Image Credit: Bethesda
Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
starfield shaw
Screenshot by Gamepur

Starfield The Empty Nest: Kill, Persuade, or Pay Shaw

Shaw is the leader of the Shaw Gang on Akila, and it's up to you to deal with her in Stardfield's Empty Nest Quest.

Near the end of Starfield’s The Empty Nest quest, the player and Sam Coe will infiltrate a Shaw Gang hideout where the next artifact is found in a cave. But upon emerging from the cave, Shaw herself will appear, ready to deal with you pesky Constellation cowboys.

Recommended Videos

Just as any gang leader in the Wild West would, Shaw offers you options. Seeing as she pays her men handsomely, you can pay her 4,000 credits, pay her with your life, or talk her into letting you go. But which one nets the best outcome?

Related: Starfield: Best Spacesuit, Helmet & Pack Mods

Killing Shaw in a good old-fashioned shootout

starfield killing shaw
Screenshot by Gamepur

If you fancy a gunfight, you can refuse to pay Shaw and engage in battle with her and her bodyguards. This fight isn’t too tough, and you’ll have a harder time dealing with the Ashta than any of the Shaw Gang cronies.

As for what you get for choosing this route, you’ll be able to loot all of the dead bodies left from the scuffle. Shaw doesn’t have any amazing legendary loot, but she does carry a few guns that pack a punch or that can be sold for quite a bit of money.

Persuade Shaw Into Letting You Go

starfield persuasion
Screenshot by Gamepur

This might be the best time to put your silver tongue to work if you aren’t confident in your aim. This one is a bit more difficult than talking to Jacob Coe, as you’ll need to fill six persuasion bars instead of four. That’s where chems like Hippolyta and Wine come in, as they increase your chance of persuasion.

If you’re successful, Shaw will tell her bodyguards to stand down, and you are free to walk away. But there’s more to this option.

Should you Help Shaw With the Ashta?

starfield Shaw ashta reward
Screenshot by Gamepur

No matter how you deal with this situation, a pack of Ashta will show up once your conversation with Shaw ends. Dealing with them is completely optional, but overcoming the beasts can be lucrative.

If you help Shaw take out the Ashta, she will be indebted to you and will give you a special Modified Calibrated Razorback with some ammo as a reward. You can also loot all of the dead bodies and Ashta that are left behind, and your conscience should be clear, knowing you did the right thing.

Paying Shaw 4000 credits

starfield paying shaw
Screenshot by Gamepur

Last but not least, you can simply pay Shaw a lump sum of 4,000 credits as a way for her to recoup her losses from your infiltration. And just like the persuasion option, you are free to go, albeit 4,000 credits poorer.

Leaving Shaw to deal with the Ashta

Again, the Ashta will return, and Shaw will call out for you to help, but you can ignore her and leave. If you choose this route, you get nothing from Shaw. In fact, leaving Shaw to deal with the monsters might be the worst option, as you get the least from it in terms of loot, XP, and credits. And if you choose to pay Shaw and leave, you’re actually walking away from the mission with less money than you started.


Gamepur is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Zackerie Fairfax
Zackerie Fairfax
Zackerie Fairfax's love for Pokemon and other Nintendo-centric titles is apparent through his incessant need to write about how much he adores them. Zack has had bylines in Screen Rant and Dexerto, as well as his local broadsheet news publication.