The Outer Worlds 2: ‘A Noble History’ Quest Walkthrough – All Clue Locations & Quiz Answers

What Is ‘A Noble History’ and Why Should You Care?

Look, I’ll be honest: when I first stumbled upon this quiz terminal in The Outer Worlds 2, I thought it was just another throwaway environmental detail. Boy, was I wrong. Behind that locked armory door sits some of the best mid-game loot you can get your hands on—including a Rocket Pistol that absolutely shreds and a full set of high-tier Trooper armor.

The catch? You need to pass a quiz about Protectorate history. And unlike your high school history tests, you can’t just wing it or look up answers on your phone. The game forces you to actually hunt down clues scattered throughout the barracks area, read them, and then recall that information when the quiz terminal grills you.

Here’s what makes this quest interesting: It’s completely optional and easy to miss, but the rewards are substantial enough that skipping it would be a mistake, especially if you’re running a firearms-focused build. The Rocket Pistol alone makes the 15 minutes of detective work worthwhile.

Starting the Quest: Finding the Quiz Terminal

You’ll trigger ‘A Noble History’ by interacting with a quiz terminal located right next to the armory door in the Protectorate barracks. The exact location depends on where you are in the story, but most players encounter this during their exploration of the main military compound.

When you interact with the terminal, you’ll immediately get two pieces of information:

1. There’s a quiz standing between you and some sweet loot
2. The answers are scattered around the nearby area as discoverable clues

The game helpfully adds a search radius to your map showing where clues can be found. Don’t ignore this—the radius is your friend and will save you from wandering aimlessly through the entire facility.

Pro tip: Before you start hunting for clues, I recommend clearing any hostiles from the area first. Nothing’s more annoying than trying to read a datapad while getting shot at by Protectorate guards.

All Five Clue Locations (Step-by-Step)

I’ve organized these clues in the most efficient collection order, minimizing backtracking. Follow this route and you’ll have all five clues in about 10 minutes.

Clue #1: Firing Range Document

Location: Inside the same building as the armory and quiz terminal

This is your gimme clue—it’s literally right next to where you start the quest. Look for the firing range area within the barracks building. On a desk adjacent to the range, you’ll find a document that provides historical context about the Protectorate’s founding.

What you’ll learn: The Protectorate’s age and establishment timeline. This directly corresponds to the first quiz question, so pay attention to specific numbers mentioned.

Visual landmark: The firing range is hard to miss—look for the shooting lanes and target practice area. The desk with the document is positioned so guards can oversee range activities.

Clue #2: Courtyard Terminal

Location: Across the courtyard from the firing range building

Exit the building where you found the first clue and look directly across the open courtyard area. You’ll see another structure opposite your position. Head inside and locate the terminal.

What you’ll learn: Information about the Protectorate’s governmental structure and administrative philosophy. This is crucial for answering questions about how citizens are managed and who oversees belief systems.

Navigation tip: The courtyard is usually the central hub of the barracks area. If you’re turned around, look for the largest open space with multiple building entrances surrounding it.

Important note: You need to actually read the documents on the terminal, not just interact with it once. Some terminals have multiple entries—make sure you’ve checked them all before moving on.

Clue #3: Library Map

Location: Main building library, past the front entrance

This one requires a bit more navigation. Enter through the main doors of the central barracks building (usually the largest structure in the complex). Continue straight through the entrance hall until you reach the library at the back.

Finding the map: Once inside the library, navigate past the bookcases on your right side. The map is mounted on the wall and shows territorial information about the Protectorate’s jurisdiction.

What you’ll learn: Security protocols and how the Protectorate controls access to different areas. This directly relates to the quiz question about deck-specific credentials and access control.

Why this matters: The Protectorate’s obsession with compartmentalization and restricted access is a recurring theme in The Outer Worlds 2. Understanding their security philosophy helps contextualize a lot of the game’s political commentary.

Clue #4: Classroom Datapad

Location: Classroom on the left, down the corridor from the main entrance

After entering the main building for Clue #3, turn right from the entrance area. Walk down the corridor and look for a classroom on your left side—you’ll recognize it by the rows of desks and a lecturer’s podium at the front.

Finding the datapad: Head to the front of the classroom where the lecturer’s desk is positioned. The datapad sits prominently on the desk surface and contains educational material used to indoctrinate new recruits.

What you’ll learn: The Department of Belief’s role in Protectorate society. This is one of the more dystopian aspects of the faction’s governance structure.

