Losing a companion in Starfield during the “High Price to Pay” quest comes as a shock. Up to this point, the stakes have been pretty low for Constellation, with only Barrett’s run-in with pirates being a real threat. So, when one of your four companions dies, you’ll likely wonder if you just missed out on a chance to save them both. Well, the option exists, but it’s more complicated than you’d think.
Can I save both companions from dying in “High Price to Pay” in Starfield?
There is a way to save both companions from dying in “High Price to Pay” in Starfield. However, it isn’t available during your first playthrough. The first time you go through the mission, either Andreja, Barrett, Sam, or Sarah must die. Unfortunately, this is unavoidable, though you can pick which one dies by choosing between going to the Eye or staying at the Lodge.
On your second time through the game, you have more options. When you reach the Lodge, you can choose to immediately tell everyone in Constellation that you already know about the artifacts, what they do, and how to find them. You also warn them that the Hunter will attack the team eventually. Doing so puts you into an abridged version of the main quest in which “High Price to Pay” never occurs.
So, you don’t have to actually actively save anyone; you just prevent the event from occurring altogether. However, not every loop will be as pleasant, even with knowledge of the future. There’s also a chance of jumping into a universe where the Hunter kills everyone in Constellation before you even arrive. If this occurs, he’ll give you the two artifacts the group has collected so far and send you on your way.
Fortunately, you can keep looping indefinitely. So, if someone near and dear to you dies, just grab all the artifacts and head into the next universe.
Starfield Save Both Companions FAQ
A: No, during your first playthrough of Starfield, one of your companions—either Andreja, Barrett, Sam, or Sarah—must die during the “High Price to Pay” quest. Your choice between going to the Eye or staying at the Lodge determines who dies.
A: Yes, on your second playthrough, when you reach the Lodge, you can inform everyone in Constellation about the artifacts, their function, and their location. By also warning them about the Hunter’s eventual attack, you’ll enter an abridged version of the main quest, and the “High Price to Pay” event will not take place. This effectively prevents any companion deaths in that scenario.
A: If you find yourself in a universe where the Hunter eliminates everyone in Constellation before you get there, he will provide you with the two artifacts the group has gathered and then send you on your way. However, you can continue to loop into different universes, giving you more opportunities to save your companions in subsequent playthroughs.
