Palia One Step Behind Quest Guide

The main quest One Step Behind takes you down a different path than the previous Elderwood quests in Palia. Set to tracking Tamala, Subira has put aside what impact the infection is having on the forest. This is how to complete One Step Behind in Palia.

*This guide contains spoilers for the main story. Continue at your own risk.*

Palia | One Step Behind Quest Walkthrough

To have One Step Behind added to your quest log, you'll need to complete The Nature of Shadows, as well as one of the quests listed below:

• Bugging Out
• Shot in the Dark
• Something Fishy

After The Nature of Shadows, it's known that Tamala is Subira's prime suspect for disabling the Cosmos Protocol. Tamala is also aware that she's been the target of various stakeouts, having caught Subira in the act. With the Watcher's sights set on Tamala, you're tasked with following her in Subira's stead. 

Start your search by leaving the Elderwood Central Stables through the southern passage into the reeds. All three clues are on the ground with a shimmering aura above them.  The first is found in the road right when you leave the stables and enter the reeds.

Following the quest markers, the next track is up on a rock. You can see the actual mark in the rock, with the interaction spot below it. This is still in the reed area, but closer to the edges of it. You'll be heading to the south when you come across this track.

The third stop isn't technically a track, as you need to talk to Sifuu around the Deep Woods. She points you towards tracks of the Beast of the Elderwood, which she's hunted for years. The tracks are large and in line with the ones you've been following.

Sifuu then directs you to where the prints were heading, the southeast corner of the Fallen Aqueduct region of the Elderwood. Go up a ledge to find a cave with a glowing entrance. Labeled the Beast's Lair, enter it to continue with One Step Behind. 

Instead of an animal's den, inside you find the abode of a person. Tables are adorned with notes and various objects. A basin is across from some infected vines. There's a fire with a basket of apples nearby. Explore the various items, especially the note and book on the table. The note expands on potential lore (and fan theorycrafting) while the book helps with the next quest, Like a Shiprunt. 

Head to the door to attempt to leave. There's an aura that pushes you back, even if you use the basin. This is when Tamala shows up. You'll have a tense confrontation where she curses you and then traps you in the lair. That ends One Step Behind and immediately begins Like a Shiprunt. You earn 20 Renown for finishing the main quest.