Few moments in The Outer Worlds 2 force you to question your allegiances quite like the conflict between Auntie’s Choice and the Order of the Ascendant. You’ve witnessed the destruction. You’ve heard both sides make their case. And now you’re standing in the middle, trying to figure out which faction—if either—deserves your trust.
Here’s the thing that makes this choice fascinating: you don’t actually have to pick just one. Unlike some RPGs that lock you into faction paths, The Outer Worlds 2 allows you to work with both organizations simultaneously. There’s even an achievement for getting these ideologically opposed groups to cooperate. But that mechanical flexibility doesn’t answer the deeper question: which faction aligns with your values, and who’s telling you the truth?
Let me break down everything you need to know about both factions so you can make an informed decision—or at least understand what you’re getting into.
Understanding the Faction System
You’re Not Locked Into Anything
Before we dive deep into each faction’s ideology, let’s clarify something crucial: working with one faction doesn’t exclude you from the other. You can complete quests for Auntie’s Choice while simultaneously helping the Order of the Ascendant. Your reputation with each operates independently.
This flexibility is quintessentially Obsidian. They’re not interested in forcing binary choices that cut off half the game’s content. Instead, they want you to experience both perspectives, see the contradictions, and form your own conclusions about who’s right—if anyone.
What this means practically:
- Accept quests from both factions without penalty
- Build positive reputation with both simultaneously
- Experience all content without multiple playthroughs
- Make case-by-case decisions rather than wholesale commitments
For more details on how reputation mechanics work, check our comprehensive factions guide.
The Ceasefire That Didn’t Hold
When you first arrive, Auntie’s Choice and the Order of the Ascendant have a fragile ceasefire in place. Both factions claim they’re honoring it. Both insist the other side can’t be trusted. And then—surprise—a devastating attack shatters whatever peace existed.
This setup perfectly encapsulates The Outer Worlds series approach to morality: nobody’s hands are entirely clean, everyone has justifications for their actions, and the truth usually lies somewhere in the murky middle.
Auntie’s Choice: Corporate Capitalism at Its Finest (Or Worst)
The Corporate Origin Story
Auntie’s Choice represents the evolution—or perhaps devolution—of corporate power in the Halcyon colony. Formed when Auntie Cleo’s staged a hostile takeover of Spacer’s Choice between the first and second games, this megacorporation embodies everything satirical and sinister about unchecked capitalism.
You’ll encounter them immediately upon reaching Paradise Island, where they’re locked in a power struggle with the Protectorate over control of this region of Eden. Their presence is impossible to miss: branded products everywhere, corporate hierarchy defining every interaction, and the ever-present reminder that everything—including human lives—has a price tag.
Life Under Auntie’s Choice Rule
What they promise:
- Individual freedom (within corporate parameters)
- Compensation for your labor
- Consumer choice (from their product line)
- Opportunity for advancement (if you climb the ladder)
What you actually get:
- Ruthless corporate hierarchy where everyone answers to someone above
- Overpriced, overprocessed Auntie’s Choice-brand products
- An economic system designed around consumerism and profit
- “Freedom” that comes with strings attached
The contrast with the Protectorate is telling. In the Protectorate, you sacrifice individuality and worship the Sovereign, but you receive protection without payment. Auntie’s Choice doesn’t demand worship of a god-emperor, but they’ve replaced religious devotion with capitalist servitude. You’re not praying—you’re paying.
The Fairfield Experience
Fairfield serves as Auntie’s Choice’s showcase settlement on Paradise Island. Walking through it reveals exactly what corporate governance looks like in practice:
- Vendors selling overpriced necessities
- Workers grinding away for corporate scrip
- Management types barking orders down the chain
- Everyone hustling for themselves in a system designed to keep them dependent
It’s a brilliant satire of late-stage capitalism, but it’s also your home base for much of the early game. Whether that makes you complicit or just pragmatic depends on your perspective. Speaking of Fairfield, remember that protecting it during the Vox Relay crisis has major implications for your relationship with Auntie’s Choice.
