Navigating the complexities of quests in Knights of the Old Republic can sometimes lead to confusion, particularly when a specific item or event seems to be missing. The Rakghoul Serum quest on Taris is one such example, with players often struggling to locate the serum or understand its significance. This guide aims to clarify the lore, in-game mechanics, and potential solutions for players encountering issues with this questline.
The Lore and History of the Rakghoul Serum
The Rakghoul Serum holds a significant place in the history of Taris, dating back to the Jedi Civil War. Republic scientists initially developed a sample of the serum with the intention of curing the Rakghoul plague that afflicted the planet's inhabitants. Thousands of doses were replicated to aid the Outcasts during the Republic's efforts to restore Taris. A Republic base in the Upper City served as the center for these restoration efforts and the location where the cure was perfected. However, the invading Sith armada disrupted these plans, seizing the Republic base after driving out the Republic forces.
Sith troopers subsequently utilized samples of the Rakghoul Serum while patrolling the Undercity. Their objective was to locate crashed Republic escape pods from the destroyed Endar Spire. During his journey to escape Taris, the player character, Revan, discovered a sample of the serum in the Undercity. This sample was then provided to Zelka Forn, a doctor in the Upper City. Zelka synthesized the serum, making it available to all infected individuals. He also supplied a substantial amount to Esala, the healer for the Outcasts, who used it to treat them during their migration to the Promised Land.
Upon reaching the Promised Land, the Outcasts found their hopes dashed. The area had been heavily bombed by the Sith, leaving it with inadequate buildings, resources, and defenses. Despite the lack of defenses, the serum helped to contain the spread of the Rakghoul disease as the Outcasts continued to face attacks. However, over several generations, the Rakghouls evolved, developing an immunity to the serum.
Centuries later, around 3643 BBY, the Rakghoul Serum was rediscovered by pirates. They found a sample in Zelka Forn's long-abandoned second medical facility located in the Undercity. This rediscovered serum eventually reached a Jedi and subsequently a Republic doctor. Unfortunately, by this time, the Rakghouls had already developed immunity, rendering the serum largely ineffective even after three hundred years. The need arose for a new serum, which would require a new infection to produce novel antibodies for analysis and synthesis.
In-Game Mechanics: Obtaining the Rakghoul Serum
For players actively engaged in the game, there are specific ways to acquire the Rakghoul Serum. One primary method involves exploring the Undercity. As players navigate the area, particularly beyond the gates and before entering the sewers, they will encounter various Rakghouls. In a specific section of this compound, to the right side, an entrance to the sewer can be found. Near this entrance, among other items, players can search the corpse of a Sith Soldier. On this corpse, the Rakghoul Serum can be found, along with other useful items like Antidote Kits, a Beam Splitter, Medpacs, a Heavy Combat Suit, and a Blaster Rifle.
The game also presents a scenario where a small boy is seen running towards a gate with a Rakghoul in pursuit. Players can intervene by fighting the Rakghoul, provided the gate is opened for the boy. Following this event, players can find Gendar in the village, who can offer more information about the Rakghoul and locations in the sewers.
Another method involves exploring the area near the wreckage of Republic escape pods in the Rakghoul-infested part of the Undercity, before the sewers. Here, amidst the Rakghouls, a corpse of an Outcast can be found. Searching this body yields the Promise Land Apprentice Journal. If the player has spoken to Rukil in the village, they will learn that this is his missing apprentice. This discovery can lead to further quests involving other journals located in the sewers.
A crucial interaction occurs when players encounter a Sith Soldier's corpse. Searching this body is key to obtaining the Rakghoul Serum. This particular location is often described as being in the area of the Undercity beyond the gates but before the sewers, on the right side of the compound.
Quest Resolution: Where to Take the Serum
Once the Rakghoul Serum is acquired, players have several options for its use, leading to different quest outcomes and rewards:
1. Delivering to Zelka Forn (Upper City Doctor)
Players can deliver the Rakghoul Serum to Zelka Forn, located in the medical center of the Upper City. This action is generally associated with gaining Light Side Points. Zelka can use the serum to begin mass production, and in exchange, players typically receive credits and experience points. Even if the serum was previously used for the "Curing the Outcasts" side-quest, there is usually enough remaining for Zelka to initiate mass production. After giving the serum to Zelka, players can later purchase it from him for a nominal cost, such as 1 Credit each.
2. Selling to Zax (Lower City Bounty Office)
Alternatively, the Rakghoul Serum can be sold to Zax, who can be found in the Lower City Bounty Office. This option typically grants Dark Side Points and a significant amount of Credits. If the player's persuade skill is sufficiently high, they can negotiate a better price, potentially receiving 1500 credits instead of the initial offer. Giving the serum to Zax results in its removal from the inventory and an update to the quest log.
3. Curing Infected Villagers (Undercity Side Quest)
The Rakghoul Serum can also be used to help infected villagers in a small, gated-off section of the Undercity. These villagers are on the verge of turning into Rakghouls. By administering the serum to two humans at the back of this compound who are close to turning, players can earn Light Side Points, experience points, and the satisfaction of helping them. This action is part of the "Curing the Outcasts" side-quest.
The choice of whom to give the serum to affects the game's alignment system and the rewards received. The doctor in the Upper City offers a more altruistic outcome, while Zax provides a more lucrative, albeit morally ambiguous, reward.
Troubleshooting: Game Bugs and Missing Patrols
Some players report issues where the expected Sith patrol in the Undercity, which is sometimes cited as a source for the serum, does not spawn. This can lead to the belief that the game is bugged. While game-breaking bugs are rare, it's possible that certain triggers for NPC spawns might not have been met, or the specific location where the serum is found is not where the player is looking.
The detailed walkthroughs suggest that the Rakghoul Serum is primarily found on the Sith Soldier's corpse in a specific area of the Undercity, rather than being dropped by a patrolling group. If players have thoroughly searched this area and still cannot find the serum, and if they have completed the Undercity quest involving the people moving out to the 'Promised Land,' it's worth considering if a specific game event has been missed or if a rare bug has occurred.
In cases where the serum cannot be found through normal gameplay due to a suspected bug, players may inquire about console commands or other means to obtain the item. However, resorting to console commands can alter the intended gameplay experience and may have unintended consequences.
Console Commands for Rakghoul Serum (PC Version)
For players on the PC version of Knights of the Old Republic who are experiencing persistent issues or wish to bypass the search, console commands can be utilized. To access the console, players typically need to enable it through game configuration files or by pressing a specific key combination during gameplay (often `~`). Once the console is active, the following command can be used to add the Rakghoul Serum to the player's inventory:
giveitem g_serum_rakghoul
This command directly adds one Rakghoul Serum to the player's inventory, allowing them to proceed with the quest objectives regardless of in-game discoveries.