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. Without the Lockpick skill, you’re missing out on powerful weapons, rare armor, extra Bits, and story-critical items that could make your journey much easier. This comprehensive lockpicking guide will teach you everything you need to know about mastering the Lockpick skill, from understanding how it works to choosing the best perks and managing your Mag-Pick supply. By the end, you’ll be unlocking every secret the Halcyon colony has to offer.
Key Takeaways
- The Lockpick skill lets you open locked doors, chests, and containers using Mag-Picks
- Lock levels range from Easy (skill 1-20) to Master (skill 81-100)
- Best Lockpick perks include Pickpocket, Sleight of Hand, Container Reveal, and Hardened Locks
- You can craft Mag-Picks at workbenches using Magnet, Scrap Metal, and Foil
- Lockpick is considered one of the best skills for accessing valuable loot and secrets
- Invest early in Lockpick to access better gear and resources from the start
What is the Lockpick Skill in The Outer Worlds 2?
The Lockpick skill in The Outer Worlds 2 is one of the most valuable abilities you can develop. It allows you to open locked doors, chests, and containers by using a special tool called a Mag-Pick. Each lock in the game has a specific difficulty level, and your Lockpick skill level must meet or exceed this requirement to even attempt opening it.
Investing in this skill is a direct investment in exploration and reward. With a high Lockpick skill, you gain access to powerful weapons, rare armor, extra Bits (the game’s currency), and story-critical items that would otherwise remain out of reach. Many players consider Lockpick one of the best skills in the game because it consistently pays off with better loot and more exploration options.
How Does the Lockpick Skill Work?
Using the Lockpick skill is straightforward once you understand the basics. When you approach a locked object like a door or container, the game will show you a prompt if your Lockpick skill level is high enough. You’ll need to have at least one Mag-Pick in your inventory to open the lock.
The game uses a tiered system for lock levels, which determines what you can open based on your skill:
- 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 important to note that if your skill is too low, you cannot attempt the lock at all. This makes strategic point allocation crucial for your character development. Unlike some RPGs, The Outer Worlds 2 doesn’t have a lockpicking minigame – if your skill is high enough, you simply use a Mag-Pick and the lock opens automatically.
What Are the Best Lockpick Perks?
Perks provide powerful passive bonuses that can enhance your lockpicking efficiency and utility. The best lockpick perks complement your skill investment and make you a more effective treasure hunter. Here are the top perks to consider:
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. You only need Lockpick level 1 to unlock this perk, making it an early-game option that pays off throughout your journey. Pickpocketing can yield unique items, keycards, and quest items that you can’t get any other way.
Sleight of Hand
This perk reduces the noise you make while lockpicking and pickpocketing, making it harder for enemies and NPCs to detect your illicit activities. For players who enjoy a stealthy approach, Sleight of Hand is essential. It also provides a bonus to sneak attack damage that scales with your Lockpick skill, giving you combat benefits as well.
Container Reveal (Through the Keyhole)
This is a huge quality-of-life perk that allows you to see the contents of a locked container before you spend a Mag-Pick to open it. This ensures you never waste a pick on a container with just common junk. The ability to preview contents helps you prioritize which locks to open when you’re running low on Mag-Picks.
Hardened Locks
This perk increases the maximum level of locks you can pick, effectively allowing you to open Master-level locks before reaching 100 Lockpick skill. This frees up skill points that you can invest in other areas while still maintaining access to the highest-level loot. For players who want to diversify their skills rather than maxing out Lockpick, Hardened Locks is invaluable.
How to Craft Mag-Picks?
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, but crafting is the most reliable long-term solution.
Crafting Materials
To craft Mag-Picks at a workbench, you’ll need:
- 1 Magnet
- 3 Scrap Metal
- 2 Foil
These materials are common throughout the game world, so make a habit of picking them up whenever you see them. You can find them in various containers, on defeated enemies, and in environmental objects.