Should You Trust Them?
Reasons to trust Auntie’s Choice:
- Transparent about their motivations (profit and control)
- Provide actual services and compensation
- Don’t pretend to be something they’re not
- Functionally effective at maintaining order (through economic pressure)
Reasons to distrust them:
- Fundamentally exploitative economic system
- View people primarily as resources or consumers
- Corporate ladder encourages backstabbing and ruthlessness
- No meaningful concern for individual wellbeing beyond productivity
The pragmatic truth: Auntie’s Choice is easier to work with early on, especially in Paradise Island. They control key resources, provide quest access, and their corporate structure means you can usually find someone willing to make a deal. For players following our what to do first guide, cooperating with Auntie’s Choice initially makes practical sense.
But trust? That’s harder. They’ll honor agreements when it benefits them, but the moment you stop being useful—or become a liability—corporate logic dictates cutting losses. You’re an asset on their spreadsheet, not a person.
Order of the Ascendant: When Math Becomes Religion
The Mathematical Theocracy
The Order of the Ascendant represents something genuinely unique in sci-fi RPGs: a religious movement built entirely around mathematics. Encountered primarily on Dorado, specifically in Golden Ridge, this faction has constructed an entire society around solving the “Universal Equation” and achieving human ascendance through mathematical enlightenment.
Core beliefs:
- Mathematics can predict the future with accuracy
- The Universal Equation governs all existence
- Mathematician Seers receive prophetic insights through calculation
- Human ascendance comes through understanding cosmic math
On paper, this sounds almost benign—maybe even admirably rational. Who wouldn’t want a society based on objective mathematical truth rather than superstition or demagoguery?
The Reality Behind the Equations
Here’s where things get complicated. The Order of the Ascendant genuinely appears to have discovered something real. Their predictions often come true. The Universal Equation demonstrates actual predictive power. This isn’t charlatanism—there’s substance behind their beliefs.
What seems positive:
- Pastors (awkward but well-meaning) explaining complex mathematics to regular people
- No obvious intentional cruelty or abuse built into their system
- Demonstrable success in their predictive methodologies
- Academic atmosphere rather than oppressive authoritarianism
What reveals darkness underneath:
- Over-reliance on statistics that erases individual humanity
- Decisions made purely on mathematical optimization without ethical consideration
- Zealous adherence preventing questioning of clearly problematic orders
- The Exclusion Zone in Golden Ridge’s refugee camp (a perfect example of “mathematically optimal” leading to morally horrific)
The Order’s fundamental problem isn’t that they’re wrong about mathematics—it’s that they’ve confused “mathematically optimal” with “morally correct.” When your seers predict that certain people become statistical liabilities, and your society acts on those predictions without questioning the human cost, you’ve built a system that treats people as data points rather than individuals.
The Golden Ridge Incident
Your introduction to the Order comes with a bang—literally. Shortly after landing on Golden Ridge, you witness a Zyranium bomb from the Order completely annihilate a nearby Auntie’s Choice settlement. The destruction is total. The death toll is catastrophic.
The Order’s explanation:
- The attack wasn’t sanctioned by leadership
- It violated the existing ceasefire with Auntie’s Choice
- Something went wrong with their predictive calculations
- This was an accident, not an act of war
But was it? Following the questline through Golden Ridge reveals layers of complexity. Maybe it was a rogue element. Maybe the Universal Equation actually predicted this “necessary” destruction. Maybe their mathematical certainty made them careless with human lives. Or maybe—and this is where it gets interesting—the math predicted the consequences, and they proceeded anyway because the equation said it was optimal.
The Exclusion Zone Problem
Nothing reveals the Order’s moral blind spots quite like the Exclusion Zone in Golden Ridge’s refugee camp. When you investigate this area, you discover the Order implementing policies that are statistically sound but ethically bankrupt.
