During the final mission of the United Colonies Vanguard faction in Starfield, players are presented with two significant choices. The first pertains to the fate of Vae Victis, a character deeply entwined with the Terramorphs and their evolution with the Lazarus Plants. The second is the decision to employ Aceles or Microbes to combat the Terramorph menace.
Aceles or Microbe in Starfield
Aceles offers an ecological balance and a more organic solution, albeit at a slower pace. On the other hand, Microbes provide rapid extermination, favored by some in-game companions, but come with potential ecological risks, mutation chances, and ethical dilemmas tied to using a bio-weapon.
Choosing the Aceles often leads to disapproval from your companions, while the Microbe option can quickly boost affinity with them, especially by Sarah and Barrett. Regardless of the choice, both Aceles breeding and Microbe dispersal effectively combat the Terrormorphs.
Some players valuing the natural balance prefer the Aceles for their organic role in the ecosystem. Others lean towards the Microbes, valuing their efficiency despite the potential risks. Microbes is riskier, while Aceles are portrayed as a safer, natural option.
The decision between Aceles and Microbes should be based on several factors:
- Ecological Impact: Consider the long-term effects on the planet's ecosystem.
- Efficiency: How quickly do you want to address the Terramorph threat?
- Ethical Considerations: Weigh the moral implications of using a bio-weapon versus reintroducing a natural predator.
- Companion Preferences: Some companions in the game have strong opinions on this choice, which might influence your relationships with them.
| Choice | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Aceles | -Natural solution to Terramorphs -Restores ecological balance | -Slower progress against Terramorphs -Potential risk in populated areas -Mixed companion reactions |
| Microbes | -Rapid extermination of Terramorphs -Favored by some companions | -Potential ecological risks -Chance of mutation -Ethical concerns of using a bio-weapon |
If You Choose Aceles
- Natural Balance: By reintroducing Aceles, you're restoring a natural predator to the ecosystem.
- Slower Progress: While Aceles are effective against Terramorphs, they take time to hunt and reduce the Terramorph population.
- Companion Reactions: Some companions might disapprove of this choice, feeling it's risky to introduce a large predator.
Aceles, once used as cattle and known for their gentle nature, have a natural appetite for Terramorphs. They can be seen as a more organic solution, having evolved to counter the Terramorph threat. Deploying Aceles is a slower process, but they are effective in battle against Terramorphs. However, their large size might make them less adept at handling agile threats like Heatleeches. While they are generally docile, Aceles can become hostile if provoked, potentially causing issues in populated areas.
If You Choose Microbes
- Rapid Extermination: Microbes can quickly reduce the Terramorph population.
- Potential Risks: There's a chance that the Microbes could mutate or have unforeseen ecological impacts.
- Companion Reactions: Some companions, especially those with a scientific background, might favor this method for its efficiency.
Microbes present a more experimental approach. These engineered pathogens can rapidly exterminate Terramorphs and Heatleeches. However, this method carries inherent risks. The Microbes are a novel science, and there's a possibility they could mutate, potentially harming human life or allowing Terramorphs to develop immunity.