Scaled Citadel quest
Screenshot by Destructoid

Should you release the Phantoms or terminate life support in Starfield The Scaled Citadel?

What will become of House Va'ruun?

The Shattered Space DLC is reaching its climax as you prepare for your final stand in The Scaled Citadel quest. This is a moment of great significance, as the storyline presents a few pivotal decisions that could alter the fate of House Va’ruun forever.

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We’re here to guide you through this choice by explaining if you should free the Phantoms or terminate the life support in Starfield The Scaled Citadel. Be warned there are major spoilers ahead, including details about its endgame.

Starfield The Scaled Citadel Phantoms or life support decision, explained

During the Scaled Citadel quest, Anasko Va’ruun unveils his nefarious plans to instigate a war using the Phantoms. He argues that all outsiders have turned against his people, so why not gain the upper hand with some violence? This leaves us with a decision: to free the Phantoms and spark a war or terminate their lives to prevent bloodshed. I’ve tested out both situations, and there isn’t a consequence on either one, as they both share the same result.

Anasko in Starfield
Screenshot by Destructoid

Even if you agree with Anasko initially, you will always find yourself in opposition to him. I attempted to align with his plan to see the outcome, but the game consistently guided me to battle against him. This even includes sacrificing your character for the cause, only to be returned to a point before your demise. All things considered, it’s advisable to terminate the life support, as you will inevitably oppose Anasko no matter what.

The battle against him will be pretty hectic, where he’ll use Zealots and Phantoms to his advantage. But the main goal here is to overload the Vortex gate by activating switches and shooting the mechanisms (like you’ve probably done in other missions).

If you’re looking for a way out afterward, there will be a rift at the bottom of all the chaos. Jump down to exit through the underground duct. However, the Phantom and Life Support Choice isn’t the only decision in the Starfield Sacred Citadel quest. In fact, there are two more that will heavily impact House Va’Ruun. So, read on to see what’s next.

Escaping the Scaled Citadel in Starfield
Screenshot by Destructoid

Which House should you choose to be the Speaker of Va’ruun in Starfield The Scaled Citadel?

The first decision presents the following choices that will determine the House’s new Speaker:

  • House Veth’aal
  • House Dul’kehf
  • House Ka’dic
  • No one
  • Yourself

There are no wrong choices when selecting a House, as it more so fits your preferences. No one will be angry with this decision, so if you like a specific faction more than the other, by all means, go for it. If you name yourself as Speaker, they’ll dismiss this choice and have you try another one after.

The Scaled Citadel house decision
Screenshot by Destructoid

The only option I would probably avoid is the one where you don’t think anyone can rule. House Va’Ruun despises this route and will attack you on sight if you ever return to Darza. Of course, those on an evil pathway can choose this option, but keep in mind that every side mission here will no longer be available.

Should you start the Serpent’s Crusade or keep things peaceful in Starfield The Scaled Citadel?

With the last Scaled Citadel decision, you can either continue Anasko’s plan to wage war with the Serpent’s Crusade or keep things as is. The choice of the Serpent’s Crusade won’t sit well with everyone in your party. Almost every character will be angry at you, and several heated discussions will ensue.

The peaceful route is more or less a good ending, as no one will be upset with this decision. I would say this is the best route, just to keep everyone happy, but you can choose Serpent’s Crusade if you like some mayhem.

Serpents Crusade decision
Screenshot by Destructoid

Whether you’ve started the crusade or kept things peaceful, you’ll receive the same rewards. To give you a sneak peek, it includes 12,000 Credits, Va’ruun-style buildings for Outposts, and a Vacant House Key. Use the key to uncover a new home in Darza and get settled in with your new life.


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Author
Image of Kristina Ebanez
Kristina Ebanez
Staff Writer - Kristina has been a video game lover ever since she saw Solid Snake get under that cardboard box in Metal Gear Solid. She continues to show off her love for gaming and has been writing about it for more than two years. Aside from the Metal Gear Solid series, she enjoys playing The Sims, Call of Duty, Disney Dreamlight Valley, Horizon Forbidden West, Minecraft, and many more.