People are being excluded, contained, or worse—not because they’ve done anything wrong, but because mathematical projections identify them as potential problems. The Order’s followers enforce these policies without question because the Seers’ calculations said it was necessary. Nobody asks if the math is considering the right variables. Nobody questions whether “mathematically optimal” and “morally acceptable” are the same thing.
This is the Order’s true face: a society so committed to their mathematical theology that they’ve outsourced their moral reasoning to algorithms and predictions. It’s bureaucratic cruelty wrapped in the legitimacy of academic rigor.
Should You Trust Them?
Reasons to trust the Order:
- Their predictive capabilities are demonstrably real
- Generally well-intentioned at individual levels
- Provide structure and order (pun intended) in chaotic regions
- Not overtly cruel or exploitative in day-to-day interactions
- Academic culture encourages learning and understanding
Reasons to distrust them:
- Dehumanizing reliance on statistics over individual circumstances
- Unquestioning obedience to Seer predictions creates dangerous groupthink
- “The math says so” becomes justification for any action
- Systematic blind spots to ethical implications of their optimization
- That whole “bombing a settlement” thing, accident or not
The uncomfortable truth: The Order of the Ascendant might be more dangerous than Auntie’s Choice precisely because they believe they’re right. Corporate greed is at least honest about its motivations. Mathematical prophecy convinced of its own righteousness? That’s how you get atrocities justified by spreadsheets.
Comparing the Two Factions
Different Flavors of Oppression
Both factions represent systems that subordinate individual wellbeing to larger organizational priorities. The difference lies in how they justify that subordination:
Auntie’s Choice:
- Economic determinism: “The market decides your worth”
- Transparent exploitation: “We’re here for profit, and you’re here to provide it”
- Freedom through consumption: “You can buy anything (that we sell)”
- Advancement through competition: “Climb the ladder by pushing others down”
Order of the Ascendant:
- Mathematical determinism: “The equation decides your fate”
- Well-intentioned dehumanization: “The statistics say this is optimal”
- Freedom through understanding: “Know the math, accept your place”
- Advancement through devotion: “Prove your commitment to the Universal Equation”
Neither system truly respects individual autonomy. Auntie’s Choice reduces you to an economic unit. The Order reduces you to a data point. Pick your poison: corporate spreadsheet or mathematical prophecy?
Who Causes More Harm?
This is where personal values come into play.
Auntie’s Choice’s harm is:
- Predictable and consistent
- Motivated by clear economic incentives
- Negotiable (everything has a price)
- Transparently self-interested
Order of the Ascendant’s harm is:
- Unpredictable (depends on what the math says)
- Motivated by genuine belief in righteousness
- Non-negotiable (you can’t argue with the Universal Equation)
- Hidden behind academic legitimacy
I’d argue the Order is potentially more dangerous because their believers think they’re doing the right thing. Auntie’s Choice executives know they’re exploitative—they just don’t care. Order members commit atrocities while genuinely believing mathematics justifies their actions. That kind of zealotry, even mathematical zealotry, creates true believers who won’t question obviously problematic orders.
Roleplaying Your Decision
Character Archetypes and Faction Alignment
Your background and traits might naturally align with one faction over another:
Corporate/Pragmatist characters:
- Understand Auntie’s Choice’s profit-driven logic
- Appreciate transparent transactional relationships
- See value in economic freedom (despite its limitations)
- Prefer dealing with greed over fanaticism
Academic/Rationalist characters:
- Intrigued by the Universal Equation’s genuine predictive power
- Respect the Order’s pursuit of mathematical truth
- Appreciate structured, logical approaches to problems
- Willing to overlook ethical concerns for intellectual curiosity
Rebel/Revolutionary characters:
- Distrust both factions equally
- Recognize neither offers genuine freedom
- Work with both tactically while trusting neither strategically
- Focus on individual cases rather than systemic alignment
Pragmatic Survivor characters:
- Use whichever faction serves immediate needs
- Don’t get emotionally invested in either ideology
- Recognize both as means to an end
- Build positive reputation with both for maximum flexibility
Making Case-by-Case Decisions
Rather than wholesale trust or distrust, consider evaluating each quest and situation individually:
Question to ask yourself:
- Whose interests does this specific action serve?
