks before entering Byzantium ensures the smoothest path to victory.
The political landscape of Halcyon shifts dramatically depending on whether you choose to share this classified data or keep it hidden. Phineas will use these resources to plan the final liberation of the colony ship, setting up the endgame sequence. Your tactical performance here cements your legacy across the star system.
