In the expansive universe of Starfield, one of the most intriguing decisions players face revolves around the choice between deploying the Aceles or using the Microbe solution during the late stages of the A Legacy Forged quest. This pivotal moment carries major consequences for the outcome of the story, the future of the Terrormorph threat, and your relationship with major factions such as the United Colonies. Deciding whether to use Aceles or Microbes requires a good understanding of both options, including their ethical implications, tactical advantages, and long-term effects on the game world. For those navigating this branching path, knowing the details can lead to a more satisfying and informed choice.
Understanding the Terrormorph Threat
What Are Terrormorphs?
Terrormorphs are among the most dangerous creatures in Starfield. They are aggressive, highly intelligent, and capable of devastating entire colonies. As part of the main questline and particularly during the United Colonies’ missions, you learn that the Terrormorphs are a product of biological manipulation gone wrong an unintended side effect of experimentation during the Colony War era.
Because of their resilience and reproductive nature, standard weaponry and security measures are not enough to contain them. This has led to the exploration of unconventional solutions, such as the introduction of Aceles or engineered Microbes, to control or eliminate them entirely.
The Aceles Option
What Is an Aceles?
The Aceles is a genetically engineered predator designed specifically to hunt and kill Terrormorphs. First created by researchers who anticipated the Terrormorph threat decades earlier, the Aceles represents a natural and self-sustaining method of biocontrol. Once released into the environment, it seeks out and eliminates Terrormorphs with high efficiency.
Advantages of Using Aceles
- Environmentally Balanced: The Aceles behaves like a natural predator, minimizing the risk of collateral ecological damage.
- Long-Term Solution: Once released, Aceles populations can persist and continue to suppress Terrormorph outbreaks.
- Ethical Choice: Many NPCs in the game regard the Aceles as a less controversial and more ‘natural’ response to the problem.
Drawbacks of the Aceles
- Time-Consuming Deployment: Breeding and deploying Aceles takes time, meaning it is not a quick fix to the problem.
- Not a Guaranteed Eradication: Aceles may control the threat but not eliminate it entirely.
The Microbe Solution
What Are the Engineered Microbes?
The Microbe solution is a form of synthetic biology, where scientists engineer microorganisms that infect and destroy Terrormorphs at a cellular level. This is a high-tech, precise method that offers the promise of complete eradication of the species within a relatively short time.
Advantages of Using Microbes
- Fast Results: The engineered Microbes work quickly and can wipe out Terrormorph infestations in a matter of weeks.
- Scientific Precision: They are specifically tailored to affect only the Terrormorphs, minimizing the risk of unintended damage.
- Clean Eradication: This method offers a high probability of permanently ending the threat without relying on an ecosystem predator.
Drawbacks of the Microbe Method
- Ethical Concerns: Creating and releasing synthetic organisms can have unknown long-term consequences. Some characters in Starfield view this as playing god.
- Dependency on Technology: If future threats arise, there’s a possibility that existing Microbes may not be effective, unlike a naturally evolving predator like the Aceles.
Which Choice Is Better?
Story and Faction Impact
Both choices have consequences for your character’s story progression and how factions perceive your actions. Choosing the Aceles often earns you favor with characters who value ecological harmony or take a more conservative approach to science. On the other hand, supporting the Microbes may impress scientific leaders or military officials who prioritize results and efficiency over long-term ecological concerns.
It’s worth noting that the game doesn’t label one choice as clearly good or bad, but each decision comes with a different narrative tone and dialogue outcomes. Depending on your roleplay style, you may find one more aligned with your character’s ethics.
Gameplay Consequences
From a gameplay standpoint, the choice doesn’t significantly alter your combat experience post-decision, as the Terrormorph threat is mostly resolved either way. However, small dialogue changes, reputation adjustments, and possible journal entries help reinforce your decision’s weight. If you’re pursuing 100% completion or story depth, both options are worth exploring through multiple playthroughs.
Tips Before Making Your Decision
Review Available Lore
Throughout the United Colonies storyline, there are terminals, notes, and NPC dialogue that provide background on both the Aceles and the Microbe approach. Take the time to read through these to fully understand the science and philosophy behind each method.
Talk to Experts in the Game
Different NPCs will give you varying perspectives on the choice. Listen to both sides military leaders, scientists, and civilians all have something to say. Some might raise concerns you hadn’t considered, such as the risk of Microbes mutating or Aceles upsetting the food chain.
Consider Roleplay Elements
- If your character is a scientist or explorer, the Microbe solution might feel more aligned with your gameplay narrative.
- If you see yourself as a protector of natural balance, the Aceles might seem like a more responsible and sustainable option.
Replay Value and Narrative Depth
Starfield excels in allowing players to shape the galaxy through meaningful decisions, and the Aceles vs. Microbe dilemma is a great example. Players interested in experiencing the full scope of the game’s moral complexity will find value in replaying the quest and choosing the alternate option. Each decision brings out different world reactions, character development moments, and philosophical questions about science, control, and responsibility.
Choosing between the Aceles and the Microbe solution in Starfield is more than just a tactical decision it’s a reflection of your values, your understanding of science and nature, and your willingness to act boldly or conservatively in the face of extinction-level threats. Whether you value a quick and decisive resolution or a balanced and enduring one, both paths offer rich storytelling opportunities. Ultimately, neither choice is perfect, but both are impactful, shaping not just your character’s journey, but the fate of entire worlds within the Starfield universe.