Background context: The Outer Worlds series loves satirizing corporate and authoritarian control. The Department of Belief is essentially thought police disguised as a civic institution—very much in line with the game’s themes.

Clue #5: Barracks Datapad

Location: Sleeping quarters downstairs, near the corridor’s end

From the classroom where you found Clue #4, continue to the end of the corridor and take the stairs leading downward. Look for the barracks or sleeping quarters on your right as you descend.

Finding the datapad: Enter the sleeping area and scan the room for desks. You’ll find another datapad on a desk positioned in the corner of the room, likely near a bunk or locker.

What you’ll learn: Information about the Consul’s role and the Matriarch-ordained principles that govern Protectorate leadership. This is essential for the final quiz question.

Atmosphere note: The barracks area really drives home the militaristic, regimented lifestyle of Protectorate soldiers. The propaganda materials scattered throughout feel appropriately oppressive.

Troubleshooting Clue Collection

“I can’t find one of the clues!”

Make sure your quest is set to active. The search radius indicator on your map will help narrow down the search area significantly. If you’re still stuck, try using your scanner—interactive objects will highlight.

“I found a bookshelf upstairs, but nothing happened.”

Yeah, I encountered this too. Some players report finding a clue by interacting with specific books on an upper floor accessible via elevator. However, this didn’t work in my playthrough, and it’s likely either:

• A misconception or misinformation spread online
• Content that was removed or changed in patches
• An alternate location for one of the five clues listed above

The five locations I’ve detailed above are confirmed and sufficient to complete the quest. If you’ve collected all five using my guide, you’re good to go.

“The terminal won’t let me proceed.”

Ensure you’re actually reading the full text of documents and terminals, not just interacting with them once. The game tracks whether you’ve absorbed the information.

All Quiz Answers (In Order)

Alright, moment of truth. You’ve collected all the clues, you’re standing in front of the quiz terminal, and the armory door is tantalizingly close. Here are the correct answers in the exact order you’ll need them:

Question 1: How old is the Protectorate?

Correct Answer: 115 Years Old

Why this matters: The Protectorate’s relative youth explains a lot about its aggressive expansionism and rigid control structures. It’s an organization still proving itself and establishing legitimacy.

Question 2: What lessons did the Protectorate learn from pre-Protectorate governments?

Correct Answer: They naively allowed subjects too much autonomy. Citizens need rules to thrive.

Translation: Authoritarian propaganda 101. The Protectorate justifies its iron grip by claiming previous governments failed due to excessive freedom. Very dystopian, very much the game’s satirical style.

Question 3: How does the Protectorate control access to different ship decks?

Correct Answer: Users must present a deck-specific set of credentials to access any deck of the ship.

Game design note: This explains why you need keycards for certain areas throughout the game. It’s worldbuilding that doubles as gameplay justification. If you’re struggling with locked areas, check out our Kaur’s War Chest keycard location guide.

Question 4: Which department oversees citizens’ beliefs and values?

Correct Answer: The Department of Belief.

Subtext: Literally the Ministry of Truth from 1984. Obsidian isn’t subtle about their criticisms of authoritarian thought control, and I appreciate that directness.

Question 5: How is the Protectorate governed?

Correct Answer: By Matriarch-ordained principles, built upon by the Consul’s able hand.

Power structure: This reveals the Protectorate’s dual leadership model—religious/ideological authority (Matriarch) combined with executive administration (Consul). It’s a theocratic oligarchy with extra steps.

CRITICAL: Don’t Open Your Journal Mid-Quiz

Here’s something that caught me off guard during my first attempt: if you open your journal during the quiz to check your collected clues, the terminal resets and you have to start over.

All the information you need IS technically in your journal under the quest details, but accessing it mid-quiz counts as abandoning the terminal. It’s frustrating game design, but it forces you to either:

1. Memorize the answers after reading all clues
2. Write them down manually
3. Use a guide like this one

My recommendation: Either screenshot the answers on your phone before starting the quiz, or simply reference this guide. There’s no achievement for doing it from memory, so save yourself the headache.

Armory Rewards: What’s Actually Worth It?

Once you ace the quiz, that armory door swings open to reveal a treasure trove of military hardware. Here’s everything inside and my honest assessment of each item:

Weapons

Rocket Pistol ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Why it’s amazing: This is the star of the show. Devastating damage output with explosive area effect. Scales excellently with Guns and Explosives skills.
• Best for: Mid-range combat, crowd control, stunning tougher enemies
• My take: Absolutely keep this. It’s viable through endgame if you invest in the right skills.

