Find Hephaestus Research

Find Hephaestus Research
Sidequest
Quest information
Location	Hephaestus Research
Given by	Colonel Cathcart
Rewards	3000 classic XP / 1 oddity XP 250 USD from Fraser
Related quests
Previous: Epione Lab investigation Follow-up: Gas the drones

You are to find a Protectorate expedition that has been missing for a while.

Objectives

• Colonel Cathcart told you about a Protectorate expedition that hasn't reported back since the earthquake. Find Hephaestus Research facility in Lower Underrail caves and locate the missing team.

Walkthrough

There are multiple routes into the area of upper caves where the research facility is. Unless you have already cleared the route(s), you will need a way to destroy rocks such as TNT Charges. First, head back to Lower Underrail.

• Take the train to Rail Crossing. You can find the Hephaestus Research facility in the caves to the north. Once in the caves, head north to cross the river and then head south, two times east and two times south.
• Alternatively, head to GMS Compound. From the compound's first floor, enter a small rathound cave. Head east to cave with small bandit camp, continue through the camp to east and take the zone transition to north. Make your way through a crawler-filled cave into Hephaestus' entrance.
• Thirdly, you can start at the South Gate Station Metro. You will need 3 TNT Charge this way if not previously cleared. Head north four times (where presented with multiple options, choose the northern exit to the left) then go east once (transition to upper caves) then south once.

Once you come up to a stuck roller door with a body underneath, you've found Hephaestus and the missing expedition. You can now enter the facility by crawling under.

Inside you will find a massive burrower infestation, unleashed by the earthquake, and also an intact Protectorate Dreadnought. Use the dread to find and rescue the remaining expedition members. Once they have safely left the facility, return to Fort Apogee.