Ditch those misleading guides that claim you need Expert Stealth to successfully complete the Sabotage mission in Starfield. I managed to do it with basic stealth skills and without triggering any alarms. It’s definitely challenging and may take you several tries, but there’s a simple solution that involves using manipulation only a few times. Let’s dive into the details.
How to Stealth Through the Sabotage Mission in Starfield Without Getting Caught
Before embarking on this mission, ensure that you meet the following conditions, otherwise, success without getting caught will be impossible:
- Have at least one booster skill
- Be at least level 12
- Possess at least Expert Skill in lockpicking
- Acquire at least one sneaking skill
- Hold at least three digipicks
- No companion should be following you actively
If you lack the necessary skills, don’t worry! You can always leave and return later before entering the building to stock up on what you need.
Should You Use a Fake Identity or Take the Roof Access in the Sabotage Mission?
When the mission commences, you’ll be presented with two options: either use a fake identity or take the roof access. Choose the fake identity option, which allows you to gain entry into the building. Once inside, you’ll be asked to sit and wait while the secretary goes to another room. Take advantage of this opportunity by heading towards the nearby elevator and making your way to the roof access. Avoid the alternative path, as it leads to fatal consequences. To maintain stealth, proceed through the roof access.
Upon exiting the elevator, take a right and open the vent to spot a guard positioned above a fan. Use manipulation to instruct the guard to turn off the fan. Keep in mind that your character must be at least level 12 to successfully manipulate the guard, as the ability will fail if the enemy’s level is lower. Once the fan is off, make a leap down. Be aware that this point marks the “no return” stage. Take a short walk to reach the nearby computer indicated by the mission marker. On the computer, select the following options: Critical Systems Heating [!] Activate System Yes. This action will trigger the evacuation of everyone in the vicinity. Proceed to the adjacent room on your right and navigate through the vent. Prepare to make your way through the vents for the rest of the mission.
How to Reach Lucas’ Computer in Sabotage Without Being Caught
As you progress through the subsequent floors, avoid rushing and maintain a speed of approximately 75% to enhance your stealth. Be vigilant about your stealth meter since enemy detection in Starfield isn’t entirely reliable. By employing these safety measures, you’ll minimize the risk of being discovered. Follow the path of the lights until you reach the mission marker. Position yourself in front of the door and wait for the guard to move away from it. When the coast is clear, drop down and pick the lock. Enter the room and swiftly close the door behind you. This will allow you to move freely without worrying about being spotted. Locate Lucas’ computer and hack into it using a digipick. Select the Overseer Program option. With this part completed, move next to the door, keeping an eye on the guard. Using a booster pack, you can either attempt to ascend the lights following the opposite path and multiple vents to reach the bottom floor or opt for a more efficient trick. Leave the room once the guard walks away and immediately turn left. A railing will come into view. Jump over it and land on the lights suspended from the ceiling on the floor below. This shortcut will save you a significant amount of time and effort.
How to Reach R&D in the Starfield Sabotage Mission
Now, head toward the vent situated ahead of you. You can either manipulate the guard below, which is easier at lower levels, or stick to the right side railing. By moving slowly, you can avoid drawing attention. Be cautious not to move too quickly, as nearby guards will be alerted. Once you navigate through the vent, continue descending to the lower floors. Eventually, you’ll encounter a vent leading to a bathroom. Jump down from the vent. However, before opening the door, make a quicksave since the guard may be looking directly at you. The safest approach is to wait until the guard leaves, then proceed into the nearby meeting room. Stay there until you spot another guard walking down the hallway in front of you. Seize the opportunity to swiftly traverse the hallway on the left side of the bathroom. Enter the room and wait for the guard to pass once more. From there, make your way to the cafeteria. Use manipulation on the guard to redirect their attention while you enter the storage room located at the far end. Re-enter the vent and continue to the next vent exit. This section is relatively straightforward compared to the rest of the mission. Follow the lights suspended from the ceiling until you reach the next vent. Although this path may be slow, it is remarkably easy since no one ever looks up. Upon reaching the vent, either manipulate the guard to make them leave or wait for them to look away. Personally, I chose to wait until the guard walked away, and the wait wasn’t extensive. Once the guard is no longer present, enter the vent. Congratulations, you have now entered the elevator shaft in R&D, which is the most challenging part of the entire mission. Remember to perform a regular save and a quicksave before proceeding.
How to Access R&D in the Sabotage Mission
If you encounter a bug that places a guard directly in front of the vent, don’t panic. Simply proceed to the end of the hallway and jump up to boost yourself onto the platform above. Alternatively, if the guard isn’t present, wait for the opportune moment when they aren’t looking, jump from the vent, and boost yourself. By hugging the wall afterward, you will remain undetected. However, if the bug isn’t an issue, head towards the expansive room and wait until the guard faces away before leaping to the other platform on the opposite side. Continue following the path until you come across another vent. Follow it until you reach the bathroom. This route is the simplest, so I hope you won’t encounter any further complications.