Alright, Settled Systems recruit! Are you ready to dive into the heart of the United Colonies and earn your citizenship? You've come to the right place. The UC Vanguard questline is one of the most exciting and rewarding faction stories in all of Starfield, and it will take you on a thrilling journey from a rookie pilot to a decorated hero.
So, how many UC Vanguard missions are there? Let's break it down for you. The main UC Vanguard faction questline consists of a total of 9 core missions. However, there's also a significant, optional mission you can unlock, bringing the total to 10, not including the repeatable radiant missions you can take on from the Vanguard mission board. This guide will walk you through every step of the main questline, from signing up to saving the galaxy.
Step 1: Enlisting in the UC Vanguard - Supra et Ultra
So you're looking to join the most prestigious civilian fleet in the Settled Systems? Excellent. Your journey begins in the gleaming city of New Atlantis.
A. Find Commander Tuala at the MAST Building: Your first objective is to head to the MAST building in New Atlantis on Jemison. You'll likely encounter Commander John Tuala as part of the main story mission, "The Old Neighborhood," but you can also seek him out at any time. He's located behind a desk in the MAST lobby. A simple conversation with him is all it takes to get started.
B. Take the Vanguard Exam: After speaking with Commander Tuala, he'll direct you to the Vanguard Orientation Hall to take your exam. This isn't just a simple test; it's a rite of passage.
Explore the Orientation Hall: Before you even get to the cockpit, you'll enter a museum-like hall detailing the history of the United Colonies and the Colony War. Don't just rush through it! There are ten interactive buttons that provide a wealth of lore about the faction and the Settled Systems. Pressing all of them can even impress Commander Tuala and affect your final score.
Acing the Piloting Simulator: This is the main event. You'll need to defeat at least three waves of enemy ships in the piloting simulator to pass the exam. However, if you want to impress Tuala and earn better rewards, you can continue to fight up to a total of six waves. The higher tiers are significantly more challenging, so be prepared for a real dogfight! Use your boost to evade incoming missiles, and don't be afraid to reduce your speed for sharper turns.
C. Swear the Oath: Once you've completed the exam and spoken to Tuala, you'll officially be sworn in as a provisional UC Vanguard member. Congratulations, recruit! You've earned your first real assignment.
Step 2: Starting Your Probationary Period
After a successful enlistment, you'll be thrust into the heart of the Vanguard's operations. Your first probationary mission is a simple one, but it sets the stage for the epic story to come.
A. Grunt Work: This mission will send you to the Tau Ceti system to deal with a hostile alien creature, your first real encounter with a Terrormorph. You'll meet up with Hadrian on the planet Tau Ceti II and begin to unravel the mystery of these terrifying creatures. Upon completion, you'll be rewarded with a UC Vanguard Spacesuit, Helmet, and Pilot Pack, along with some credits and XP.
B. Delivering Devils: Your investigation into the Terrormorphs continues. This mission requires you to track down and recruit Dr. Percival Walker, an expert on the creatures. You'll have to navigate some tricky situations and clear his debt before you can get his help.
Step 3: Unraveling the Terrormorph Threat
The plot thickens as the Terrormorph threat becomes a galaxy-wide concern. These next missions will put your skills to the test and reveal a deeper conspiracy.
A. Eyewitness: This mission starts off with a seemingly routine meeting with the UC board, but things go wildly wrong when a Terrormorph attacks New Atlantis. You'll be forced to defend the city and witness firsthand the devastating power of these creatures.
B. Friends Like These: With the Terrormorphs now a proven threat, you'll need to gather crucial data on them. This mission involves diplomatic trips to both the Freestar Rangers and House Va'ruun to acquire their archival codes. Your persuasion skills will be key here!
Step 4: A Conspiracy Uncovered
You're no longer just a rookie. You're a key player in a massive investigation. These missions will force you to make some tough choices and confront a hidden truth.
A. The Devils You Know: This is where the story takes a dark and unexpected turn. You will meet the mysterious Vae Victis, a person thought to be long dead. He will become your primary contact as you delve into a secret that could shake the very foundations of the United Colonies.
B. War Relics: Following Vae Victis's lead, you'll track down Hadrian's research team to a derelict ship and bring them back to the Red Devils HQ, uncovering more pieces of the puzzle.
C. Hostile Intelligence: The climax of your investigation. You'll be sent to Londinion to acquire vital Aceles samples to combat the Terrormorphs. This mission is an intense combat gauntlet, so be prepared with your best weapons and armor. You'll need it.
Step 5: Forging a Legacy
You've reached the final decision. The fate of the Settled Systems rests on your shoulders.
A. A Legacy Forged: The final mission of the main questline. You'll return to Vae Victis with your findings from Londinion and be faced with a critical choice: to expose him or not. This decision will have a lasting impact on the United Colonies and your own standing within the faction. Regardless of your choice, you will have a say in how the Terrormorph threat is permanently dealt with, leading to one of two major outcomes.
B. The Optional Mission: Preventative Action: This mission is only unlocked if you choose to lie about Vae Victis's involvement at the end of "A Legacy Forged." It's a short but important mission that gives you a final task to solidify your choice and earn some additional rewards.
Total Missions at a Glance:
9 main quests: Supra et Ultra, Grunt Work, Delivering Devils, Eyewitness, Friends Like These, The Devils You Know, War Relics, Hostile Intelligence, A Legacy Forged.
1 optional quest: Preventive Action (unlocked based on your final choice).
So, in total, you're looking at 9 or 10 missions to complete the core UC Vanguard storyline.
FAQ: How to...
How to join the UC Vanguard? Speak with Commander John Tuala in the MAST building lobby in New Atlantis on the planet Jemison.
How to pass the Vanguard piloting exam? You need to successfully defeat at least three waves of simulated enemy ships in the piloting simulator.
How to get a UC Citizenship? By completing the main UC Vanguard questline, you will be granted Class One UC Citizenship, which gives you several perks, including the ability to purchase a penthouse apartment in New Atlantis.
How to start the ‘Grunt Work’ mission? After completing "Supra et Ultra," you will be given the mission to speak with Crew Chief Hearth in the spaceport, who will then give you your first probationary assignment, "Grunt Work."
How to get the Antixeno armor? During the "Hostile Intelligence" mission, you will be directed to a room with optional gear and supplies. This is where you can pick up the powerful Antixeno armor and the X-989 Microgun.
How to recruit Hadrian as a companion? After completing the "Hostile Intelligence" mission, speak with Commander Tuala and he will give you an activity to talk to Percival at the TMD Headquarters on Mars. After that, you can speak to Hadrian to recruit her as a companion.
How to get the New Atlantis Penthouse apartment? After completing the "A Legacy Forged" mission and earning your citizenship, speak to Commander Tuala again. He will direct you to Zora Sangweni, who will give you the keycard to your new apartment in Mercury Tower.
How to find Commander Tuala in New Atlantis? He is in the lobby of the MAST building, the large, tall building that is a major landmark in New Atlantis.
How to find all the lore in the Orientation Hall? Look for the ten interactive buttons scattered throughout the hall and press each one to learn about different historical events of the United Colonies.
How to deal with Terrormorphs? Terrormorphs are vulnerable to EM-type weapons, so make sure you have a good one on hand. Use your boost pack to stay mobile and create distance, and aim for their weak points.