A question about the orbital probe cannon (SPOILERS)

[Chucklehead]

So I just investigated the cannon that orbits Giant's Deep. Putting 2 and 2 together, it seems like the event where they overpower the cannon and it gets destroyed is what we are witnessing when we first wake up at the beginning of the time loop. Is that right? And does that mean there are Nomai still alive at the start of the loop?

[Mp3. Mp4]

Yes that's what you see at the start of the loop. But no, they are not alive.

[Chucklehead]

But if the Nomai aren't around then how does it happen? I thought the whole reason it breaks apart is because those 2 "over enthusiastic" Nomai decide they're gonna OP the cannon.

[ReverendTed]

But...why is the probe cannon firing at that moment, if no one's still alive?
Answering that question is central to the joy of discovery in Outer Wilds.

[Chucklehead]

Originally posted by ReverendTed:

But...why is the probe cannon firing at that moment, if no one's still alive?
Answering that question is central to the joy of discovery in Outer Wilds.

Ah I see, so a discovery I haven't made yet will answer the question.

[Bobywan]

The system is automated. An event triggers the launch.

[Chucklehead]

Had it fired before or was this the first time? Or is that something I'm also not supposed to know yet?

[ReverendTed]

Originally posted by Chucklehead:

Had it fired before or was this the first time? Or is that something I'm also not supposed to know yet?

You'll find out!

A lot of the information you'll come across in the early game will be confusing, because you'll lack the context to make sense of it. As you pull on the threads and discover more and more, it will all start to come into focus.
When you come across incomplete information, my recommendation is to do exactly what you're doing: ask yourself "what could this possibly mean?" and then go follow the clues to the next revelation.

[Chucklehead]

OK I explored more of Giant's Deep and I understand a bit more now, that the cannon was never fired in its own time by the Nomai who constructed it. I don't know why it suddenly fired at the start of the loop but at least my original questions have been answered.

[Chucklehead]

Wait, now I got further into Giant's Deep, and I find writing that says the cannon has been fired 9 million times! I'm back to being confused.

[Bobywan]

Originally posted by Chucklehead:

Wait, now I got further into Giant's Deep, and I find writing that says the cannon has been fired 9 million times! I'm back to being confused.

This means there was 9 million loops of 22 minutes (before the player was even aware of them)

[Chucklehead]

Originally posted by Bobywan:

Originally posted by Chucklehead:

Wait, now I got further into Giant's Deep, and I find writing that says the cannon has been fired 9 million times! I'm back to being confused.

This means there was 9 million loops of 22 minutes (before the player was even aware of them)

Ooooh. That still leaves me somewhat confused but a bit less so.

I haven't really noticed, does the cannon fire in a different direction each time the loop begins, or is it always in the same direction?

[ReverendTed]

Originally posted by Chucklehead:

I haven't really noticed, does the cannon fire in a different direction each time the loop begins, or is it always in the same direction?

Pay close attention when you wake up, and you'll get your answer!

[Bobywan]

Originally posted by ReverendTed:

Originally posted by Chucklehead:

I haven't really noticed, does the cannon fire in a different direction each time the loop begins, or is it always in the same direction?

Pay close attention when you wake up, and you'll get your answer!

Also, maybe explore all the rooms in the canon:
one is obvious
one seems to have a block gate...
one seems to be missing (where could it be ?)

[Chucklehead]

I did find all the cannon rooms, and yes it does appear it is firing off in different directions.

Moved on to Ember Twin which seems tricky because the sand makes everything time sensitive.

[Bobywan]

Originally posted by Chucklehead:

I did find all the cannon rooms, and yes it does appear it is firing off in different directions.

Moved on to Ember Twin which seems tricky because the sand makes everything time sensitive.

For Ember twin, once you find the "main room", try to find an exit that may be used as a shortcut for the next loops.