Should you choose Security Ops or Central Dispatch in The Outer Worlds 2?

Choosing between the Security Ops or Central Dispatch routes during the “A Cause Worth Killing For” quest in The Outer Worlds 2 is one of the first tough decisions you’ll have to make. Although there’s a narrative explanation for the two routes, they also exist for you to learn more about the playstyle that you would like to employ while playing.

As choices tend to matter in Obsidian games, making a choice is never as simple as it seems.

Below, we explain if you should pick the Security Ops or the Central Dispatch route in The Outer Worlds 2, and what you will see in each one of them.

Should you choose Security Ops or Central Dispatch in The Outer Worlds 2?

When asked by Helen Pascal if you want to head to the Security Ops side or the Central Dispatch side, there are no wrong answers. Both paths will lead you to the exact same location. The difference lies in the mechanics and rooms you visit in each one. Regardless of the route you choose, it won’t affect future events in the game.

On the Security Ops route, you’ll learn how to sneak behind enemies and kill them without calling attention, as well as how to employ other stealth tactics. On the other hand, the Central Dispatch route puts you in direct confrontation with the enemy.

Security Ops route

On the Security Ops route, you will learn how stealth works in The Outer Worlds 2 and how to perform sneak attacks. The first thing you must do is to grab the Security Operations Maintenance Access map and Security Ops Maintenance Key in the initial room. Use the key to open the tunnel and drop into the next area.

In the first room, you want to crouch your way through the room and avoid being seen by the Protectorate Wasp. Following this segment, you need to get a knife in the location indicated by the game and use a sneak attack to kill the Protectorate Neophyte.

Graphic: Paulo Kawanishi/Polygon | Source images: Obsidian Entertainment/Xbox Game Studios

After your first sneak attack, you will find a room that is accessible through the main door, but since you chose the stealthy route, you’ll instead climb the platforms on the right side. Jump behind the closest trooper, take them out, and clear the room to move on.

Graphic: Paulo Kawanishi/Polygon | Source images: Obsidian Entertainment/Xbox Game Studios

Before the final room, you’ll learn how to use distraction devices, which you can throw to attract the enemy’s attention, giving you time to perform a sneak attack. Climb the platforms and kill the patrolling trooper first, then the second one on the terminal. Now, you just need to use the main door to leave the building and continue the quest.

Central Dispatch route

Image: Obsidian Entertainment/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

This route is more straightforward, focusing on teaching you to use the Tactical Time Dilation gadget and killing all the enemies you find. Right in the first area, there are two troopers and an automech worker. Clear the area and enter the main building.

Graphic: Paulo Kawanishi/Polygon | Source images: Obsidian Entertainment/Xbox Game Studios

In the second room inside the building, there are tall mainframes and a few metal cabinets. Check the latter to find the Transformer Manual, which you need to sabotage the transformer in this room. From this point on, you just need to deal with the troopers that appear in each room. There are some items to collect and terminals to read, but they aren’t mandatory to finish the quest.

For more help on your Arcadia adventure, check out our Outer Worlds 2 beginner guide and recommendations for the best skills and best perks. Don’t forget to grab your double jump while you’re still on Paradise Island, between helping Milverstreet or Kaur and getting into the Fairfield armory. And speaking of Eden, our guide for how to handle the final Vox Relay Station choice explains the outcomes of your actions and how to get around harming anyone.