ARCADIA SYSTEM — October 29, 2025 — The Outer Worlds 2, the highly anticipated sci-fi RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, has officially launched, plunging players into the corporate-dystopian Arcadia star system. Among the pivotal main quests that shape the early narrative and test your problem-solving skills is ‘Discrete Mathematics’. This mission sees you tracking down a critical ally of the villainous Augustine de Vries—the archivist Victor Clemens—at the sealed N-Ray Range on the planet Dorado.

This comprehensive guide provides a complete walkthrough for the ‘Discrete Mathematics’ quest, offering both combat-focused routes and the sought-after non-violent resolution that maximizes the RPG’s famed dialogue options. We integrate key High-CPC Keywords from the gaming sector to ensure this guide is an invaluable SEO resource for players seeking definitive information on this complex mission.

Initiating the ‘Discrete Mathematics’ Main Quest

The quest begins in the latter half of the mission, ‘On the Trail of the Traitor’. After gathering preliminary intelligence on de Vries’ associates—specifically Victor Clemens—you will be directed to the Golden Ridge area on Dorado. Once you arrive at the N-Ray Range, the quest transitions into ‘Discrete Mathematics’.

• Location: N-Ray Range, Golden Ridge, Dorado.
• Objective: Locate and confront Victor Clemens, who is operating inside the sealed experimental research lab.
• Preparation: Given the focus on stealth and the need to navigate the N-Ray’s cloaked technology, recruiting the companion Marisol is highly recommended for a potential peaceful outcome, as she provides unique dialogue.

Phase 1: Securing the N-Ray Scanner and Infiltration

The primary hurdle in the N-Ray Range is the cultist enemy cloaking technology, which renders them invisible to the naked eye. To counter this, you must acquire the specialized N-Ray Scanner device.

• Locate the Survivor: Upon entering the facility, you’ll encounter a surviving scientist from the Order of the Ascendant. They will provide the instructions and access necessary to obtain the scanner.
• Retrieve the N-Ray Scanner: Follow the scientist’s directions to the scanner’s location. This tool is crucial for survival, as it reveals cloaked enemies, invisible tripwires, and the electrical wiring used to solve a key puzzle.
• Clearing the Path: With the N-Ray Scanner active, proceed through the facility. Enemies, though now visible, will still be a challenge. Utilize your chosen build optimization—be it a high-damage Tactical Time Dilation build or a stealth approach—to neutralize the threats.

Phase 2: Solving the Sealed Door Circuit Puzzle

A sealed door near the scientist blocks your progress. Unlocking it requires solving a rudimentary Discrete Mathematics puzzle involving a bank of electrical switches. This step offers a prime opportunity for characters with high Engineering or Science skill checks, or for those utilizing the powerful ‘Luck’ perk for an absurd, instant solve.

If you prefer a direct, brute-force solve using the N-Ray Scanner to trace the wiring, here is the correct sequence of switches to select in the electrical room:

• Switch 1: The one in the very bottom right corner.
• Switch 2: The second one to the left on the top row.
• Switch 3: The one in the very bottom left corner.

Note: While you can attempt this without the N-Ray Scanner, the high risk of setting off traps and the loss of the combat advantage makes acquiring the scanner an essential best practice for this challenging RPG sequence.

Phase 3: The Confrontation with Victor Clemens

After navigating the subsequent enemy-and-trap-filled corridors, you will locate Victor Clemens. This is the quest’s climax, offering a stark choice: a violent confrontation or a difficult Speech check-driven negotiation to talk him down.

Path A: The Non-Violent, High-Stat Dialogue Route

To avoid bloodshed and potentially extract more lore information on de Vries’ plans, you must pass a series of escalating dialogue options. This path heavily rewards players who invested in Speech, Persuade, and Inspiration skills.

Key Dialogue Options to Talk Victor Down (Select in Order):

1. “There’s always a choice. Stand down, and nobody needs to get hurt.” (A required, non-skill-based opener.)
2. “I thought you were a scientist, not a martyr. Is this how you want to be remembered?”
3. “You’re here to limit collateral damage. Blowing me up won’t limit anything.” (Requires having found certain in-game documents confirming Victor’s supposed goals, rewarding the player for thorough exploration.)
4. If Marisol is present: When she interjects with unique companion dialogue, select “[Remain silent]”. Allowing your companion to speak is a critical show of trust and often provides an essential temporary buff to your next check.
5. “Even when the ‘perfect’ path is offered to them, people still deviate from it.” (Requires a minimum of 5 points in Speech, or possession of the relevant intel on Victor’s work with the Order.)
6. “I think I finally understand you. You’re afraid to live with what you’ve been doing here.”

Outcome: Victor Clemens will stand down, allowing you to peacefully resolve the quest. This yields the maximum experience points (XP) and often unlocks the best follow-up main quest progression. This is the recommended choice for players prioritizing the game’s rich story-driven RPG elements and player choice freedom.

Path B: The Tactical Combat Resolution

If your character is not built for dialogue, or if you simply prefer the direct approach, engaging Victor in combat is the alternative. Victor will attempt to use a self-destruct mechanism, giving you a small window to incapacitate him.

• Target Prioritization: Focus all your damage on Victor immediately. Use Tactical Time Dilation (TTD) to target his weak spots.
• Weapon Choice: Shock weapons and high-damage unique science weapons are particularly effective against armored targets like Victor.
• Outcome: Victor will be killed, and the threat will be eliminated. While you progress the main story, you will likely lose out on the non-violent XP bonus and miss certain narrative information. The quest will update to reflect his demise: “Victor lies dead. That’s one conspirator down.”

Conclusion: Success in Discrete Mathematics

Regardless of your chosen approach—whether leveraging high Skill checks for a nuanced negotiation or relying on superior combat mechanics—completing ‘Discrete Mathematics’ successfully advances the major storyline in The Outer Worlds 2. This mission is a clear demonstration of Obsidian’s commitment to delivering a truly player-driven experience, where your character’s build and decisions fundamentally alter the narrative outcome and the future of the Arcadia colony.

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