The Outer Worlds 2 has a bunch of different choices to make as you work your way through the main storyline and side quests. The ‘Pinching the Pupa’ side quest in Golden Ridge requires you to track down a rare Mantisaur Pupa and return it to Fort Endurance to either Biologist Bradford, or the rather suspect Trooper Wentworth. But what happens if you choose each decision in The Outer Worlds 2? Here’s what you need to know.
What Happens If You Give the Pupa to Wentworth in The Outer Worlds 2?
If you give the pupa to Wentworth, a group of Mantisaurs will have followed you back to Fort Endurance from where you took it and you’ll need to fight them off. Once this is taken care of, Wotjek the Mantisaur will just eat the pupa, completely ruining Wentworth’s entire argument and revealing him as the fraud that he is.
Despite this failing, you’ll still get Cleo’s The Hunt Shotgun, the XP for completing the quest, 1,500 Bits, and +1 reputation with Auntie’s Choice.
What Happens If You Give the Pupa to Bradford in The Outer Worlds 2?
By giving the pupa to Bradford, she’ll thank you for making the right decision for science, but you’ll also need to take care of the wave of Mantisaurs that have followed you back to Fort Endurance. Everyone will get involved in defending the fort, so this isn’t too difficult a fight to deal with.
For putting an end to Bradford’s silly little game, you’ll receive Cleo’s The Hunt Shotgun, XP, 1,500 Bits, and +3 reputation with Auntie’s Choice.
In terms of the wider world and storyline, this quest doesn’t appear to have any impact. However, if you’re roleplaying a little bit, a lawful good would probably give the pupa to Bradford.
Who Should You Give the Pupa to in The Outer Worlds 2?
Unless you just want to indulge someone who’s clearly trying to do something sneaky to claim power, you’ll want to give the pupa to Biologist Bradford.
That’s because, regardless of who you give the pupa to, you’ll always end up getting Cleo’s The Hunt shotgun, XP, and bits, but you’ll get more reputation with Auntie’s Choice if you make the right decision and give the pupa to Bradford. If you’re planning to go against Auntie’s Choice, then this won’t matter as much, but if you’re undecided, it’s best to keep them sweet and rank up as much reputation with them as you can.
- Released
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October 29, 2025
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Strong Language
- Publisher(s)
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Xbox Game Studios
