In Obsidian Entertainment's acclaimed role-playing game The Outer Worlds, one of the earliest defining moments occurs during the quest Comes Now the Power. Players are forced to make a major moral and political decision regarding the power regulator in Emerald Vale, choosing whether to route power to the corporate town of Edgewater or the botanical lab occupied by deserters. This critical decision permanently reshapes the local ecosystem, alters companion reactions, and influences future narrative outcomes.
Redirecting Power to Edgewater
Choosing to support Edgewater means diverting electricity away from the deserter camp back to the corporate-owned cannery town. Town leader Reed Tobson remains in charge of the settlement, maintaining strict Spacer's Choice operational standards despite rampant plague and poor working conditions. This decision keeps the corporate infrastructure intact, ensuring that the town continues to fulfill its quotas for the board.
However, players can influence how this path resolves by convincing the deserters, led by Adelaide McDevitt, to return to Edgewater. If players persuade Reed to step down after demonstrating Adelaide's superior agricultural methods, Adelaide can take over Edgewater and cure the plague using her organic farming techniques. If Reed stays, the deserters are forced back into harsh corporate labor, leading to a much colder outcome for the community.
Redirecting Power to the Deserters
Diverting power to the botanical lab energizes Adelaide McDevitt's breakaway sanctuary, completely cutting off electricity to Edgewater. Without power, the corporate cannery shuts down permanently, forcing the remaining citizens of Edgewater to abandon their posts and join the deserters. This path completely breaks Spacer's Choice control over the region and prioritizes self-sufficiency over corporate duty.
While this decision frees the inhabitants from corporate tyranny, it leaves Edgewater a ghost town. Reed Tobson and his loyal guards will resist or leave, effectively destroying the corporate foothold in Emerald Vale. Players who favor an anti-board playstyle usually lean toward this option, as it directly undermines corporate authority early in the campaign.
Impact on Companions and Faction Reputation
Your choice between Edgewater and the deserters significantly influences companion dynamics, particularly for Parvati. Because Parvati was raised in Edgewater, redirecting power away from her hometown upsets her greatly, requiring careful dialogue choices to keep her trust. Conversely, supporting Edgewater while convincing Reed to resign provides a balanced resolution that satisfies her moral outlook.
Faction reputation is also directly impacted by this crossroad. Directing power to Edgewater boosts your standing with Spacer's Choice while lowering reputation with local dissidents. Diverting power to the botanical lab drastically worsens your relations with Spacer's Choice, establishing a hostile relationship with corporate authorities early on.
Long Term Consequences for the Ending
The resolution of Emerald Vale directly informs the final slideshow sequences at the end of the game. If Adelaide rules Edgewater, the town prospers through sustainable farming and independence from corporate neglect. If Reed remains in charge or if the town is left without power, the ending reflects either continued corporate exploitation or complete abandonment.
Ultimately, neither path offers a simple black-and-white moral outcome. Players must weigh short-term stability against long-term freedom when deciding the fate of Emerald Vale's divided residents. This choice sets the tone for the entire story, proving that every corporate decision carries significant human consequences.
