So, you want to get your hands on the Vanguard Obliterator Autoprojector, a truly exceptional piece of ship-mounted weaponry in the game Starfield? You've come to the right place. This isn't just about finding a weapon; it's about unlocking a significant advantage in space combat. Let's get you on the path to obliterating your enemies!
Are you ready to join the elite ranks of the United Colonies Vanguard and unleash this devastating particle beam on your foes? Let's dive in.
Step 1: Join the UC Vanguard
This is the absolute first and most crucial step. The Vanguard Obliterator Autoprojector isn't just a random drop or a weapon you can buy anywhere. It's a perk of joining the United Colonies Vanguard faction.
Travel to New Atlantis: Your journey begins in the bustling capital of the United Colonies, New Atlantis, located on the planet Jemison in the Alpha Centauri system.
Find the MAST Building: Once you're in New Atlantis, head to the MAST district. You can't miss the massive, imposing building. It's a landmark.
Locate the Vanguard Recruitment Desk: Inside the MAST building, as you enter, look to your left. You'll see a desk specifically for Vanguard recruitment.
Speak to the Recruiter: Talk to the NPC at the desk and express your interest in joining the Vanguard. They will initiate the recruitment process. This will start the first quest in the UC Vanguard questline, titled "Supra Et Ultra".
Step 2: Complete the "Grunt Work" Quest
To fully unlock the ability to purchase Vanguard gear, you need to prove your worth. This is where the "Grunt Work" quest comes in.
Undergo the Flight Simulator: As part of your initiation, you'll need to complete a flight simulator test. Don't worry, it's not too difficult, but it's a great way to hone your piloting skills. You'll face waves of simulated enemy ships.
Show them what you're made of: The test has different levels of difficulty. The better you perform, the more impressed the Vanguard will be. Make sure you complete it to the end.
Get Sworn In: After you've completed the required training and tasks, you'll be officially sworn into the UC Vanguard. This is a significant moment!
Step 3: Purchase the Vanguard Obliterator Autoprojector
Congratulations, you are now a full-fledged member of the UC Vanguard! This is where you get your reward.
Find a Ship Services Technician: The Vanguard Obliterator Autoprojector is a ship module, not a personal weapon. You need to go to a Ship Services Technician to purchase and install it. These technicians can be found at all major spaceports and cities, such as New Atlantis, Akila City, and Neon.
Enter the Ship Builder Menu: Talk to the technician and select the option to "View and Modify My Ships." From there, enter the "Ship Builder" menu.
Navigate to the Weapons Tab: In the Ship Builder, you'll see a list of available parts. Scroll to the "Weapons" tab.
Find and Purchase the Autoprojector: You will now see the Vanguard Obliterator Autoprojector available for purchase. It is a Class A particle beam weapon. It's relatively inexpensive for its power, typically costing around 11,280 credits.
Install it on your ship: Select the weapon and place it on your ship's hardpoints. Remember that it has a max power requirement of 2, which is incredibly low for such a powerful weapon. This means you can stack multiple Autoprojectors on your ship, making it a true powerhouse.
Sub-heading: Why the Vanguard Obliterator is a Game-Changer
This isn't just any weapon. It's considered by many to be one of the best ship weapons in the game for several reasons:
Dual Damage Type: It deals equal damage to both shields and hull, making it incredibly versatile. You don't have to switch between laser and ballistic weapons to take down ships.
High Fire Rate: With a fire rate of 6.65, it can unleash a torrent of particle beams, rapidly stripping shields and destroying hulls.
Low Power Requirement: As a Class A weapon with a max power of 2, you can fit many of them on your ship, even with a low-tier reactor, allowing you to maximize your ship's DPS early in the game.
Excellent Range: With a range of 3000, you can engage enemies from a safe distance.
Step 4: Stack them for maximum damage!
This is the real secret to turning your ship into a space-faring death machine. Since the Vanguard Obliterator Autoprojector only requires 2 power per gun, you can equip multiple of them.
Upgrade your reactor (if needed): While you can use them with a basic reactor, a better reactor will allow you to power more weapons simultaneously.
Equip up to six: If your ship has enough hardpoints and your reactor has enough power, you can equip up to six of these. This will give you an absurd amount of sustained DPS.
Assign them to a weapon group: In the Ship Builder, you can assign your weapons to different groups. Put all of your Vanguard Obliterators on a single group so you can unleash all of their fury with one button press.
Now, go out there and show those pirates and spacers what a Vanguard pilot with a fully-equipped ship can do!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to join the UC Vanguard?
To join the UC Vanguard, travel to the MAST district in New Atlantis on Jemison and speak to the recruiter at the Vanguard desk in the MAST building.
How to start the "Grunt Work" quest?
The "Grunt Work" quest is the initial quest you receive after signing up for the Vanguard at the recruitment desk in the MAST building.
How to find a Ship Services Technician?
Ship Services Technicians are found at spaceports in major cities like New Atlantis, Akila City, and Neon, as well as at your own ship landing pad at your outpost.
How to use the Ship Builder?
Speak to a Ship Services Technician, select the option to "View and Modify My Ships," and then enter the "Ship Builder" menu.
How to assign weapons to a group?
In the Ship Builder menu, when you place a weapon on your ship, you can assign it to one of your weapon groups (WEP 0, WEP 1, or WEP 2) by cycling through the options.
How to get more power for my ship's weapons?
You can increase the power available for your ship by upgrading your reactor in the Ship Builder menu. A higher-class reactor provides more power.
How to install multiple weapons on my ship?
You can install multiple weapons as long as your ship has enough hardpoints and your reactor can provide enough power. The Vanguard Obliterator is great for this due to its low power cost.
How to use the Vanguard Obliterator effectively in combat?
Since the Vanguard Obliterator damages both shields and hull, it's a great primary weapon. You can pair it with missiles or EM weapons for a more versatile loadout, but stacking several Autoprojectors is a highly effective strategy on its own.
How to upgrade my ship's parts?
In the Ship Builder, you can select any part of your ship and choose to replace it with a better one, provided you have the required credits and character level.
How to get more ship credits to buy the weapon?
You can earn credits by completing quests, selling loot, and engaging in trade. Running missions from the mission boards is a reliable way to accumulate credits quickly.