Choosing to side with Marisol (Alva) or Proctor Svoboda is one of the biggest story decisions you’ll face early in The Outer Worlds 2. This choice has major consequences—not just for the mission outcome, but for your party lineup and access to future content. Here’s what happens depending on who you side with, what loot you’ll earn, and which path gives you the most long-term rewards.
Should You Side with Alva (Marisol) or Svoboda in The Outer Worlds 2
This is one of the most important decisions you can make in the game to this point.
What Happens if You Side with Proctor Svoboda
If you side with Svoboda, then Marisol (aka Initiate Alva) will attack you, and you’ll be forced to kill her.
You’ll get the following loot from Marisol:
- 1 x Cloak Driver mod
- 13 x Bit Catridge
- 2 x Bypass SHunt
- 2 x Mag-Pick
After that, you’ll talk to Svoboda, and she’ll reveal Marisol’s hideout. It is here where you’ll learn more information about de Varies, which will progress the game. While there isn’t much to be said in Svoboda’s favor, there is a huge negative in killing Marisol (read below).
What Happens if You Side with Marisol (aka Initiate Alva)
If you side with Marisol, then she will confront Svoboda and ultimately shoot and kill her. Then, you’ll read through Svoboda’s computer, which will reveal the location of her hideout.
You’ll get the following loot from Svoboda:
- Advanced Decryption Key
- Designator Burst Assault Rifle
- Plasma Pistol Advanced Energy Mod
- 43 x Modulator Long Rounds
Once this is done, you’ll be able to recruit Marisol as a companion.
What’s the Best Choice?
You’ll want to side with Marisol (aka Alva) because if you do, you can recruit her as a companion. If you do not side with her, then she’ll attack you, and you’ll be forced to kill her. In addition, you’ll unlock Marisol’s companion quests, which provide more content to the game. This means that you’ll never be able to recruit her later in the game. There are no negative side effects from Marisol killing Svoboda.
This decision is just one of many in The Outer Worlds 2, where your choices have real weight. For more companion guides, quest outcomes, and faction breakdowns, like How to Hide Your Helmet in The Outer Worlds 2, be sure to check out our full The Outer Worlds 2 hub.
