Starfield Absolute Power: Should You Blame Breyson Bayu, Estelle Vincent, or Yourself for the Virus

How to Start Absolute Power in Starfield

This quest is part of the Crimson Fleet Faction questline, and is the sixth mission you do for them. You’ll get this quest after doing The Best There Is mission. Naeva will tell you to head for Volii Alpha of the Volii System to meet with a mysterious contact named Bayu.

The rewards for this quest include credits, experience, and a conduction ship module.

What Happens When You Blame Yourself for the Virus in Starfield?

Although surprised to learn it was you, Benjamin will believe that your Starfield character was the one who created the virus. As a consequence of learning this, Benjamin shares with you that the authorities on Neon are about to discover your prints on the body of a dead person somewhere in the city. When that happens, a sizeable bounty is placed on your character’s head, and you’ll need to leave the city. This is something you’ll have to clear outside of the mission, and it could be problematic if your character is not equipped to deal with Bounty Hunters.

What Happens When You Blame Breyson Bayu for the Virus in Starfield?

If you reveal to Benjamin that it was his brother, Breyson, he’ll be surprised. He always took his brother as a coward, and never expected this turn from him. Benjamin promises to deal with his brother quickly, allowing your Starfield character to leave the city. Because you’re working with the Crimson Fleet, this might be the best outcome, as your character can walk away free, and Estelle is never brought up whatsoever.

This was not a choice I made, though. Despite it being much easier for my character, I felt that it was easier for me to endure the consequences of accepting blame for the virus and handling the aftermath following the mission’s conclusion.

What Happens When You Blame Estelle Vincent for The Virus in Starfield?

If you reveal that Estelle Vincent was behind the virus, Benjamin is surprised your character was willing to give up one of the Crimson Fleet for this. Regardless, he promises to deal with her, saying she won’t join us for the rest of her life, likely killing her. You’re free to go and can return to The Key after this conversation.

Who Is the Best Choice to Blame for the Virus in Starfield?

Of the three outcomes, having your Starfield character accept the blame for the virus is the best outcome. Although they endure the hardest punishment, it’s much lighter than if Breyson or Estelle are blamed for this outcome. Breyson and Estelle are likely the worst choices, but if you want to keep everything away from the Crimson Fleet, blaming Breyson is also a good choice.

The Crimson Fleet Faction questline is full of missions that’ll keep the space pirate in you alive. Check out our guide on how to join the Crimson Fleet.

About the author

Zack Palm

Zack Palm is the Senior Writer of Gamepur and has spent over five years covering video games, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Oregon State University. He spends his free time biking, running tabletop campaigns, and listening to heavy metal. His primary game beats are Pokémon Go, Destiny 2, Final Fantasy XIV, and any newly released title, and he finds it difficult to pull away from any Star Wars game.