Complete Guide to Recalibrating All Lightning Towers in The Outer Worlds 2
Praetor is arguably the most hostile region in The Outer Worlds 2, with its constant lightning storms and aggressive wildlife. But those same dangerous storms are the key to one of the game’s most unique collection quests: “Fiddling With Fulgurating Fulminations.” Your mission? Recalibrate five malfunctioning Lightning Towers by accessing their connected Grounding Stations across the region.
Unlike the Cloister Excogitation Logs quest or the Golden Ridge mural hunt, this collection mission rewards you with something genuinely practical: Storm Grenades that harness Praetor’s lightning storms as a weapon, plus the permanent crafting recipe to make more whenever you need them.
The catch? Each Grounding Station presents unique challenges—missing parts, locked doors, deadly bug swarms, and environmental puzzles. Some require combat prowess, others demand lockpicking skills or special equipment. Let me walk you through exactly where to find all five stations and how to overcome each obstacle efficiently.
How to Start Fiddling With Fulgurating Fulminations
You have two methods for beginning this collection quest:
Method 1: Talk to Exemplar Simon (Recommended)
Head to the Grounding Station in the southeast section of Praetor, located between the Auntie’s Choice settlement (southeast corner) and the central Automech facility. The station sits along a winding path in the eastern part of the zone.
Follow the path that curves behind the Grounding Station building until you reach a raised lift platform. You’ll find Exemplar Simon, an Order of the Ascendant member, waiting there. Speak with him to officially start the “Fiddling With Fulgurating Fulminations” mission.
Simon explains the Lightning Tower situation and marks the other Grounding Stations on your map, making navigation significantly easier.
Method 2: Fix a Lightning Tower First (Alternative)
You can also trigger this quest organically by locating and repairing any Lightning Tower before meeting Exemplar Simon. The mission will activate automatically and track your progress.
However, you’ll still need to return to Exemplar Simon after completing all five towers to claim your final rewards, so talking to him first saves you a trip.
Pro tip: I strongly recommend meeting Simon first. Getting the quest markers upfront prevents wasted exploration time, and his dialogue provides helpful context about why the Order of the Ascendant cares about these towers in the first place. Plus, if you’re working through faction reputation quests, this conversation builds goodwill with the Order.
All 5 Grounding Station & Lightning Tower Locations
Here’s where to find each Grounding Station in Praetor, along with specific challenges you’ll face and how to overcome them. I’ve organized these in a logical exploration order, though you can tackle them in any sequence.
Lightning Tower #1: Southeast of the Tomb of the Matriarch
Where to find it: Northeast of Exemplar Simon’s starting location, southeast of the Tomb of the Matriarch landmark.
Challenge: Missing Replacement Part
This station won’t function because it’s missing a critical component. Here’s how to fix it:
- Head east from the Grounding Station into a nearby Scrapper camp
- Clear out the hostile Scrappers (prepare for combat)
- Search the camp for a Replacement Part sitting on a table
- Return to the Grounding Station and insert the part into the designated port
- Activate the terminal to recalibrate the Lightning Tower
Combat tip: Scrappers are numerous but relatively weak. Bring companions with area-of-effect abilities to handle groups efficiently. Stock up on inhaler charges if you’re under-leveled.
This is typically the easiest tower to complete first since it’s closest to Exemplar Simon’s location.
Lightning Tower #2: West of the Northwestern Bridge
Where to find it: In the northwestern section of Praetor, west of the main bridge crossing.
Challenge: Verachnid Infestation
The path leading to this Grounding Station is crawling with Verachnids—Praetor’s primary insectoid enemies. These bugs are aggressive and often attack in swarms.
Survival strategy:
- Save before ascending the hill to the station (manual quicksave recommended)
- Use Shock-based weapons since many Praetor enemies are vulnerable to electricity
- Keep moving to avoid getting surrounded
- Consider using grenades or explosive weapons to thin out groups
- Bring companions who can draw aggro while you flank
If you get overwhelmed, reload your save and approach from a different angle. Sometimes circling around the swarm’s patrol routes lets you reach the station with fewer encounters.
Equipment note: Make sure your weapon loadout is optimized for dealing with multiple fast-moving enemies before attempting this one.
Lightning Tower #3: Southeast from the Main Grounding Station
Where to find it: Southeast of Exemplar Simon’s starting Grounding Station.
Challenge: Mantid Enemies
This station is surrounded by Mantisaurs (mantid-type wasp creatures), though thankfully not as many as the Verachnid swarm at Tower #2.
Combat approach:
- Mantids are flying enemies with ranged attacks—prioritize taking them down quickly
- Use accurate weapons or companions with high hit-chance abilities
- Watch for their dive-bomb attacks and dodge accordingly
- Clear the area methodically before attempting to enter the station
Once you’ve defeated the Mantids, enter the Grounding Station and use the terminal to recalibrate the Lightning Tower. This one’s relatively straightforward compared to others.
