In the dynamic and mysterious world ofWuthering Waves, hidden quests add an extra layer of depth and discovery for players who enjoy exploration and lore. One such side quest that has gained attention is the Secret Investigation, a mission that requires keen observation, interaction with specific NPCs, and problem-solving abilities. Unlike some of the mainline missions, this hidden quest challenges the player’s attention to detail, making it an engaging part of the open-world experience. The Secret Investigation isn’t always immediately obvious, making it even more rewarding when finally uncovered and completed.
Where to Begin the Secret Investigation
Initial Clues and Location
The Secret Investigation quest begins in Jinzhou, a city known for its blend of technology and tradition. Players may stumble upon the quest by overhearing dialogue between two suspicious NPCs near the Administrative District or the lower market area. If your character lingers long enough nearby, the conversation triggers an optional dialogue prompt, allowing the player to inquire further.
The player might also receive a tip from a minor questline or after completing one of the early quests in the city involving local law enforcement or strange anomalies. These conversations subtly reference a cover-up, black-market activity, or tampered surveillance equipment, sparking the quest to uncover what’s really happening behind the scenes.
Activating the Quest
To officially begin the Secret Investigation, players must interact with a hidden note or surveillance terminal. This device is usually hidden behind one of the industrial buildings or located inside a maintenance room that can be accessed through an unlocked side door. Once found, a prompt appears: Access Restricted Data? Accepting this will initiate the quest and update the journal with the objective: Uncover the truth behind the recent surveillance failures.
Objectives and Key Steps
Track Suspicious Characters
The first objective in the quest is to shadow a character named Lin, who appears to be an ordinary technician. Following him without being seen reveals that he regularly communicates with a mysterious contact via encrypted messages. Players must intercept these messages by hacking a nearby data relay station, which requires solving a basic signal alignment puzzle.
Investigate the Warehouse
After successfully decoding the message, the next clue points toward Warehouse 7 on the outskirts of Jinzhou. This area is often locked and guarded, so players must find an alternate entry point. Options include:
- Scaling a wall using the environment’s vertical traversal tools.
- Locating a hidden vent system or using an ability to create a distraction.
- Persuading a sympathetic NPC to lend you a keycard.
Inside the warehouse, players find crates filled with experimental tech and stolen memory cores, all marked with forged government tags. A journal entry within the warehouse reveals that someone within the city council is aware of the illegal activity.
Follow the Money Trail
Next, players must investigate a financier connected to the operation. This involves sneaking into a secure office late at night or completing a social puzzle through dialogue interactions. Successfully acquiring financial records reveals transactions linking the tech thefts to a rogue faction known as the Crimson Circuit.
Interrogating the Informants
Confront Key NPCs
With evidence in hand, the player can now confront individuals involved in the conspiracy. How this unfolds depends on prior dialogue choices and collected evidence. Confronting Lin directly may lead to a confession, while threatening the financier could unlock more leads about the broader conspiracy. It’s also possible to ally with a secret police faction to deliver justice or take matters into your own hands and resolve the issue through combat or sabotage.
Decision-Based Outcomes
The Secret Investigation offers multiple endings depending on the player’s actions:
- Expose the conspiracy: Leads to increased security in Jinzhou and special rewards from the authorities.
- Side with the rogue faction: Grants access to black market tech and exclusive weapon upgrades.
- Keep the information secret: You gain leverage over both sides, opening unique dialogue trees in later quests.
Rewards and Impacts
Exclusive Gear and Items
Completing the Secret Investigation successfully regardless of the chosen path yields unique items not available through regular gameplay. These may include:
- Encrypted Neural Core: Enhances abilities related to detection and stealth.
- Silent Circuit Cloak: Grants temporary invisibility or reduced enemy awareness.
- Faction Badge: Unlocks exclusive interactions with underground NPC vendors.
World State Changes
Jinzhou visibly changes based on how you resolved the quest. For example, siding with the authorities leads to more guards and fewer black-market merchants, while supporting the rogue faction introduces new hidden shops and opportunities for illegal missions. These changes make the quest feel meaningful and contribute to the ongoing evolution of the game world.
Companion Interactions and Reactions
Dynamic Dialogue
Throughout the quest, different companions may react based on their personal beliefs and backstory. For example:
- Characters who value justice might push for exposing the conspiracy.
- Rogue or mercenary characters might prefer profiting from the information instead.
These interactions can influence long-term relationships and even unlock additional side quests related to your companions’ goals or past experiences with similar factions.
Tips for Success
Things to Keep in Mind
To fully experience and complete the Secret Investigation quest, players should:
- Frequently revisit key areas like the administrative zone and industrial outskirts.
- Use detection or scanning abilities to locate hidden terminals or vents.
- Talk to minor NPCs multiple times, as new dialogue options can appear after certain events.
- Save often, especially before decisions that branch the quest’s outcome.
The Secret Investigation quest inWuthering Wavesis a compelling example of the game’s attention to narrative depth and choice-driven exploration. It rewards patient players who enjoy uncovering hidden stories and making morally complex decisions. Whether you play as a righteous investigator, a cunning opportunist, or a reluctant bystander, this quest offers impactful choices, exciting mechanics, and memorable rewards. For players looking to go beyond surface-level content, the Secret Investigation provides a deeply satisfying narrative experience embedded within the open-world structure of the game.