Shock Rifle ⭐⭐⭐

• Solid option: Good electrical damage with crowd control potential
• Best for: Robot-heavy areas, enemies with shields
• My take: Worth keeping if you have inventory space, but the Rocket Pistol outshines it

Ammunition

Mini-Rockets & Ammo

• Essential for keeping your new Rocket Pistol fed
• Stock up because explosive ammo can be scarce early-mid game
• Pro tip: If you’re planning a explosives build, check out our complete flaws guide to optimize your character progression

Armor

Trooper Steel Helmet MK IV ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Trooper Plate Carrier MK IV ⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Why it’s great: Full matching armor set with strong defensive stats for this stage of the game
• Best for: Frontline combat, tanky builds, players who get hit often
• My take: Significant upgrade over most armor you’ll have at this point. The set bonuses are respectable.

Railgunner Cloak ⭐⭐⭐ Railgunner Armor ⭐⭐⭐

• Niche use: More specialized than the Trooper set
• Best for: Specific build types focused on precision and positioning
• My take: Good alternative if your playstyle doesn’t mesh with heavy armor

Consumables

Shock Grenades

• Always useful for emergency crowd control
• Particularly effective against mechanicals and shielded enemies

Build Synergies: Making the Most of Your Loot

The armory rewards favor certain playstyles more than others. Here’s how to maximize value based on your build:

For Explosives/Guns Hybrid Builds

The Rocket Pistol is literally designed for you. Invest heavily in both Guns and Explosives skills to maximize damage output. The weapon’s area damage makes up for any accuracy issues, and the stun effect on direct hits gives you breathing room in tough fights.

Recommended perks: Look for anything that boosts explosive damage, increases magazine size, or reduces reload times. Check our complete perks guide for specific recommendations.

For Tank/Frontline Builds

The Trooper armor set is your bread and butter. High damage resistance means you can wade into combat and control engagement distances. Pair this with companion builds that keep enemies focused on you while allies deal damage from range.

Companion tip: Our complete companions guide covers which allies work best for tank-focused strategies.

For Stealth/Tech Builds

Honestly? The rewards here aren’t optimized for your playstyle. The Shock Rifle might see some use for silent takedowns on mechanicals, but most of the loot leans toward direct combat.

Alternative value: Even if you won’t use the gear personally, it sells for excellent bits at vendors. Consider it a payday rather than an equipment upgrade.

Quest Timing: When to Complete ‘A Noble History’

Recommended completion window: Early-to-mid game, roughly around levels 8-15

Why this timing matters:

Too Early (Levels 1-7): The rewards are excellent, but you might not have the skill points invested to fully utilize the Rocket Pistol or optimize the armor sets. That said, the gear is still strong enough to carry you forward.

Sweet Spot (Levels 8-15): Perfect timing. The Rocket Pistol becomes a legitimate endgame weapon if you invest in it, and the armor provides meaningful protection against increasingly dangerous enemies.

Too Late (Levels 16+): Still worth doing for completionism, but you’ve probably found comparable or better gear by this point. The Rocket Pistol remains useful, but the armor gets outclassed.

Difficulty consideration: On higher difficulties, grab this gear as soon as possible. The defensive boost from the Trooper armor can mean the difference between surviving encounters and constant save-scumming.

Lore Deep Dive: Understanding Protectorate Ideology

One thing I appreciate about The Outer Worlds 2 is how optional quests like this flesh out faction worldbuilding. The clues you collect paint a pretty clear picture of what the Protectorate represents:

Authoritarian Control Disguised as Paternalism

The Protectorate’s governing philosophy boils down to: “People need to be controlled for their own good.” It’s classic authoritarian thinking wrapped in protective language. The quiz answers reveal an organization that learned all the wrong lessons from history.

Theocratic Oligarchy

The Matriarch provides ideological legitimacy while the Consul handles day-to-day administration. It’s a power-sharing arrangement that prevents either figure from becoming too powerful individually while maintaining rigid control collectively.

Compartmentalization as Security

The deck-credential system isn’t just about security—it’s about limiting information flow. When citizens can’t freely move between decks or access different areas, organizing resistance becomes nearly impossible.

Thought Police

The Department of Belief is the most overtly dystopian element. An entire governmental department dedicated to monitoring and shaping citizens’ thoughts and values? That’s nightmare fuel.

