Starfield's Aurora: Unleash Your Inner 'Breaking Bad' with Epic Gameplay

Highlights

Starfield's incorporation of mind-altering substances, such as the blue-tinted psychotropic Aurora, adds an immersive element similar to the Fallout series' chems.

The side quests in Starfield that revolve around Aurora production and distribution offer players captivating diversions from the main storyline, immersing them in a Breaking Bad-inspired fantasy adventure.

To embark on these quests, players have two primary options: either by fulfilling quests within the vibrant city of Neon or by intentionally crossing paths with the law and opting to infiltrate the notorious Crimson Fleet. Engaging in these quests presents players with chances for monetary gain and involvement in illicit activities.

Many players have already spent significant time exploring the incredibly immersive world of Starfield, thanks to the review copies and early access period. In the lead-up to the game's release, details were revealed about Starfield's incorporation of mind-altering substances, reminiscent of the Fallout series' use of chems that affect the mind and body. One of the prominent substances in Starfield is the mysterious Aurora, which has a blue-tinted psychotropic effect. This substance is the focus of several side quests that involve its production and distribution. These side quests not only provide enjoyable distractions from the game's main story, but also allow players to experience a fantasy akin to Breaking Bad, the Emmy-winning television drama. Breaking Bad follows the story of a chemistry teacher, Walter White, who undergoes a tragic transformation into a criminal mastermind known as Heisenberg, as he builds a methamphetamine empire. The show highlights the conflicts between Walter's criminal empire and his original goal of providing for his family, showcasing the manufacturing process of their distinctive "Blue Sky" meth, along with the intense shootouts and violence associated with the criminal world. Interestingly, Starfield's Aurora shares a similar blue hue to Breaking Bad's iconic contraband, and its side quests encompass the full range of activities undertaken by the show's main characters, Walt and Jesse, throughout the series.

How Players Can Trigger Aurora-Related Quests in Starfield

Interestingly, there are multiple paths that players can take to become part of an Aurora-fueled criminal organization. In Breaking Bad, Walter's journey begins when he accompanies his DEA Agent brother-in-law and discovers a former student who is involved in methamphetamine production. In Starfield, players have two main avenues to get involved with Aurora. One way is by heading to Neon, a prominent city in the game, and completing a series of quests given by a resident named Neshar. These quests eventually lead players to the Xenofresh labs, where they can craft Aurora while wearing a familiar yellow hazmat suit.

The second, less obvious way to get involved with Aurora in Starfield is to run into trouble with the law. There are various ways to do this, but one common scenario involves being caught in a UC scan with contraband on the player's ship. Once caught, players will be interrogated by UC SysDef Commander Kibwe Ikabe. Instead of being thrown in jail, Kibwe offers players a choice to go undercover and infiltrate the Crimson Fleet. However, players can also choose to disregard the UC's mission and join the Crimson Fleet, completing faction quests for the organization. This leads to a life of piracy and crime across the galaxy, including selling and distributing Aurora.

Production and Sale of Aurora in Starfield Runs the 'Breaking Bad' Gamut

Players have the freedom to choose between two major side quest options, both offering ample chances to profit from Aurora production and sales. It is entirely possible for players to focus on crafting their own Breaking Bad-style narrative in Neon, a path that can be pursued right after completing the opening quest and gaining control of the Foundation spaceship. This means players can ignore the main quest and instead dedicate themselves to assisting in the creation of Aurora in Xenofresh labs and establishing a life in Neon.

Alternatively, players can steadily climb the ranks of the criminal underworld by joining the Crimson Fleet. While this route doesn't involve Aurora production, it provides numerous opportunities to engage in criminal activities related to its sale. Regardless of the chosen path, Starfield's immersive world offers plenty of opportunities for players to engage in emergent storytelling, with two distinct avenues that allow them to become the dominant force.

Starfield is available now in early access launch for PC and Xbox Series X/S.