Starfield Exhuming the Past quest guide: Puzzle solution and should you remove interlock or exit dam

In the House Hulk’kehf storyline, you’ll explore the abandoned Ma’leen Dam to move along the situation in Darza. Most tasks here will be straightforward until you reach one of the game’s many puzzles. Here’s how to complete the Exhuming the Past quest in Starfield.

How to complete Exhuming the Past quest in Starfield

The beginning stages of Starfield Shattered Space’s Exhuming the Past start out relatively simple. All you need to do is follow the quest waypoints to explore the dam, including grabbing the keycard from Kaviil Fahrzanas and draining the water via the computer. However, you will encounter a Phantom enemy, who must be dealt with a few times. Eliminate them the first time around to begin the Teleportation Experiment.

Exhuming the Past Teleportation Experiment solution

The Teleportation Experiment requires inputting three numbers to access the locked keycard. If you take a look at the Recent Experimental Results on the computer, it’ll show you the number 235. However, you must add 100 to compensate for the low power. Use this information to input 335 and activate the switch afterward.

Pick up the Experiment Keycard to complete the Teleportation Experiment in Starfield Exhuming the Past. You’ll then use the card to unlock a doorway up ahead. Get ready for another fight with the mysterious beings. They’ll be hard to deal with since there’s little room to work with. I find it best to use the long hallway you came from to get better cover.

Divert Power to the Interlock Console

Once defeated, go to the computer and read the file 2259.4.10 in the Research Logs. You must now divert the power to the interlock console in the next room. Cut the pins on the red door while you’re going to the quest point. You can shoot them off or slice them with a weapon like a Cutter.

You’ll come across a few more enemies now, but you can ignore them and just shoot the mechanism nearby.

Should you remove the remaining Interlock or exit the dam in Starfield Exhuming the Past?

Now, a pivotal moment arrives where you must choose between exiting the dam or removing the other interlock. Removing it triggers the bad ending, leaving a nearby village defenseless. Characters like Andreja will not approve of this outcome, so consider this before making your decision.

On the other hand, you can exit the dam to the good ending, but you’ll need to go the long way back by retracing your steps. This also includes battling a few more Phantoms, so it’ll be slightly more challenging than the alternative route. There isn’t necessarily a bad choice, though, since it depends on your playstyle.

If you do choose to remove the interlock, you’ll need to turn on the power first. Look to the left near the switches to discover a doorway. Open it and shoot the mechanism, just like you’ve done before. Now, you can activate the switches and exit out of the elevator. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to access the elevator through the good ending.

No matter what, you’ll gain 12,000 Credits, 20 MM Particle Rockets, and Exterminator Modified Va’ruun Penumbra. If you have yet to satisfy the other areas in the Aligning the Houses Starfield questline, check out our guides on Conflict in Conviction and Zealous Overreach.