Lightning Tower #4: South of Automech Facility
Where to find it: Directly south of the central Automech facility in Praetor.
Challenge: Locked Door + Enemy Conflicts
This Grounding Station presents multiple obstacles:
Access options:
- High Lockpicking skill: Use Mag-Picks to break through the locked front door (easiest method if you have the skill)
- Rooftop entry: Navigate to the building’s roof and drop down through an opening (requires parkour and careful jumping)
Environmental hazard: The area around this station features warring Raptidon and Protectorate enemies fighting each other. You can:
- Sneak past while they’re distracted by combat
- Let them weaken each other, then clean up survivors
- Avoid the conflict entirely by taking the rooftop route
Strategy tip: If your Lockpicking is below the required threshold, the rooftop approach is actually safer since it lets you bypass both the lock AND the enemy conflict zone. Just be careful not to fall—the drop damage can be significant without proper health management.
Lightning Tower #5: South of the Rift Modulator Location
Where to find it: South of the Rift Modulator facility in Praetor.
Challenge: Requires Rift Modulator Equipment
This is the most puzzle-oriented tower and cannot be accessed until you obtain the Rift Modulator during main story progression.
How to reach it:
- First, get the Rift Modulator: Located at a facility just north of this Grounding Station’s map marker. You’ll naturally acquire this device during the Praetor storyline.
- Use the Modulator on Rifts: Once you have the device, approach the dimensional Rifts scattered around the Grounding Station area. The Modulator lets you interact with these Rifts, creating temporary platforms or pathways.
- Jump to the rooftop: Use the Rift platforms to reach the top of the Grounding Station building.
- Drop inside: Find the rooftop opening and drop down into the station interior.
- Recalibrate the tower: Access the terminal to complete this fifth and final tower.
Important note: Don’t waste time searching for this station early in your Praetor exploration. It’s literally impossible to access without the Rift Modulator, which you won’t have until reaching a certain point in the main quest. Focus on towers #1-4 first, then circle back here.
Quest Rewards: What You Get For Completing All Lightning Towers
Completing “Fiddling With Fulgurating Fulminations” offers excellent rewards that actually enhance your combat capabilities:
1. Storm Grenades (10x)
Exemplar Simon rewards you with 10 Storm Grenades—unique throwable weapons with special properties:
Storm Grenade effects:
- Stick to enemies upon impact (like plasma grenades)
- Increase incoming Shock damage on affected targets
- Call down lightning strikes from Praetor’s storms when used on the planet
These grenades are particularly devastating in Praetor itself, where the constant electrical storms amplify their power. They’re less flashy on other planets but still apply the Shock damage vulnerability debuff.
2. Storm Grenade Crafting Recipe (Permanent)
The real prize here is the permanent crafting recipe for Storm Grenades. Once you’ve completed the quest, you can craft unlimited Storm Grenades at any workbench using:
Crafting requirements per grenade:
- 1x Voltspore
- 3x Energy Canister
- 1x Black Powder
These materials are relatively common on Praetor, making it easy to maintain a steady supply of Storm Grenades for tough encounters. The recipe remains available for your entire playthrough.
Crafting tip: If you’re running low on materials, Voltspores drop from electrical creatures on Praetor, Energy Canisters can be looted from Automech enemies or purchased from vendors, and Black Powder is craftable or found in various containers.
3. Mission Completion XP
You’ll earn a substantial XP chunk for finishing the quest, helpful for pushing toward the max level cap.
4. Praetor Towers Powered Achievement/Trophy
Completing this collection quest unlocks:
- Xbox: 15 Gamerscore
- PlayStation: Bronze Trophy
Tips for Efficient Lightning Tower Collection
Here are strategies to streamline your Grounding Station expedition:
• Prepare for combat: Unlike some collection quests that emphasize exploration, Praetor’s towers involve significant combat. Bring strong weapons, plenty of ammo, and healing items.
• Optimize your build: Having high Lockpicking opens alternative routes. Consider respec options if you’re struggling with access challenges. Check our best starting builds guide for skill distribution advice.
• Leverage companion abilities: Praetor’s enemies can be overwhelming solo. Bring companions who can handle crowds or provide tactical support.
• Save tower #5 for story progression: Don’t frustrate yourself searching for the fifth tower early. Complete towers #1-4 while freely exploring, then return for #5 after acquiring the Rift Modulator naturally through the story.
• Stock crafting materials: Once you unlock the Storm Grenade recipe, start hoarding Voltspores, Energy Canisters, and Black Powder. These grenades are excellent for tough boss fights or challenging puzzle encounters.
