Should You Restart the Serpent’s Crusade in Starfield: Shattered Space?

Should You Restart the Serpent's Crusade in Starfield: Shattered Space?

As a seasoned traveler and a scholar of ancient lore, I’ve seen my fair share of political machinations and power struggles. The quest in Va’ruun’kai is no exception – it’s a tangled web indeed!


In the primary expansion for Bethesda Game Studios’ open-world space RPG, Starfield (named Shattered Space), players find themselves aiding the distressed world of Va’ruun’kai, inhabited by the enigmatic House Va’ruun. As is common in RPGs, Dazra faces calamities verging on apocalypse, which can only be alleviated by an exceptionally daring explorer. Shattered Space offers a variety of entertaining activities, including participating in conversion rituals, navigating political machinations, resolving family disputes, and uncovering a lost coin – the groat.

In this exciting finale of the main mission known as “The Scaled Citadel,” you’ll encounter a web of mystery, tough battles against formidable foes, fresh insights into game lore, and significant decisions that will impact your character. The Scaled Citadel quest within the game “Shattered Space” is a fitting climax for the DLC, as it offers a lengthy and challenging experience that feels rewarding to complete. However, be prepared for unexpected events, and the final choices you make might not be easy. So, let’s delve into strategies for finishing The Scaled Citadel quest.

Starting the Scaled Citadel Quest

Should You Restart the Serpent's Crusade in Starfield: Shattered Space?

As a devoted fan, I can’t wait until I’ve successfully completed the third and final objective in the Aligning the Houses quest. After pouring countless hours into repairing the Mourning Device, Ekris will urge me to use it. Once adjusted and activated, this remarkable artifact will clear the way to the Scaled Citadel by dissolving the energy barrier surrounding it. And let me tell you, it’s an incredibly thrilling sequence!

Afterward, Ekris will communicate to the player that the High Council desires a meeting with them, and they can be found right beyond the Mourning Device platform. The High Council will task you with venturing into the Citadel and taking any necessary actions to aid Anasko Va’ruun, who is currently missing from House Va’ruun.

Head to the Dazra Crater via Jinan Plaza

Should You Restart the Serpent's Crusade in Starfield: Shattered Space?

First off, I’m making my way to the Dazra Crater, following the path from our previous mission. Along the journey, I’ll encounter Vortex Phantoms and Vortex Horrors, but don’t worry, it’s not a maze – just keep pressing forward. If I ever find myself lost, I’ll whip out my Scanner to get some directions.

Even though there’s treasure en route to the Scaled Citadel, it’s wise not to grab everything along the way as there’s an enormous trove, filled with Credits, waiting for you within the Citadel itself.

Enter the Scaled Citadel

Should You Restart the Serpent's Crusade in Starfield: Shattered Space?

Outside the mighty Stronghold of Scales, several powerful Vortex Spirits known as Phantoms, including some of advanced levels, will be on guard duty. Additionally, there’s a terrifying Vortex Monster called a Horror lurking around. Take them down and venture inside.

Help Anasko Va’ruun

Should You Restart the Serpent's Crusade in Starfield: Shattered Space?

Upon entering, you’ll encounter Anasko Va’ruun, who requires assistance in reconfiguring an experiment. He’ll instruct you to descend to the Reactor floor, but be warned, the Scaled Citadel is teeming with aggressive Vortex Phantoms. Make your way through the Citadel, skipping the upper levels as they are currently sealed off and will be addressed later. Instead, aim for the Speaker’s Hall, which is clearly marked.

The fight in the Speaker’s Hall can be intense, as there are many Vortex Phantoms, some of which are high level. They can be ignored, but some will follow you if you try this.

Once through, head past the stage and down towards the Reactor level.

Head to the Research Level

Upon entering the Research Area, adhere to your quest by moving through the radiant blue doors. Consequentially, the entire area will be placed under a security lockdown, and your objective will shift to disabling this lockdown. This isn’t too challenging; there are multiple solutions. The most straightforward involves finding the cuttable Emergency Exit nearby in the room with the secure doors. Proceed along the access tunnel until you arrive at a Facilities Terminal.

