Navigating the Path to the Missing Scouts
Finding the missing scouts requires a non-linear approach to the elevator shaft area. Initially, players must progress through the level to acquire a pistol and reach the top of the elevator mechanism. While it might seem intuitive to search the lower levels immediately, you must first unlock the route by reaching the summit.
Once you have reached the top of the elevator, the next step involves a specific environmental interaction. You need to locate and shoot two glowing Nephtogloblin growths. Successfully hitting these targets will unlock the lift mechanism. After shooting the growths, pull the lever to call the elevator up to your current position. This action is essential for accessing the hidden cave area where the scouts are located.
To reach the cave, take the elevator back down. However, do not ride it all the way to the bottom. Instead, you must jump off to the left approximately halfway down the shaft. Look for a ledge and a wall that can be burned to reveal the entrance. This hidden path leads directly to the area where the scouts' fate can be discovered.
Combat Tactics and Looting the Cave
The cave area contains a significant challenge in the form of a tough soldier enemy. Engaging this enemy requires strategic use of elemental damage to manage his high health pool. It is highly recommended to use fire-based attacks to chip away at his health effectively during the encounter.
Once the soldier has been defeated, you can proceed to loot the area. Look for a tent located behind the enemy's position; the notes you need to progress the quest are located there. These notes provide the necessary context for the choice you will eventually face when returning to the Adjutant Sous-Officier.
Essential Combat Tips
- Prioritize fire damage against heavy infantry to bypass high defense.
- Always check behind enemy encampments or tents for quest-critical notes.
- Ensure you have the pistol equipped before attempting to unlock the elevator growths.
The Moral Choice: Truth vs. Lies
After discovering the fate of the scouts, you will eventually return to the Adjutant Sous-Officier to conclude the quest. Regardless of the path you choose, you are guaranteed to receive the Sleight of Hand amber. However, the secondary rewards and long-term consequences differ significantly based on your honesty.
If you choose to tell the truth about what happened to the scouts, you will receive the Sleight of Hand amber immediately. Furthermore, after you rest at a checkpoint, you can return to the Adjutant Sous-Officier to claim additional catalysts as a bonus reward. This path is generally considered the more stable route for resource gathering.
If you decide to lie to the Adjutant Sous-Officier, the immediate reward remains the Sleight of Hand amber. However, the outcome shifts after you rest. Instead of receiving extra catalysts, you will find the corpse of the Adjutant Sous-Officier in the cave where the scouts were located. From his body, you can loot a Remnant's Return. This is a specialized, one-use item that allows you to reclaim any catalysts you may have dropped upon death, regardless of your current location in the game.
Comparing Quest Rewards
Choosing between truth and lies in An Unheard Farewell depends on whether you value consistent resource growth or a safety net for death penalties. The truth offers immediate and reliable catalysts, which are vital for early-game progression. The lie offers a powerful utility item that can mitigate the sting of a difficult death, though it comes at the cost of an NPC.