• Use environmental advantages: At tower #4, let enemy factions fight each other before engaging. At tower #2, use terrain to funnel Verachnids into chokepoints.
• Mark stations on your map: If you spot a Grounding Station but aren’t prepared (low health, no lockpicks, etc.), place a custom waypoint so you can return later with proper equipment.
Comparing Praetor’s Collection Quest to Other Regions
The Outer Worlds 2 features four regional collection quests with distinct mechanics:
• Paradise: Collect Science Magazines for permanent stat bonuses • Golden Ridge: Recover Tramicular Station murals for the Art Enthusiast XP perk • Cloister: Find Excogitation Logs for a High Security Lockbox • Praetor: Recalibrate Lightning Towers for Storm Grenades and crafting recipe
The Praetor quest is the most combat-intensive but offers the most immediately useful reward. Storm Grenades remain relevant throughout your entire playthrough, whereas some other collection rewards are more situational.
If you’re building a combat-focused character, prioritize this quest. The grenades synergize beautifully with Shock-based builds and provide crowd control options against Praetor’s tougher enemies.
Should You Prioritize This Collection Quest?
Yes, if you’re:
- Running a combat-heavy build that benefits from grenades
- Planning to spend significant time in Praetor
- Looking for unique consumables with special effects
- A completionist targeting all achievements/trophies
- Interested in crafting and resource management
Maybe later, if you’re:
- Under-leveled for Praetor’s combat encounters
- Rushing through the main story
- Playing a pacifist or stealth-focused character
- Low on lockpicking supplies and combat resources
- Focused on other urgent questlines
Honestly, the Storm Grenade crafting recipe alone makes this quest worthwhile. Having access to powerful throwables that you can craft on-demand is incredibly valuable, especially during late-game content where consumable management matters.
The quest difficulty is moderate—more challenging than collecting magazines but less tedious than hunting down every mural. If you’ve invested in combat skills and have decent companions, you can complete all five towers in one focused exploration session.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Can’t find the Replacement Part for Tower #1? It’s in the Scrapper camp directly east of the Grounding Station. Look for a wooden table with the component sitting on top. Clear all enemies first to search safely.
Getting overwhelmed by Verachnids at Tower #2? Try approaching from a different angle. The main path triggers the largest swarm. Circle around the hill’s perimeter to find routes with fewer enemies. Also consider leveling up more before attempting this tower.
How do I get on the roof at Tower #4? Look for nearby rocky outcroppings or environmental geometry you can jump from. Some players find it easier to just invest in Lockpicking instead of parkour puzzles.
Where exactly do I get the Rift Modulator? You’ll acquire it during main story missions in Praetor. It’s located at a facility north of the fifth Grounding Station. You literally cannot miss it if you’re following the campaign.
Storm Grenades aren’t as powerful as expected? They’re most effective in Praetor itself, where lightning storms amplify their damage. On other planets, they’re still useful for the Shock vulnerability debuff they apply to enemies.
Best Ways to Use Storm Grenades
Once you’ve unlocked the crafting recipe, here’s how to maximize your Storm Grenades:
• Praetor boss fights: The lightning-calling effect deals massive damage during storms • Crowd control: Toss into enemy groups to apply vulnerability, then follow up with Shock weapons • Automech encounters: Mechanical enemies are often weak to Shock damage • Shield breaking: The Shock effect quickly depletes enemy energy shields • Companion synergy: If your companions use Shock weapons, grenades amplify their damage output
Consider storing a healthy supply in your ship’s inventory for important story choices or faction conflicts where combat is inevitable.
Final Thoughts
The “Fiddling With Fulgurating Fulminations” collection quest exemplifies what makes The Outer Worlds 2 engaging: it blends exploration, combat, environmental puzzles, and meaningful rewards into one cohesive experience. Unlike collectibles that only offer completion satisfaction, Storm Grenades actively improve your combat effectiveness.
The quest difficulty feels appropriately tuned for Praetor’s danger level. You’ll face significant challenges, but they’re all overcome with proper preparation, smart tactics, and good character build choices. The variety of access methods (lockpicking, combat, environmental navigation, special equipment) also rewards diverse skill investments.
If you’re working through Praetor and making critical story decisions, definitely take time to complete this collection quest. The Storm Grenade crafting recipe remains useful throughout your entire playthrough, and the achievement adds to your completion percentage.
For new players just starting out, I recommend tackling the first four towers as you naturally explore Praetor, then circling back for the fifth tower after story progression grants you the Rift Modulator. This approach minimizes backtracking while ensuring you don’t miss any stations.
Happy tower hunting, and may Praetor’s lightning storms power your grenades to devastating effect!
Related Guides:
- Cloister Excogitation Logs Guide
- Golden Ridge Mural Locations
- Science Magazine Locations
- All Perks Complete List
- Best Traits Tier List
Official Resources:
