How to Solve the Observatory Puzzle in The Outer Worlds 2

From the developers behind Grounded 2, The Outer Worlds 2 Observatory puzzle is one of those rare brain teasers that go beyond the usual skill checks. Found inside the Observatory of Golden Ridge, the Observatory riddle in The Outer Worlds 2 challenges players to think logically rather than just rely on stats. Much like our puzzle guides for games like Ghost of Yotei, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re stuck trying to figure it out, here’s a complete guide on how to solve the Observatory riddle in The Outer Worlds 2 — including the correct dial code and the rewards waiting at the end.

Where to Find The Outer Worlds 2 Observatory Puzzle

You’ll come across The Outer Worlds 2 Observatory near the end of the Golden Ridge questline. After completing the Monastery section, you’ll reach a large room filled with planetary models — this is the Observatory.
Inside, you’ll spot a terminal beside a cryptic message written in three sentences. These lines form the Observatory’s riddle, and solving them will unlock the next area.

Observatory Riddle in The Outer Worlds 2 Explained

The terminal presents three key clues:

1. “The first dial should be set to the number of moons that orbit Elysium.”
2. “The second dial should be set to the number of moons that orbit between Dorado and Elysium.”
3. “The final dial should be set to the number of times Eden orbits Elysium before Praetor and Cloister complete a single rotation.”

At first glance, these may sound confusing. However, everything you need to solve the sobservatory riddle in The Outer Worlds 2 is right in front of you — the orrery in the middle of the room.

Step-by-Step Solution to the Observatory Puzzle

• Face the Orrery: Turn to your left from the entrance and look directly at the large planetary model. This moving structure holds all the clues you need.
• Count Elysium’s Moons: Elysium is the central planet. Observe the small celestial bodies orbiting it — there are 4 moons. This gives you the first dial’s answer.
• Find the Moons Between Dorado and Elysium: Dorado is the orange planet located near Elysium. Watch the models closely and note the moons that orbit between these two planets. The number you’re looking for is 1.
• Calculate Eden’s Orbits: The third part of the puzzle refers to how many times Eden completes an orbit around Elysium before Praetor and Cloister finish one full rotation. You won’t find this info directly on the orrery.
  Instead, head to the courtyard area next to the Observatory. There, you can observe the full rotation speeds of each celestial body. Count carefully — Eden orbits Elysium four times before the other two complete one rotation.

Final Code and Reward

Now that you have all three numbers:

• First dial: 4
• Second dial: 1
• Third dial: 4

Enter the code 414 into the terminal. Once done, a hidden door will unlock, revealing your reward — the Pitchball Card of Feargus Urquhart along with some extra loot.

If you were hoping for the special weapon you spotted earlier in the hall, don’t worry. You’ll get that gun later, either by progressing the next quest segment or by using a specific character background or skill check.

And that’s how to solve The Outer Worlds 2 Observatory riddle. For more The Outer Worlds 2 content, stay tuned to RetroNoob.