You’ve been wandering the dusty, high-noon streets of Akila City for hours. Between the Mudpuppies at Aggie’s and the constant badgering from the local guards about the Ashta, it’s easy to feel like you’ve seen everything the Freestar Collective’s capital has to offer. But then you stumble into a conversation—or a specific NPC interaction—that feels just a little... off.
We’re talking about Devon in Akila and the been.
Honestly, the way players discuss this specific encounter is kinda fascinating. It’s one of those "blink and you'll miss it" moments in Starfield that separates the casual explorers from the folks who actually talk to every single person standing in the Stretch. If you’re looking for a quest marker, you might be looking for a long time. This is more about environmental storytelling and the weird, granular life of the Settled Systems.
Who is Devon and why is everyone looking for him?
Basically, Akila City is a maze of verticality and low-slung shacks. Most people stick to the Core because that’s where the Rock and the fancy houses are. But Devon? Devon is a character who represents the grittier, "been there, done that" vibe of the backstreets.
When we talk about the phrase "the been," it’s often a localized slang or a reference to the lived-in history of the NPCs who have survived the frontier. In Akila, survival isn't a given. It's a badge of honor. Devon isn't some high-ranking Ranger with a shiny badge; he's a fixture of the city's more desperate corners.
You’ll usually find these types of interactions near the Stretch—the area where the city’s less fortunate residents live in the literal shadow of the walls. It’s messy. There’s laundry hanging everywhere. It feels real.
The "Been There" Mentality of Akila City
The Freestar Collective prides itself on rugged individualism. This means you get a lot of NPCs who are, quite frankly, tired. They've "been" through the Serpent's War. They've "been" through the famine. When players search for Devon in Akila and the been, they’re usually trying to track down a specific bit of dialogue or a small "Activity" quest that doesn't always show up in the main mission log.
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- Check the Upper Stretch: Sometimes NPCs like Devon rotate schedules.
- Listen for Ambient Dialogue: Starfield loves to trigger quests just by you walking past someone.
- The Aggie's Connection: If someone isn't on the street, they're usually at the bar.
Why this interaction keeps popping up in forums
People are obsessed with the small stuff. In a game with a thousand planets, a named NPC with a unique personality in a city like Akila stands out. Devon represents a specific type of world-building Bethesda is famous for—the guy who has "been" through the ringer and has the scars to prove it.
It’s not just about XP or loot. It’s about the flavor.
I’ve spent way too much time testing whether these small encounters change based on your background. If you’re a "Freestar Collective Native," Devon might treat you a bit differently. If you’re a "Neon Street Rat," he might look at you like you’re lost. That’s the nuance that makes Akila feel like a living place rather than just a hub for turning in bounty missions.
Common Misconceptions About Devon
A lot of players think he’s part of the main Freestar Rangers questline. He’s not.
Don't expect Marshal Blake to give you a briefing on him. He’s a local. He’s the guy you talk to when you want to know what the actual vibe of the city is, away from the politics of the Council of Governors.
There’s also this weird rumor that he’s linked to a secret stash. While Akila is full of hidden chests and loot (shoutout to the puddle glitch that everyone misses now), Devon is more of a lore-dump character. He’s there to ground the experience.
Navigating Akila City Like a Pro
If you're hunting for Devon in Akila and the been, you need to stop sprinting. Seriously. The game’s engine struggles to trigger certain ambient scripts if you’re boost-packing over everyone’s heads.
Walk through the Midtown area. Head toward the barracks. If you see Davis Wilson arguing about the defensive measures, you’re in the right neighborhood. The NPCs in this sector often reference each other, creating a web of "been there" stories that define the Akila experience.
Specific Locations to Check:
- The Stretch: The low-income housing area near the walls.
- Stoneroot Inn: Often a backup spot for NPCs when it rains.
- The Shepherd’s Area: Just past the main gate, where the locals gather.
Making the Most of Your Time in Akila
Akila City is easily the best place for roleplaying in Starfield. The dirt, the tech-western aesthetic, the constant threat of being eaten by an alien wolf—it’s peak Bethesda. When you finally track down Devon or similar characters, take the time to actually listen to the "been" dialogue.
It adds a layer of weight to the world that you just don't get in the sterile hallways of New Atlantis.
To really "get" Akila, you have to embrace the slow burn. The city wasn't built in a day, and its best secrets aren't found in the first ten minutes. Whether you're there for the Rangers, the looting, or just to hear the stories of people who have "been" through the worst of the Settled Systems, Devon is a reminder that every face has a story.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Slow Down: Switch from a run to a walk when entering the Stretch to ensure all NPC scripts load and trigger correctly.
- Check the Time: Use the "Wait" mechanic to cycle through day and night; certain NPCs in Akila only appear at the local watering holes after dark.
- Clear Your Activities: Sometimes a character won't talk to you if you have a pending "Talk to [Name]" objective that overlaps with their area.
- Invest in Social Skills: Having the "Persuasion" or "Negotiation" skills often unlocks deeper dialogue branches with "Been there" style NPCs who are otherwise dismissive.