Starfield’s first DLC,Shattered Space, has a much more concrete ending than the base game. WhereStarfieldis intended to be a sort of infinite loop, in which the ending isn’t so much an ending but atransition into New Game Plus,Shattered Spacehas a definitive final moment, an decisive action that players must perform to determine the fate of Va’ruun’kai. However, there’s also a muchgreater element of choice toShattered Space’s finale.
[Warning: This article containsspoilers for the ending of Starfield’sShattered Space DLC.]
ThroughoutShattered Space, the player character is able to speak with a ghostly version of Anasko Va’ruun, one of the House’s early leaders. Investigating the cause of a massive explosion on Va’ruun’kai, which also resulted in the sudden appearance of violent phantoms throughout the galaxy, they make their way into the Scaled Citadel. In this central location to the history of House Va’ruun, the player learns that the explosion and phantoms were caused by an unfinished experiment that would allow House Va’ruun to create super soldiers and use them to take over the galaxy.
What Happens If You Submit To Anasko In Shattered Space?
Anasko asks the player to flip the final switch, reactivating all the systems of the Scaled Citadel and deploying the super soldiers. However, there’s another option available on the terminal: “Emergency Shutdown.“This effectively cuts off life support to all the dormant soldiers, dooming them to death.
Has Starfield Shattered Space DLC Failed To Deliver? Steam Players Seem To Think So
Starfield’s first DLC, Shattered Space, is getting a mixed reception on Steam despite high expectations - but rhere are many potential reasons why.
Naturally, Anasko would prefer that the player character carry out his plan and activate the super soldiers. If they don’t, he flies off the handle, calling the player character weak and a traitor. Otherwise, he thanks them for their efforts and their sacrifice - wait, sacrifice? The first step inAnasko’s plan is to activate the Scaled Citadel’s Gate, transporting the entire Citadel into the Vortex.
This would kill the entirety of Va’ruun’kai - both Anasko’s detested Zealots and the perfectly innocent adherents. The only survivors would be Anasko and his phantom soldiers. Whether they cut off life support or activated the soldiers, the player character is always presented with the same two options:submit to Anasko or kill him.
If they decide to submit to Anasko, it’ll result in an instant game over as the player dies in the jump to the Vortex. The implication here is that Anasko and his phantom soldiers will kill the rest of House Va’ruun, then set their sights on the rest of the galaxy. This could be considered something of a bad ending; while the ultimate fate of Anasko’s crusade is unknown, it’s pretty clear that all of Va’ruun’kai is destroyed, and the player character sacrifices themselves along with it.
What Happens If You Attack Anasko In Shattered Space?
Anasko Becomes Starfield DLC’s Final Boss
If the player character instead decides to fight Anasko, they’ll be treated to a tough battle against his phantom form and his armyof super soldiers. They will, however, manage to defeat him before the Gate completes its jump, and will walk outside to watch as the Scaled Citadel implodes on itself.
Starfield Dev Reveals Why Shattered Space DLC Feels So Familiar To Bethesda Fans
A Starfield developer breaks down why the Shattered Space expansion, and particularly the city of Dazra, feel so familiar for longtime Bethesda fans.
The implication here is thatAnasko has been defeated for good, or at least sealed away for a few more millennia. Va’ruun’kai is safe, at least from that threat, though it still has the Zealots to deal with. However, it can return to internal turmoil as it recedes into total isolation from the rest of the galaxy. However, there’s one last conversation to be had.
Shattered Space’s Second Ending Choice: What Happens If You Leave Va’ruun’kai?
The player character is knocked unconscious in the implosion, and wakes up tothe leaders of Va’ruun’kai’s three Houses fussing over them. In the ensuing conversation, they’ll have an opportunity to explain their final moments with Anasko, and make a decision regarding what comes next. Although they’re loath to believe that Anasko was willing to kill them all, they quickly realize that his defeat means that they’re currently the highest authority on Va’ruun’kai, and must reach a decision regarding what comes next.
The player character can choose between House Veth’aal, House Dul’kehf, or House Ka’dic to become Va’ruun’kai’s next ruling dynasty. They can also, however, choose to leave the planet, declaring thatnone of the Houses are fit to lead, and House Va’ruun is better off dead.
The choice of ruler isn’t particularly impactful; it really only affects a few minor details in the last chapters of the DLC’s campaign.
As soon as they say so,the player character will be expelled from the city of Dazra, and declared an enemy of House Va’ruun. The three Houses will continue their infighting, and the fate of Va’ruun’kai is left unclear as a result. This could also be considered a bad ending, in a way; the player has an opportunity to put an end to House Va’ruun’s conflict, but chooses instead to leave them to their own devices. They don’t miss out on too much content this way, but it’s still a bit of a disappointing fizzle rather than a satisfying conclusion.
Shattered Space’s Second Ending Choice: What Happens If You Start The Serpent Crusade?
Once the player has had an opportunity to declare a new Speaker and explain that Anasko planned to start a second Serpent Crusade,the House Leaders will weigh the option of taking up the mantle themselves. The player character has the last word here, and can choose either to back the Crusade or to announce that they’re against it.
Several companions will dislike this option. Sarah, Sam, and Barrett may threaten to leave if the player starts the Serpent Crusade.
If the player agrees to start the Serpent Crusade, the implication is thatHouse Va’ruun resumes its attacks on the Settled Systemswith renewed vigor. While the ultimate outcome of this war isn’t directly portrayed in-game, it’s presumably pretty ugly, resulting in a wave of death and destruction across the galaxy. The player will still be permitted to return to Va’ruun’kai, and will gain access to a permanent home there whenever they wish to visit.
Shattered Space’s Second Ending Choice: What Happens If You Choose Peace?
Starfield’s DLC Good Ending
If the player instead decides to oppose the Crusade, thenHouse Va’ruun will enter into an age of relative peace. Its adherents will continue to live in isolation and venerate the Great Serpent, but will give up on the dream of taking over the galaxy.
Can You Play Starfield: Shattered Space DLC Without Beating The Base Game?
The Shattered Space DLC for Starfield has just released, and players can access this new expansion almost as soon as they start the game.
This is the DLC’s sole good ending, in whichHouse Va’ruun basically accepts defeat. The player character still remains an official member, and can access their house on Va’ruun’kai just the same.
Unfortunately, beyond the immediate outcome, there are few reverberating effects of the player’s chosenShattered Spaceending throughout the rest of the game. It ultimately comes down to a roleplaying choice, in which players can decide to do whatever makes the most sense for theirStarfieldcharacters.
