In the wild and corporate-dominated worlds of The Outer Worlds 2, some of the best loot, secret areas, and valuable shortcuts are hidden behind locked doors and containers. The key to accessing these treasures is the Lockpick Skill. This guide will break down everything you need to know about this essential skill, from how it works and the best perks to choose, to crafting the Mag-Picks you’ll need to become a master thief.
What is the Lockpick Skill?
The Lockpick Skill in The Outer Worlds 2 allows you to open locked doors, chests, and containers by using a consumable tool called a Mag-Pick. Each lock has a specific difficulty level, and your Lockpick skill level must meet or exceed this requirement to even attempt to open it. Investing in this skill is a direct investment in exploration and reward, granting you access to powerful weapons, rare armor, extra Bits (currency), and story-critical items that would otherwise remain out of reach.
How to Use Lockpick and Skill Levels
Using the Lockpick skill is straightforward:
Approach a locked object (door, container, etc.).
If your Lockpick skill level is high enough, you will see an prompt to open it.
The game will consume one Mag-Pick from your inventory, and the lock will open.
Lockpick Skill Levels typically follow a tiered system, similar to the first game. While exact numbers may vary, the general principle is:
Level 1-20: Allows you to open Easy locks.
Level 21-40: Allows you to open Average locks.
Level 41-60: Allows you to open Hard locks.
Level 61-80: Allows you to open Very Hard locks.
Level 81-100: Allows you to open Master-level locks.
It’s crucial to note that if your skill is too low, you cannot attempt the lock at all, making strategic point allocation important.
Best Lockpick Perks
Perks provide powerful passive bonuses that can enhance your Lockpicking efficiency and utility. While the full perk list for The Outer Worlds 2 is not yet confirmed, we can anticipate perks similar to the original game that synergize perfectly with a high Lockpick investment. The best perks to look for likely include:
Pickpocket: This perk is a natural companion to Lockpick. It allows you to steal equipped items and other valuables directly from characters, doubling your thieving potential.
Container Reveal: A huge quality-of-life perk. This would allow you to see the contents of a locked container before you spend a Mag-Pick to open it, ensuring you never waste a pick on a container with just common junk.
Hardened Locks: This perk would increase the maximum level of locks you can pick, effectively allowing you to open Master-level locks before reaching 100 Lockpick skill, freeing up points for other skills.
Sleight of Hand: Reduces the noise you make while lockpicking and pickpocketing, making it harder for enemies and NPCs to detect your illicit activities.
The Outer Worlds 2 Mag-Pick Crafting Guide
Mag-Picks are your essential lockpicking tools, and they can be scarce, especially in the early game. There are three primary ways to get them.
1. How to Find Mag-Picks (Looting)
You can find Mag-Picks as random loot throughout the game world. Be sure to search:
Ammo Crates and Containers.
Desks and Cabinets.
The inventories of defeated enemies.
Hidden stashes in hard-to-reach areas.
2. How to Buy Mag-Picks
Vending Machines and certain vendors will sell Mag-Picks for Bits. However, they can be expensive, so purchasing them is recommended only when you are in immediate need and have Bits to spare.
3. How to Craft Mag-Picks at a Workbench (Recommended)
The most reliable and cost-effective long-term solution is to craft Mag-Picks at a Workbench. This ensures you always have a supply and saves your Bits for other essentials.
Crafting Location: Any Workbench.
Common Crafting Materials: Based on the first game, expect to need components like Magnet, Scrap Metal, and Foil. Always pick up these common items when you see them.
By managing your resources wisely and crafting your own Mag-Picks, you can maintain a steady supply for all your lockpicking needs.
Tips for Maximizing Loot and Exploration
Prioritize High-Value Locks: Don’t waste your Mag-Picks on every Easy lock if you’re running low. Save them for doors and containers marked “Hard” or “Very Hard,” as they typically contain the most valuable rewards.
Check Vendor Stocks: Regularly check what vendors are selling. Sometimes you can find Mag-Picks at a good price or restock on crafting materials.
Invest Early: Putting points into Lockpick early in the game pays dividends by giving you access to better gear and resources from the start, making the rest of your journey easier.
Scavenge for Scrap: Since crafting is key, make a habit of looting every piece of Scrap Metal and other common components you find.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I open Master locks without 100 Lockpick skill?
A: Yes, but only if you select the “Hardened Locks” perk (or its equivalent), which increases the level of locks you can attempt.
Q: What happens if I fail a lockpicking attempt?
A: In The Outer Worlds 2, if your skill level is high enough to attempt the lock, the attempt is typically automatic and successful, consuming one Mag-Pick. There is no minigame or chance of failure based on skill.
Q: Is Lockpick worth maxing out to 100?
A: Absolutely, if you are a completionist or want to ensure you can access every single piece of loot and secret area in the game. For most players, getting it to a level where they can open “Very Hard” locks (around 60-80) is sufficient, especially with perk support.
Q: Where are the best locations to find Mag-Picks?
A: There are no fixed “best” locations confirmed yet, but they are most commonly found in secure areas, like corporate offices, military outposts, and science labs—anywhere you’d expect to find locked doors and valuable items.
Conclusion
The Lockpick Skill is more than just a way to open doors; it’s a gateway to the richest treasures and deepest secrets in The Outer Worlds 2. By strategically investing skill points, choosing the right perks, and efficiently managing your Mag-Pick supply through crafting, you can ensure your character is always equipped to find the best gear and gain a significant advantage. Now go forth and unlock every secret the Halcyon colony has to offer