Unexpected Initiative
I'm setting up a greenhouse, to help boost our food production. I'm doing Celeste a solid, alright? That's all. But enough about that. I've got all the details worked out, but I'll need supplies, and I'm not hauling them alone.
Key Takeaways
- Given by Tian Wen and takes place in Buried City.
- Includes 6 objectives focused on exploration, delivery.
- Rewards 3 items upon completion.
- Part of a multi-step quest chain from Tian Wen. Both a prerequisite quest and follow-up quests exist.
Objectives
All objectives carry over between raids. You do not need to complete everything in a single run.
Walkthrough Tips
Search objectives have specific interaction zones you need to reach. Use your compass marker to navigate to the general area, then look for the highlighted interaction point. Some search areas may have multiple valid spots.
Delivery objectives require you to carry items to a destination. Dying while carrying quest items won't lose them permanently, but you'll need to retrieve them from the quest giver again.
With multiple objectives spread across the map, consider tackling them over two or more raids rather than rushing through everything at once. Prioritize objectives that are close together.
This quest is part of a chain. Completing the previous quest(s) in the series is required before this one becomes available from the trader.
Recommended Loadout
Light Weapon (Pistol or SMG)
Exploration quests have less direct combat but you still need something for self-defense. A lightweight weapon keeps your mobility high.
Healing Items (Bandages or Medkits)
Delivery runs mean traveling across the map while carrying quest items. Healing supplies keep you alive during the long trek without needing to divert for supplies.
Zipline
Ziplines speed up navigation between objectives spread across the map. Place them on high points to create shortcuts for return trips.
Step-by-Step Completion Guide
Follow these steps to complete all objectives for Unexpected Initiative. Each step includes contextual advice based on the objective type.
Reach the Grandioso Apartments in Buried City
Navigate to the marked location on your map. This is a waypoint objective. Once you arrive at the correct area, it will complete automatically or reveal the next step.
Search for a Moisture Meter on the rooftop of the Grandioso Apartments
Follow your quest marker to the search area. The item or location will have a highlighted interaction prompt. Check multiple floors and rooms if the building has interior areas.
Reach Piazza Roma in Buried City
Navigate to the marked location on your map. This is a waypoint objective. Once you arrive at the correct area, it will complete automatically or reveal the next step.
Search for a Nutrient Meter in the broken rooftop gardens at Piazza Roma
Follow your quest marker to the search area. The item or location will have a highlighted interaction prompt. Check multiple floors and rooms if the building has interior areas.
Deliver a Nutrient Meter to Tian Wen
You need to carry the specified item back to the trader. The quest item will be in your inventory. Head to Speranza and interact with the trader to hand it over. If you die during transit, the quest item returns to the quest giver for re-collection.
Deliver a Moisture Meter to Tian Wen
You need to carry the specified item back to the trader. The quest item will be in your inventory. Head to Speranza and interact with the trader to hand it over. If you die during transit, the quest item returns to the quest giver for re-collection.
Map: Buried City
An urban ruin partially swallowed by shifting earth and time. Narrow streets, collapsed buildings, and underground passages create a maze-like combat environment. Visibility is limited and ambush opportunities are everywhere, both for Raiders and ARC forces.
Navigation is the biggest challenge here. Mark your entry points and keep track of elevation changes. Underground sections can loop back on themselves. ARC Rollers are common in the tighter corridors.
27 total quests take place in Buried City. Browse all quests to find others on this map.
Quest Chain
This quest is part of a storyline from Tian Wen. Complete quests in order to unlock the next mission in the chain.
About Tian Wen
Tian Wen oversees medical supply operations and pharmaceutical research. Her quests involve collecting medicinal ingredients, investigating health hazards, and securing medical infrastructure. She also tracks environmental contamination and biological threats across the Rust Belt.
Visit the Traders page to see all available traders and their inventories.
Rewards
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il toro i
x40shotgun ammo
shotgun choke ii
Hover over items for detailed stats. Rewards are received upon turning in the completed quest.
Quest Giver
Tian Wen
Medical & Scientific Advisor
Quick Reference
- Trader
- Tian Wen
- Map
- Buried City
- Objectives
- 6
- Rewards
- 3 items
- Chain Position
- Sequel
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start the Unexpected Initiative quest?
You need to complete "Echoes of Victory Ridge", "Industrial Espionage" first. After turning in the prerequisite quests, speak with Tian Wen in Speranza to pick up Unexpected Initiative.
What are the rewards for completing Unexpected Initiative?
You receive 3 items as rewards upon turning in the completed quest to Tian Wen. Check the rewards section above for the full item list and quantities.
Where does Unexpected Initiative take place?
Unexpected Initiative objectives are located in Buried City. Use the in-game quest tracker to navigate to each objective location once you deploy to the correct map.
What quests unlock after Unexpected Initiative?
Completing Unexpected Initiative unlocks 1 follow-up quest: "A Symbol of Unification". Check with the relevant traders in Speranza after turning in this quest.