Magazine Quest in The Outer Worlds 2 Takes Players on a Paradise Island Scavenger Hunt

The Outer Worlds 2 continues the franchise’s tradition of offering players multiple approaches to quests, with options to talk, sneak, hack, or fight through most situations. However, one particular quest stands apart from this formula, sending players on an old-fashioned scavenger hunt across Paradise Island.

“In Pursuit of Purloined Propaganda” tasks players with locating ten issues of Science Adventures Quarterly magazines featuring the adventures of Commander Zane and his sidekick Buddy. While seemingly straightforward compared to the game’s more complex missions, this quest serves a valuable purpose for early-game explorers by encouraging them to discover key locations and fast travel points that will prove useful throughout their adventure.

The quest begins with Redactor Quesnel, who can be found at her home just west of Fairfield. After agreeing to help locate the magazines, players are encouraged to return to her after finding the first issue to receive initial rewards, with additional compensation provided after collecting five and all ten magazines. Rewards include XP, bits (the game’s currency), a Pitchball Card damage upgrade, and ultimately a complete Townie Clothing set.

Each magazine is hidden in a distinct location across Paradise Island, often requiring players to navigate through hostile territory or access buildings through creative means. The first magazine can be found just north of Quesnel’s home, making it an easy initial pickup before venturing farther afield.

Some magazines present additional challenges beyond simple discovery. Issue #9, for instance, is hidden in a building that doubles as a raptidon ambush trap, requiring players to defeat these aggressive creatures before claiming their prize. Another issue sits in a Protectorate-controlled farm, forcing players to either engage with these forces or employ stealth tactics to retrieve it.

The quest’s second half requires crossing the heavily guarded bridge to the Vox Relay area. Players can approach this obstacle in multiple ways—storming the gates alongside Auntie’s Choice forces, negotiating passage with the guard, or finding a way to sneak across. This section effectively demonstrates the game’s commitment to player choice, even within a straightforward collection mission.

Exploration enthusiasts will appreciate how the quest encourages thorough investigation of homes, towers, and fishermen’s huts scattered across the coastline. Many locations contain additional loot and resources for players who take time to search thoroughly. One fisherman’s hut, for example, contains not only a magazine but also an Advanced Decryption Key that can prove useful for future hacking endeavors.

For players focused on progression, the quest unlocks several important fast travel points that significantly reduce travel time for later missions. It also familiarizes players with Paradise Island’s geography, including coastal areas, cliffs accessible via lift (or through platforming for those without sufficient Engineering skill), and remote settlements.

The search for issue #1 takes players to the outskirts of Westport, a significant location they might not otherwise discover until much later in their adventure. Similarly, finding issues #4, #7, and #10 requires navigating through Protectorate territory, potentially introducing players to this faction earlier than the main storyline might.

While “In Pursuit of Purloined Propaganda” may not offer the narrative complexity or multiple solutions typical of other quests in The Outer Worlds 2, it compensates by encouraging exploration and rewarding players with both immediate loot and long-term convenience through fast travel points. The quest demonstrates how Obsidian Entertainment has crafted a world worth exploring beyond the confines of the main storyline, with secrets and resources tucked away in every corner of Paradise Island.

As with many aspects of The Outer Worlds 2, this quest rewards the player philosophy the game repeatedly emphasizes: “Always be Looting.”