- Who benefits most from this quest’s completion?
- What are the consequences for ordinary people?
- Am I being told the whole truth here?
- Does this align with my character’s values?
This approach lets you cooperate with both factions without becoming a blind follower of either. You’re not pledging allegiance—you’re navigating a complex political landscape where truth and morality aren’t monopolized by any single organization.
Practical Gameplay Considerations
Early Game: Auntie’s Choice Provides Access
Let’s be blunt: working with Auntie’s Choice makes the early game smoother. They control Paradise Island’s infrastructure, provide essential services, and offer straightforward quest access. Refusing to work with them entirely creates unnecessary obstacles.
This doesn’t mean you trust them—it means you’re being pragmatic. Take their quests, use their vendors, accept their payments, and maintain positive reputation. Just don’t confuse transactional cooperation with genuine alliance.
For players optimizing their early progression, check our beginner’s guide for additional strategies that work regardless of faction allegiance.
Mid-Game: Order Becomes Relevant
Once you reach Dorado and Golden Ridge, the Order of the Ascendant becomes a major presence. You’ll need to engage with their questlines to progress the story, and their unique society provides fascinating narrative opportunities.
Benefits of working with the Order:
- Access to unique mathematical insights and predictions
- Different solutions to problems than Auntie’s Choice offers
- Intriguing philosophical discussions with Pastors and Seers
- Alternative paths through some questlines
Managing Multiple Allegiances
Since you can maintain positive reputation with both factions, smart players will:
Build dual-faction reputation:
- Complete quests for both organizations
- Avoid actions that tank reputation with either (when possible)
- Use dialogue options that don’t explicitly alienate either faction
- Think of yourself as an independent contractor, not a partisan
Know when to choose sides: Some quests force explicit choices between factions. When that happens, consider:
- Which outcome aligns better with your character’s values
- What rewards or access each choice provides
- Long-term story implications
- Whether you can repair reputation damage later
For detailed information on reputation mechanics, see our complete factions guide.
The Achievement for Unity
There’s an achievement for getting Auntie’s Choice and the Order of the Ascendant to work together despite their fundamental opposition. This achievement represents the “best” outcome in terms of diplomatic success—you’ve managed to bridge ideological divides and create cooperation between hostile factions.
What this achievement represents:
- Peak diplomatic skill and reputation management
- Willingness to work with both sides despite personal feelings
- Understanding that neither faction is purely evil or good
- Pragmatic approach to complex political situations
Getting this achievement requires maintaining positive relationships with both organizations throughout the game, completing specific quests that highlight potential cooperation, and making choices that don’t irrevocably damage either faction’s infrastructure or leadership.
Think of it as the “enlightened centrist” ending—you haven’t chosen a side because you recognize both have valuable resources and legitimate concerns, even if you don’t fully endorse either’s ideology.
What About Other Factions?
The Protectorate Factor
Both Auntie’s Choice and the Order exist in opposition to the Protectorate, the authoritarian government demanding worship of the Sovereign. Your relationship with the Protectorate adds another dimension to the trust question.
If you’re anti-Protectorate, working with Auntie’s Choice or the Order makes sense—they’re actively resisting authoritarian control. If you’re more sympathetic to the Protectorate’s stability (however oppressive), both other factions might seem like disruptive forces.
Minor Factions and Independent Groups
Don’t forget that numerous other factions exist throughout the game. Refugees, independent settlements, corporate splinter groups, and resistance movements all offer alternative perspectives and allegiances.
