What to do when you talk to the scientist by the tree in Starfield

In Starfield, you’ll meet numerous characters who have tasks for you to perform. Your first stroll through New Atlantis is likely to produce a task or two, including one that appears as you pass by a character near a tree. Here is our guide telling you what to do when you talk to the scientist by the tree in Starfield.

Starfield – what to do when you talk to the scientist by the tree

The game’s first few hours can be overwhelming. As I wandered through the streets of New Atlantis, I frequently found myself getting lost on the way to The Lodge. I saw an activity directive appear on-screen, advising me to talk to the scientist by the tree. Then I ignored that suggestion for dozens of hours, as one sometimes does. After all, you can circle back to it whenever you like. There’s no rush. Eventually, though, you should talk to the scientist by the tree and gather his sensors so he can make an important discovery.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

Staring at trees

You’ll find Kelton Frush, the scientist, near a large tree in New Atlantis. It is located in the MAST District, not far from the large building. If you select the activity, a blue mission beacon leads you to him. Talk to the man and let him know you are happy to help.

You can’t mess up this conversation. Just for fun, I tried. I blew Kelton off and said I was too busy to help. If you take the same approach, the scientist will stand around near the tree and you can talk to him again when you have more time.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

Finding sensors

When you agree to help Kelton Frush, you activate the A Tree Grows in New Atlantis mission. This mission requires you to find several sensors Kelton has been monitoring throughout New Atlantis.

Follow the blue mission beacons to find most of the sensors. They are positioned near additional large trees throughout the city. One is in a tree’s upper branches. The mission beacons should guide you just fine.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

Jorden’s egg hunt

The last mission beacon leads you to a young man named Jorden Anchali. Talk to him about the ‘egg’ he found and he reveals he sold it to Wen Tseng at UC Distribution, which is in the Commercial District nearby. You may already be familiar with the building. It’s one of the best places to get Adhesive in Starfield.

Visit the UC Distribution building and talk to Wen Tseng. There’s no reason to get tricky. Tell her the sensor is valuable and hand over 100 credits. If you don’t have the money, sell items from your inventory or return later.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

The scientist’s reward

With the sensors in hand, talk to Kelton Frush again. Wait for his analysis and then talk to him again, as directed. You’ll receive 100 XP for completing the mission. You also receive several thousand credits.

Completing the mission generates a new activity: Check in on Kelton later. You’ll have to let some time pass. I tried fast traveling to Mars and visiting Cydonia and then returning. It didn’t work. Just keep the activity in mind and check back later to learn more, as the prompt suggests.

Starfield is available to purchase on Steam and the Microsoft Store.