Step-by-Step Crafting Process
- Find a workbench (they’re located in most settlements and many indoor areas)
- Interact with the workbench to open the crafting menu
- Select the Mag-Pick recipe (you may need to unlock it first)
- Ensure you have the required materials in your inventory
- Craft as many Mag-Picks as you need or have materials for
Alternative Methods to Get Mag-Picks
If you can’t craft Mag-Picks or need them immediately, you can:
- Purchase them from vending machines and merchants using Bits
- Find them as random loot in containers, desks, and cabinets
- Steal them from houses and buildings (ironic but effective!)
For players who have Valerie in their party, her Field-Tinkering option at level 10 (Integrated Mag-Pick Repair) gives you a chance to get a Mag-Pick back when you use one, making your supply last much longer.
What Are the Best Tips for Maximizing Loot?
To get the most out of your Lockpick skill and Mag-Pick supply, follow these proven strategies:
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. Easy locks usually have common items that you can find elsewhere or afford to buy.
Check Vendor Stocks Regularly
Vending machines and certain vendors will sell Mag-Picks for Bits. While they can be expensive, it’s worth checking their stocks regularly. Sometimes you can find Mag-Picks at a good price or restock on crafting materials when you’re in town.
Invest Early in Lockpick
Putting points into Lockpick early in the game pays dividends by giving you access to better gear and resources from the start. This makes the rest of your journey easier, as you’ll have better weapons, armor, and more money to work with.
Scavenge for Crafting Materials
Since crafting Mag-Picks is key to maintaining a steady supply, make a habit of looting every piece of Scrap Metal, Magnet, and Foil you find. These materials are lightweight, so there’s no reason not to pick them up whenever you see them.
Combine Lockpick with Complementary Skills
Lockpick works well with other skills like Stealth and Hacking. A high Stealth skill makes it easier to approach locked areas undetected, while Hacking gives you an alternative way to access secure areas. This combination ensures you’re never locked out of valuable loot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest level lockpick you need in The Outer Worlds 2?
The highest lock level in The Outer Worlds 2 is Master, which requires a Lockpick skill of 81-100. However, with the Hardened Locks perk, you can attempt Master-level locks at a lower skill level. Most players find that reaching 60-80 Lockpick is sufficient for most content, especially if you have supporting perks.
Is lockpicking better than hacking in The Outer Worlds 2?
Both skills are valuable, but lockpicking generally gives you access to more physical loot like weapons, armor, and items. Hacking is better for accessing terminals, disabling security systems, and gathering information. Many players choose to invest in both, but if you have to pick one, lockpicking typically provides more immediate tangible rewards in the form of better gear and resources.
Where can I find Mag-Picks when I’m running low?
When you’re running low on Mag-Picks, check vending machines and merchants in settlements first. You can also find them in secure areas like corporate offices, military outposts, and science labs – anywhere you’d expect to find locked doors and valuable items. Crafting them at workbenches is the most reliable long-term solution.
How do I use Mag-Picks to open locked doors and containers?
To use a Mag-Pick, approach a locked door or container. If your Lockpick skill is high enough, you’ll see a prompt to open it. The game will automatically consume one Mag-Pick from your inventory, and the lock will open. There’s no minigame or chance of failure as long as your skill meets the requirement.
Can I open Master locks without 100 Lockpick skill?
Yes, you can open Master locks without reaching 100 Lockpick skill if you select the Hardened Locks perk (or its equivalent). This perk increases the maximum level of locks you can attempt, allowing you to access Master-level content with a lower skill investment.
What happens if I fail a lockpicking attempt?
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. If your skill is too low, you simply won’t get the option to attempt the lock at all.
Is Lockpick worth maxing out to 100?
Lockpick is absolutely worth maxing out to 100 if you’re 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. Consider your playstyle and whether you prefer to specialize or diversify your skills.
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. Start investing in this essential skill today and unlock every secret the Halcyon colony has to offer!