Sometimes the best answer to “Should I trust Auntie’s Choice or the Order?” is “Neither—I’ll work with these independent operators instead.”
My Personal Take
After playing through extensively, here’s my honest assessment:
I don’t trust either faction. Auntie’s Choice is transparently exploitative, which I almost respect for its honesty, but their economic system is fundamentally predatory. The Order of the Ascendant terrifies me more because their mathematical certainty creates zealots who commit atrocities while genuinely believing they’re optimizing for the greater good.
If forced to choose, I’d work with Auntie’s Choice operationally while maintaining extreme skepticism of their motivations. At least with corporations, you know what you’re dealing with: greed. Pure, simple, negotiable greed. The Order’s true-believer mentality is far more unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
But the beauty of The Outer Worlds 2 is that you don’t have to choose. Work with both. Use both. Trust neither. Make individual decisions based on specific circumstances rather than wholesale ideological commitment.
Character Build Implications
Your faction relationships can influence your build choices:
If working primarily with Auntie’s Choice:
- Dialogue and persuasion skills help negotiate better deals
- Medical skills appreciated (corporations value self-sufficiency)
- Combat builds work well (security contracts available)
- Consumerism trait actually helps with their pricing
If working primarily with Order:
- Science and tech skills align with their academic culture
- Hacking abilities useful for accessing their systems
- Dialogue skills help navigate their mathematical explanations
- Intelligence-focused builds feel thematically appropriate
Check our guides on starting builds and backgrounds for more specific advice on optimizing for faction interactions.
Companion Perspectives
Your companions have opinions about both factions, and maintaining your party’s cohesion might influence your choices:
Inez’s perspective: Given her importance to the Paradise Island storyline and the Vox Relay crisis, Inez has strong feelings about Auntie’s Choice. Her reactions to your decisions with both factions can significantly impact your relationship with her.
Understanding companion viewpoints adds emotional stakes to what might otherwise be purely pragmatic decisions. Check our guide on Inez’s personal quest choices for more context on how your faction decisions affect her storyline.
Long-Term Consequences
Your faction relationships influence:
Available questlines: Some quests only open with sufficient reputation
Vendor prices and access: Better reputation means better deals and exclusive items
Dialogue options: High reputation unlocks unique conversation paths
Ending variations: Your faction standings likely influence ending states
Companion reactions: Some companions care deeply about faction choices
Given the level 30 cap, you won’t be able to max out every faction’s reputation in a single playthrough, making your choices about which quests to prioritize more meaningful.
The Bottom Line
Should you trust Auntie’s Choice? No, but work with them anyway. They’re useful, they’re transparent about being awful, and they provide essential services and access early in the game.
Should you trust the Order of the Ascendant? Absolutely not. Their mathematical righteousness makes them potentially more dangerous than corporate greed. But engage with their questlines—they’re fascinating, and their predictive capabilities might prove useful.
Should you choose between them? You don’t have to. Maintain positive working relationships with both, make quest-by-quest decisions based on your character’s values, and remember that in The Outer Worlds 2, trust is a luxury nobody can really afford.
The real answer to “who should you trust?” is simple: yourself. Trust your judgment, trust your character’s values, and trust that Obsidian has designed a system where there are no easy answers—only interesting consequences.
Whether you’re playing on Xbox or other platforms, these moral complexities remain the same. Navigate them thoughtfully, and you’ll discover that the real story isn’t about choosing the right faction—it’s about surviving in a universe where everyone’s got an agenda, and yours is the only one that truly matters.
Quick Reference:
- Can you work with both? Yes (no faction locks)
- Auntie’s Choice: Corporate capitalism, transparent exploitation, useful early game
- Order of Ascendant: Mathematical theocracy, well-intentioned dehumanization, dangerous certainty
- Best approach: Work with both tactically, trust neither strategically
- Achievement: Get both factions to cooperate despite opposition