After attempting to break the lockdown, understand that it won’t succeed and instead leads you towards a fresh quest goal. In this segment of the mission, expect encounters with turrets and robots, some of which pack a strong punch, so stay alert.

Aim for your goal, turn the knob, and you’ll see a Modulator emerge. After pressing the switch, take it out. Later, make your way back to the Computing Center of the Facilities to deactivate the lockdown.

Reach Anasko Va’ruun and Replace the Vortex Interlocks

Should You Restart the Serpent's Crusade in Starfield: Shattered Space?

Make your way to the Reactor Level, where you’ll find a locked room preceding your quest goal. This room contains some secured safes and armory, so it’s beneficial to check it out before continuing. After that, proceed towards your objective to converse with Anasko Va’ruun. He will inform you that the Vortex Interlocks require replacement, as he being a ghostly entity, lacks the ability to do so himself. The task then falls to you. Swap out the interlocks, activate the switch, and join Anasko in the following room.

Shut off Life Support or Release the Phantoms?

Next in line is a crucial decision in The Scaled Citadel quest. Anasko will disclose his intentions and the real objective of the experiment. It falls upon the player to determine whether to aid or obstruct him. This can be achieved either by turning off life support to his Phantom army, or alternatively, by freeing the Phantoms instead.

The answer depends on roleplay choices since there isn’t really a mechanical benefit to either choice. Cutting the power to life support means you’ll be able to immediately attack Anasko later in the quest, but otherwise, the outcome remains the same. However, these two choices clearly outline the character’s approach to the quest, so it’s worth considering the outcome.

As I embark on this exciting journey, no matter what path I choose, I’ll be navigating through a towering, labyrinthine Stronghold of the Scales, teeming with menacing Vortex Specters and fervent Va’ruun Devotees.

Reach the Pinnacle

Should You Restart the Serpent's Crusade in Starfield: Shattered Space?

This segment of the journey is likely the toughest, with only the final confrontation surpassing it. The Scaled Citadel teems with adversaries, a mix of Vortex Phantoms and Va’ruun Zealots, all hostile towards the player. A significant number of these enemies are high-level, and their numbers increase substantially as you approach the Pinnacle. Attempting to bypass them is an option, but since many areas are open, the Phantoms can pursue relentlessly.

Make your way back upstairs to the main entrance of the building, then climb up through the Citadel, passing by sections that were initially inaccessible. Scattered around the upcoming areas are hidden stashes containing weapons, ammo, and helpful items. It might be beneficial to gather these supplies just in case you’re lacking something.

Head through the Crusader’s Hall

Should You Restart the Serpent's Crusade in Starfield: Shattered Space?

As you traverse the Citadel, you’ll find a compact museum dedicated to the Serpent’s Crusade. The exhibits are interactive, allowing you to delve deeper into the subject matter. Additionally, you can seize weapons and ammunition stored within.

Find Jinan Va’ruuns Logs and Grab and ID Card

Before reaching the main mission target, players may stumble upon audio logs belonging to Jinan Va’ruun himself. As you advance beyond the Council Chamber, prepare for a battle in a spacious hall filled with numerous adversaries. This encounter occurs just before the primary mission objective. Defeat the enemies and inspect the rooms close to the doorway leading to your main goal.

In my gaming adventure, I stumbled upon Anasko Va’ruun’s office, jam-packed with three logs and a chest filled with enticing loot from a dungeon. On his desk, there’s a key card that I’ll need to advance further. After that, I made my way downstairs to a bedroom where an audio log left by Jinan Va’ruun played, recounting his eerie ‘vision’ of the Great Serpent.

At the Pinnacle

Should You Restart the Serpent's Crusade in Starfield: Shattered Space?

From where I stand atop the Pinnacle, it’s clear that Anasko Va’ruun is carrying out his scheme. As a devoted fan, I find myself faced with a crucial decision: to attack Anasko Va’ruun or not. The only viable option seems to be the former, as the other choice – yielding to Anasko’s plan via the All Must Serve dialogue option – leads to a brief cutscene and a return to my last save.

