The Deal Gone Wrong — Tales from the Borderlands Walkthrough

Guide Rhys and Fiona through the explosive events of 'The Deal Gone Wrong' in Tales from the Borderlands. Make critical choices that impact the narrative.

The chaotic events of "The Deal Gone Wrong" serve as a pivotal moment, bringing Rhys and Fiona's separate narratives crashing together in a spectacular display of betrayal and explosions. This section is critical, not just for its high-octane action, but for introducing significant moral and strategic choices that will ripple throughout the rest of the game.

The Vault Key Exchange and Initial Betrayal

The scene opens at the designated meeting point: a dilapidated warehouse on the outskirts of Prosperity Junction. Rhys, accompanied by Vaughn, is there to oversee the exchange of the fake Vault Key for a substantial sum of money. Fiona, alongside Sasha, is present to facilitate the deal, unaware of Rhys's true intentions regarding the fake key.

• Rhys's Objective: Secure the money from Bossanova's crew.
• Fiona's Objective: Ensure the fake key is successfully exchanged for cash.
• Key Players:
  • Rhys: Hyperion Junior Executive.
  • Vaughn: Rhys's best friend and Hyperion accountant.
  • Fiona: Con artist and protagonist.
  • Sasha: Fiona's sister and fellow con artist.
  • Bossanova: The ruthless gangster attempting to buy the key.
  • Vasquez: Rhys's treacherous Hyperion superior.

The initial exchange proceeds tensely. However, the situation rapidly devolves when Vasquez, who has been tracking Rhys, makes his move. This triggers a massive shootout and a chase sequence.

Major Decision: Who to Trust with the Key?

During the ensuing chaos, a critical choice presents itself as the genuine Vault Key (which Fiona secretly possesses) becomes a point of contention. You will be prompted to make a decision that significantly impacts the immediate narrative and character relationships:

• Choice 1: Give the Key to Rhys.
  • Immediate Consequence: Rhys will attempt to escape with the key, believing it to be his ticket to power. This can lead to a slightly different dialogue path and potentially alter how Rhys perceives Fiona's trustworthiness later.
  • Long-term Impact: Strengthens the bond (or at least the reliance) between Rhys and Fiona, as they are now more directly tied by the key's fate.
• Choice 2: Keep the Key (Fiona retains possession).
  • Immediate Consequence: Fiona will try to secure the key herself, leading to a more independent escape attempt. Rhys might feel betrayed or frustrated by this.
  • Long-term Impact: Emphasizes Fiona's self-sufficiency and cautious nature. Rhys may need to work harder to earn her trust regarding the key in subsequent chapters.

There is no "right" or "wrong" answer here, as both choices lead to compelling narrative branches. Consider what kind of relationship you want to foster between Rhys and Fiona.

Boss Battle: Bossanova and his Loader Bot

Following the key decision and the initial escape, the group (or what's left of it) will confront Bossanova, who is now piloting a heavily armed Loader Bot. This is a multi-stage boss fight heavily reliant on Quick-Time Events (QTEs) and environmental interaction.

Phase 1: Avoiding the Loader Bot's Attacks

Bossanova's Loader Bot is slow but powerful. Focus on dodging its predictable attacks.

• Attack Patterns:
  • Stomp Attack: The bot will lift its leg and slam it down. A QTE prompt will appear to dodge left or right.
  • Arm Sweep: The bot will sweep its arm horizontally. Another QTE will require you to duck or jump.
  • Rocket Salvo: The bot launches a volley of rockets. You'll need to find cover using QTEs.
• Strategic Choices (Rhys): As Rhys, you'll have opportunities to use your cybernetic eye to scan the environment for weak points or interactive elements.
  • Scanning a nearby generator: This might reveal an opportunity to overload it later.
  • Identifying structural weaknesses: Pointing these out can open up options for Fiona.
• Strategic Choices (Fiona): As Fiona, your focus is on agility and utilizing the environment.
  • Using cover: Duck behind crates or walls to avoid incoming fire.
  • Environmental hazards: Look for explosive barrels or unstable structures that can be triggered with a well-placed shot (QTE).

Phase 2: Disabling the Loader Bot

Once you've survived the initial onslaught, opportunities to damage the Loader Bot will emerge. This phase heavily relies on coordinated actions between Rhys and Fiona (even if you're only playing one perspective, the game implies the other character's actions).

• Weak Points:
  • Exposed Wiring: After certain attacks, panels on the Loader Bot may open, revealing vulnerable wiring. A QTE will prompt you to attack these.
  • Jetpack Thrusters: If the bot attempts to jump or boost, its thrusters may become exposed.
• Specific Strategic Choices:
  • Overloading the Generator (Rhys's path): If Rhys previously scanned a generator, he might get a QTE prompt to hack it, causing an electrical surge that temporarily stuns the bot.
  • Targeting the Loader Bot's Legs (Fiona's path): Fiona might get a QTE to shoot at the bot's knees or joints, temporarily immobilizing it.
  • Using a Crane/Heavy Object: At one point, a QTE might allow one of the characters to manipulate a crane or a heavy object in the environment, dropping it onto the Loader Bot for significant damage.

Successfully completing these QTEs and strategic choices will progressively damage the Loader Bot, leading to its eventual incapacitation.

Phase 3: Confronting Bossanova

With the Loader Bot disabled, Bossanova will be vulnerable. This final stage involves a series of QTEs to overpower him directly. The specific actions will depend on your previous successes and the character you are controlling, but generally involve:

• Dodging his desperate attacks.
• Landing a decisive blow (e.g., a punch, a kick, or using a nearby object).

The outcome of this confrontation directly leads to Bossanova's demise, but not before he reveals crucial information about the true nature of the Vault Key or the people involved in the larger conspiracy.

Common Pitfalls and Missables

• Missed QTEs: Failing too many QTEs during the Bossanova fight can lead to taking significant damage or even a game over, forcing you to restart from the last checkpoint. Pay close attention to the on-screen prompts.
• Ignoring Environmental Clues: Both Rhys's scanner and Fiona's keen eye can reveal strategic advantages. Don't rush through the action without observing your surroundings.
• Rushing the Key Decision: While the game is fast-paced, take a moment to consider the implications of giving away or keeping the Vault Key. This choice sets a tone for the relationship between Rhys and Fiona.

Successfully navigating "The Deal Gone Wrong" not only propels the main story forward but also establishes the dynamic between the protagonists and introduces the high stakes involved in the hunt for the Vault.