Why this matters for gameplay: Understanding Protectorate ideology helps inform dialogue choices, faction reputation decisions, and quest outcomes throughout the game. The more you understand their motivations, the better equipped you are to manipulate or oppose them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After helping friends through this quest and watching various playthroughs, here are the most common errors I’ve seen:

Mistake #1: Not Setting Quest as Active

The search radius indicator is crucial for efficient clue hunting. If you don’t activate the quest in your journal, you’re navigating blind and will waste significant time wandering.

Mistake #2: Skimming Documents Instead of Reading

Some clues are in terminals with multiple entries. Players often read the first entry, assume they’re done, and move on. Make sure you’ve exhausted all information at each clue location.

Mistake #3: Fighting Your Way Through

This quest is much easier when the area is clear of hostiles. If you’re getting constantly interrupted by combat, consider using stealth or completing other objectives that clear the barracks first.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Companion Dialogue

Your companions sometimes comment on the propaganda you’re reading. While not essential for quest completion, these reactions provide interesting character insight and contextual commentary. Don’t skip through them.

Mistake #5: Selling the Rocket Pistol

I’ve legitimately watched players grab the armory loot, immediately sell everything for quick bits, and then regret it hours later when they realize the Rocket Pistol was actually phenomenal. Don’t be that person.

Advanced Tips & Optimization

For players who want to squeeze maximum value from this quest:

Skill Investment Strategy

If you know you’re heading toward this quest soon, start investing skill points in Guns and Explosives to immediately capitalize on the Rocket Pistol. Even 2-3 levels of early investment dramatically improves the weapon’s effectiveness.

Companion Load Management

The armory has a lot of heavy items. Consider bringing companions with higher carrying capacity or equipping them with weight-reducing gear before looting everything. Nothing worse than being over-encumbered with amazing loot.

Stealth Approach Alternative

If you’re having trouble accessing the barracks legitimately, stealth builds can potentially bypass some security and access the quiz terminal through alternate routes. Though honestly, the straightforward approach works fine for most players.

Photo Mode Documentation

If you’re the type who enjoys documenting playthroughs, the library map and classroom setup make for excellent photo mode opportunities. The propaganda materials are peak Outer Worlds satire.

Integration with Other Questlines

‘A Noble History’ exists independently but connects thematically to several other quests:

Major Story Connections: Understanding Protectorate governance helps contextualize choices in major faction questlines. You’ll encounter similar propaganda and control structures throughout the game.

Related Side Quests:

• Several NPCs reference the Department of Belief in other quests
• The Consul appears or is mentioned in multiple storylines
• Protectorate security protocols factor into infiltration missions

For specific choice guidance:

• Kill or Spare Doctor Rasmussen – Inez Quest
• Kaur vs Milverstreet Choice Guide

Trophy/Achievement Considerations

While ‘A Noble History’ doesn’t have a dedicated achievement, completing it contributes to:

• Completionist runs: Counts toward side quest completion percentage
• Gear collection: Some weapons/armor track toward collection achievements
• Faction interactions: May affect reputation-based achievements

For comprehensive achievement hunting strategies, check our complete achievement guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Essential Guides:

• Savannah’s Journal Location & Uses
• What to Do First Guide
• Beginner Tips & Tricks

Character Building:

• Best Starting Builds
• Complete Traits Tier List
• Negative Traits Guide

Combat & Gear:

• How to Get More Weapon Slots
• Inhaler Charges & Healing Guide
• Max Level Cap Guide

Official Resources:

• The Outer Worlds 2 Official Website
• Xbox Store Page
• Steam – The Outer Worlds
• Wikipedia: The Outer Worlds

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Your Time?

Absolutely, yes. Fifteen minutes of exploration and quiz-taking nets you some of the best mid-game gear available, particularly that Rocket Pistol. Even if you’re not planning to use the equipment personally, the vendor value alone justifies the time investment.

Beyond the practical rewards, this quest exemplifies what I love about The Outer Worlds 2’s approach to environmental storytelling. You’re not just collecting quest markers—you’re piecing together how an authoritarian society operates, reading their propaganda, and understanding their control mechanisms. It’s worldbuilding that respects player intelligence.

The quiz itself is pure Obsidian: satirical, cynical, and darkly humorous. Answering questions designed to test Protectorate indoctrination while standing in their military barracks hits different when you understand what you’re really doing.

So yes, go complete ‘A Noble History.’ Get that Rocket Pistol. Read the propaganda. Appreciate the satire. Then use your newfound knowledge and equipment to make informed decisions about how to deal with the Protectorate going forward.

Your freshly-armed character will thank you.