Starfield Mantis Quest Guide: Full Walkthrough

The Mantis quest in Starfield is a short but rewarding side mission that starts from a random “Secret Outpost!” slate you find on a dead Spacer, and it ends with the Mantis spacesuit and the Razorleaf ship. You begin by reading the slate, which gives you a data slate and a location marker for the Denebola I-b moon, where you fight through a puzzle-filled base to claim your rewards.

How to Start the Mantis Quest

The quest has no fixed starting point. You must find a slate titled Secret Outpost! on the body of a Spacer you kill. Spacers appear randomly at many landing sites and during bounty missions, so the trigger is luck-based. Once you loot the slate, read it from your inventory to add the quest, which points you to the Denebola system, specifically the moon Denebola I-b.

Getting to the Secret Outpost

Open your star map and travel to the Denebola system (a level 15 system southeast of Alpha Centauri). Then land on Denebola I-b at the marked location. The outpost is a small building with a few Spacers outside. Clear them, then enter. Inside you will find a computer terminal with a log from the original Mantis, and the real challenge begins: a series of floor-tile puzzles that lead to the armory.

Solving the Floor Tile Puzzles

The outpost has three consecutive rooms, each with a floor of pressure plates. Stepping on the wrong tile triggers a turret or a laser barrier that damages you. The correct path is marked by a symbol on the wall near the entrance of each room. You must step only on the tiles that match that symbol. The symbols are:

Room 1: Circle (the wall shows a circle, step on circular tiles)
Room 2: Triangle (step on triangular tiles)
Room 3: Diamond (step on diamond-shaped tiles)

If you step on a wrong tile, turrets pop out and shoot you, but you can often sprint through and heal. The correct tiles are always the ones that match the symbol on the wall, not the ones that look different. Take your time and look at the wall before crossing.

Defeating the Turrets and Reaching the Armory

After the third puzzle, you enter a large room with a central platform. Several turrets are mounted on the walls. Destroy them from cover, then approach the platform. On it you will find a locked case containing the Mantis spacesuit, a helmet, and a pack. The suit has decent stats for its level and a unique perk that makes enemies less accurate when you are at low health. The helmet and pack are also solid mid-game gear.

Claiming the Razorleaf Ship

After looting the armor, read the terminal on the platform to learn about the ship. Exit the outpost through the door behind the platform, and you will find the Razorleaf docked nearby. It is a Class A ship with good speed and maneuverability, plus a shielded cargo hold. You can claim it as your own and it becomes your home ship. The ship also has a unique trait: when you encounter pirates, they sometimes flee or surrender because they recognize the Mantis legend.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Save before entering – the puzzles can hurt you, and the turrets are tough at low level.
Do not rush the puzzles – look at the wall symbol first, then step carefully.
Bring med packs – you will likely take damage from turrets even if you follow the path.
Check your inventory – if you already have a better ship, you can sell the Razorleaf or keep it as a spare.
Level requirement – the quest is doable at level 5 but easier at level 10 or above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the Mantis quest if I already killed Spacers?

Yes, the slate drops randomly from any Spacer you kill. If you have not found it, keep killing Spacers at random landing sites or during bounty missions. It is a random drop, so there is no guaranteed location.

What level should I be for the Mantis quest?

The outpost is on a level 15 moon, so the enemies and turrets are scaled to that. If you are below level 10, you may struggle with the turrets. It is recommended to be at least level 10 with a decent weapon and some med packs.

Is the Razorleaf better than the Frontier?

The Razorleaf is generally better than the Frontier in terms of speed and maneuverability, and it has a shielded cargo hold. However, it has less cargo capacity than the Frontier. You can upgrade it later at a ship technician.

What happens if I step on the wrong tile?

Stepping on a wrong tile triggers turrets that shoot at you. You can still survive by moving quickly and healing, but it is easier to avoid them by following the correct symbol path.

Can I get the Mantis armor again if I sell it?

No, the armor is a unique item and there is only one set in the game. If you sell it, you cannot get it back unless you load a previous save. It is generally worth keeping for its stats and unique perk.

Does the Mantis quest affect the main story?

No, the Mantis quest is completely optional and does not affect the main story. It is a side quest that you can do at any time, and it gives you a great early-to-mid-game ship and armor set.

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