The Devils You Know is one of the most compelling faction missions in Starfield, taking players deeper into the political intrigue of the United Colonies Vanguard storyline. Serving as the sixth mission in this questline, it introduces critical lore revelations and presents players with key tactical choices. Understanding how to navigate these decisions ensures a smooth playthrough while maximizing your rewards and quest progression.
Meeting Vae Victis in Subsection Seven
The mission begins when players are instructed to travel to MAST in New Atlantis and access the hidden area known as Subsection Seven. Here, you meet François Sanon, also known as Vae Victis, a former UC admiral who was presumed dead by the public. He offers vital information to assist your investigation into the Terrormorph threat, but only if you complete a task for him first.
Vae Victis directs you to locate Reginald Orlase, a rogue weapons scientist hiding aboard a ship named The Warlock. This unexpected encounter sets the stage for a stealthy or combative operation in distant space. Players must prepare their ship for potential starfighter engagement before setting course for the target.
Confronting The Warlock and Reginald Orlase
Upon arriving at the designated coordinates, players locate The Warlock drifting in a dangerous debris field. At this point, you are given two main tactical approaches to resolve the encounter with Reginald Orlase. You can choose to destroy the ship outright in space combat or disable its engines to board the vessel directly.
If you choose to disable the engines and board the ship, you can try to confront Orlase face-to-face. However, Orlase locks himself in the cockpit and ends his own life before he can be arrested. Regardless of whether you destroy the ship or board it, you must collect Orlase's UC ID card from the debris or his body as evidence.
Delivering the Evidence and Story Outcomes
After securing the evidence, return to Subsection Seven in New Atlantis to transfer the ID card to Vae Victis. Satisfied with the outcome, he fulfills his part of the bargain by revealing key information regarding the location of Kaiser, a specialized robot needed for Hadrian's research team. This unlocks the next major mission in the UC Vanguard arc, titled War Relics.
Completing this mission awards valuable experience points, credits, and advances your standing within the UC Vanguard. Because Orlase cannot be brought back alive, the core story outcome remains stable regardless of your combat method. This makes the choice primarily about personal playstyle, whether you prefer dogfighting in space or exploring ship interiors.