As a seasoned gamer, I can tell you that Anasko’s a tough nut to crack. Unlike other foes, he doesn’t seem to succumb to the usual ‘game over’. Some players claim that if his life support is deactivated, he might meet his end, but it’s hit or miss – not everyone experiences this glitch, and the battle unfolds identically regardless. The real challenge lies in the DLC’s climax, where high-level adversaries converge, making it a chaotic, nail-biting showdown that tests even the most skilled players to their limits.

Destroy All Four Modulators

Should You Restart the Serpent's Crusade in Starfield: Shattered Space?

In this phase of the mission, though straightforward on the surface, you’ll find it quite challenging due to persistent attacks from Anasko Va’ruun, Vortex Phantoms, and Va’ruun Zealots. Your task is to reach the quest markers and activate the switches. After a brief moment, the Modulator will become visible, at which point you should destroy it. Every Modulator you eliminate uncovers a new route for your journey, and the Vortex energy that was obstructing your path disappears.

Escape the Scaled Citadel

Should You Restart the Serpent's Crusade in Starfield: Shattered Space?

After annihilating all four Modulators, the Citadel will begin to self-destruct. Your goal now is straightforward: flee. The path you should take lies beneath. Stick to it. In this stage of the mission, Phantoms and Zealots may try to block your way, but they can usually be outrun as you make a beeline for the exit. Anasko Va’ruun will trail behind, trying to hinder your escape. Upon reaching the main door of the Scaled Citadel, there will be a cinematic scene before transitioning into a new area.

Quest Wrap Up

Should You Restart the Serpent's Crusade in Starfield: Shattered Space?

Upon waking, you’ll complete the mission by conversing with the three members of the High Council from House Va’ruun. They will ask you to select a new Speaker for their house, though this choice is more about role-play and doesn’t significantly affect the quest’s outcome. Each house offers unique advantages and disadvantages in their roles. For instance, House Veth’aal is characterized by its strict adherence to laws, while House Ka’dic tends to be more practical, particularly in dealing with the Va’ruun Zealots.

Getting Kicked off Va’ruun’kai

Should You Restart the Serpent's Crusade in Starfield: Shattered Space?

In this section of the game, selecting the dialogue option that advocates against rule or the destruction of House Va’ruun could lead to severe consequences for the player. Specifically, you might find yourself barred from Dazra, Va’ruun’kai, and expelled from House Va’ruun entirely. Although the quest will be accomplished, you’ll lose access to these areas, with House Va’ruun becoming hostile towards you upon sight.

Should you Restart the Serpent’s Crusade at the End of Shattered Space?

Should You Restart the Serpent's Crusade in Starfield: Shattered Space?

As a devoted fan, I find myself at the pivotal moment in this DLC, where I, the player, am given the power to shape House Va’ruun’s strategy towards the Settled Systems. The High Council, unable to reach a consensus, turns to me for guidance. Two clear paths present themselves: rekindle the Crusade or refrain from doing so. The question remains, which path should I choose? The answer, my friend, lies within our collective wisdom and decision-making skills.

The response can be rephrased as:

The Best Choice for The Scaled Citadel quest

It seems that achieving an optimal result for The Scaled Citadel quest would be when the Serpent’s Crusade isn’t reignited and a House is chosen to elect the new Speaker. In-game lore, Dazra and House Va’ruun are not prepared to engage in war with the entire Settled Systems, and such a conflict would be questionable morally from the get-go. From a gameplay perspective, this outcome offers advantages as well: it spares opinion loss with companions while ensuring access to the Va’ruun Player Home, Va’ruun decorative items, House Va’ruun bounty missions, and all other benefits provided by Dazra. Although some content is forfeited, such as new Serpent’s Crusade events, they are generally insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

After completing the quest, it would be beneficial to hear the thoughts of your allies about its conclusion, as well.

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2024-10-09 19:05