TL;DR
- Access the Weapons from the Void quest via your ship’s terminal to begin hunting science weapons
- Five unique weapons offer unconventional combat options from reality-bending to crowd control
- Weapon locations are scattered across multiple planets and require story progression
- Each science weapon excels in specific combat scenarios and team compositions
- Early acquisition of certain weapons can significantly alter your playthrough experience
GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.
The Outer Worlds distinguishes itself through its embrace of classic science fiction tropes, particularly evident in its arsenal of experimental weaponry. The Weapons from the Void questline serves as your gateway to obtaining these extraordinary tools, accessible after reviewing terminal messages in your ship’s Captain’s Quarters aboard The Unreliable. This mission directs you across various planetary systems to collect an assortment of scientifically advanced armaments.
Your journey begins by activating the quest and pursuing the provided navigation markers that guide you toward each weapon’s location. Progress may temporarily stall if you haven’t reached the necessary planetary destinations in the main storyline. As you advance through narrative milestones, the quest progressively reveals additional weapon locations. Interestingly, it’s feasible to discover science weapons earmarked for later stages even before the quest officially directs you to them, allowing for sequence breaking that can dramatically impact your combat capabilities early on.
Five distinct science weapons await discovery: the Prismatic Hammer, Mandibular Rearranger, Mind Control Ray, Shrink Ray, and Gloop Gun. Each offers unconventional functionality that proves valuable in serious combat situations or simply for entertainment purposes. Below we detail their precise locations, statistical attributes, and combat applications. For visual demonstrations, refer to the embedded gameplay footage above.

Prismatic Hammer Location: This devastating melee weapon resides within the Roseway landing zone on Terra 2. Navigate to the abandoned laboratory complex and locate it in a secured storage area protected by marauders. The hammer delivers energy-based area damage that ignores conventional armor protections.

Mandibular Rearranger Acquisition: Found on Scylla, this peculiar baton-style weapon temporarily transforms enemies into harmless creatures. Search the geothermal plant’s upper levels where it’s guarded by automated security systems.

Mind Control Ray Discovery: Located in the Byzantium retail district, this energy weapon enables temporary ally conversion from hostile targets. Perfect for creating distractions or turning powerful enemies against each other.

Shrink Ray Positioning: This weapon appears on Monarch within the Fallbrook settlement area. It reduces enemy size and combat effectiveness, making formidable opponents significantly more manageable.

Gloop Gun Retrieval: Accessible on Tartarus during endgame sequences, this launcher projects gravitational fields that immobilize groups of enemies. Essential for controlling crowded battlefields and creating tactical advantages.
Mastering science weapons requires understanding their unique mechanics and optimal deployment scenarios. The Prismatic Hammer excels against robotic enemies and armored targets, while the Mandibular Rearranger provides excellent crowd control against organic foes. Each weapon complements specific character builds and playstyles.
Strategic Combinations: Pair the Shrink Ray with high-damage single-target weapons for efficiently eliminating powerful enemies. Use the Gloop Gun to cluster enemies followed by area-effect attacks for maximum efficiency. The Mind Control Ray works exceptionally well when facing mixed enemy groups, allowing you to thin ranks before engaging directly.
Avoid These Common Mistakes: Many players underestimate the situational value of science weapons, dismissing them as novelties. However, when employed correctly, they can turn impossible encounters into manageable situations. Don’t neglect their upgrade paths through weapon mods and science skill investments.
Advanced Optimization: For technical players, science weapons scale with both your Science skill level and specific character perks. Investing in the ‘Wild Science’ perk dramatically enhances their effectiveness, while the ‘Reconnaissance’ perk improves targeting efficiency for beam-based weapons.
The Outer Worlds News and Guides
For comprehensive Outer Worlds coverage, consult our beginner’s guide, along with our feature examining the most effective perks. Regularly visit for upcoming guides and content updates in the near future.
GameSpot’s evaluation of The Outer Worlds awarded the title 9/10, with editor Edmond Tran commenting “Completing The Outer Worlds left me craving additional content, excited to re-enter this universe and discover supplementary elements. While not brief, the game delivers a continuous flow of memorable characters to encounter, fascinating locations to investigate, and substantial, complex missions to resolve, ensuring no opportunity for fatigue emerged. I desired to reverse time and approach every situation through completely alternative methods. The Outer Worlds maintains engagement consistently throughout, serving as an outstanding demonstration of advancing classic RPG principles within a refined, contemporary framework.”
Have suggestions for optimizing your Outer Worlds adventure? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Action Checklist
- Access terminal in Captain’s Quarters aboard The Unreliable to initiate Weapons from the Void quest
- Prioritize story progression to unlock planetary access for weapon locations
- Collect Prismatic Hammer on Terra 2 (Roseway) early for significant combat advantage
- Experiment with weapon combinations against different enemy types to identify optimal pairings
- Investigate sequence breaking opportunities to acquire later weapons ahead of schedule
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » The Outer Worlds Science Weapons Locations: Where To Find The Shrink Ray, Mind Control Ray, And More Complete guide to locating and mastering all five unique science weapons in The Outer Worlds
