What to know
- Alternating Currents is a follow-up quest to “Tapping the Grid” in New Atlantis
- You’ll investigate power drains by activating junction boxes across the city
- Final choice: give evidence to Louisa or Zoe (no major impact)
- Trade Authority is a key vendor for selling stolen items and contraband
You’ll encounter Alternating Currents early in Starfield, and while it looks like a simple investigation quest, it introduces one of the most important systems in the game: the Trade Authority. Understanding both the quest flow and this vendor system can significantly improve how you earn credits and manage illegal loot.
Here is a quick overview of the Alternating Currents quest:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Quest Name | Alternating Currents |
| Location | The Well & New Atlantis |
| Quest Type | Side Quest |
| Key NPCs | Louisa Reyez, Zoe Kaminski |
| Main Objective | Investigate power drain |
| Final Choice | Louisa vs Zoe |
| Rewards | ~2000–2500 Credits + XP |
| Key Feature | Unlocks Trade Authority usage |
How the investigation begins in The Well
You start this quest after completing “Tapping the Grid,” where Louisa Reyez asks for further help tracking a mysterious power drain. The investigation quickly leads you to the Trade Authority building in The Well, where tensions rise between Louisa and Zoe Kaminski.
At this point, the game subtly introduces you to a major faction-like vendor system while continuing the investigation.
How to track and activate junction boxes efficiently
Step 1
Activate the quest, then open your scanner to reveal a visible path to the junction boxes. This makes navigation much easier in the dense layout of The Well.
Step 2
Follow the highlighted trail to reach the first junction box and activate it. This confirms the power is being redirected rather than lost.
Step 3
Choose between Louisa’s or Zoe’s suggested junction box. This choice doesn’t matter, so pick whichever is closer to save time.
Step 4
Head to the final junction box near Athena Towers in the Residential District. This moves the investigation to the surface of New Atlantis.
How to break into the apartment and find evidence
Step 1
Travel to Athena Towers and locate the marked apartment.
Step 2
Use a Digipick to unlock the door (Novice-level lock).
Step 3
Access the computer inside and select “Download Files” to collect evidence.
Step 4
Once downloaded, prepare for the final decision between Louisa and Zoe.
What happens when you choose Louisa or Zoe
This is the most important moment in the quest—but surprisingly, it has minimal consequences.
| Choice | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Give to Louisa | She reports it to authorities |
| Give to Zoe | She keeps it within Trade Authority |
| Rewards | Same for both (~2000+ Credits, XP) |
No matter who you choose, the rewards remain identical and there are no major long-term consequences.
However, the decision still reflects your playstyle. Choosing Louisa feels more lawful, while choosing Zoe aligns with corporate or morally flexible gameplay.
The Trade Authority is one of the most valuable vendor networks in Starfield, especially if you deal with illegal items.
Unlike regular vendors, Trade Authority agents allow you to sell:
- Stolen items
- Contraband (illegal goods)
This makes them essential for players exploring piracy, smuggling, or looting restricted areas.
How to use the Trade Authority effectively
- Locate Trade Authority kiosks or representatives (like Zoe in The Well).
- Open the trade menu and switch to your inventory.
- Sell stolen or contraband items without restrictions.
- Use this system regularly to avoid inventory clutter and maximize profits.
Even if you side with Louisa, you still retain full access to Trade Authority vendors.
Why this quest is more important than it seems
Alternating Currents is less about the investigation and more about introducing systems. It teaches you how to navigate cities, use scanners effectively, and most importantly, how to interact with morally gray factions like the Trade Authority.
You’re essentially being shown that not all progression in Starfield is combat-based—economic systems matter just as much.
Alternating Currents rewards breakdown
Alternating Currents is a simple yet cleverly designed quest that introduces one of Starfield’s most useful mechanics. While the investigation itself is straightforward, the real takeaway is learning how to use the Trade Authority to your advantage.
| Reward Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Credits | ~2000–2500 |
| XP | Standard quest XP |
| Additional Benefit | Access to Trade Authority system |
If you plan to engage in smuggling, piracy, or even just opportunistic looting, mastering this system early will give you a major economic edge throughout the game.
