Unlocking hard locks in Fallout 4 requires a combination of the right character skills, essential tools, and a bit of finesse with the lockpicking mini-game. To successfully open a hard-level lock, your character must have achieved the necessary Locksmith perk rank and possess bobby pins, which are the primary tools for the task.
The Essentials of Lockpicking
Before attempting any lock, including those of "Hard" difficulty, two fundamental requirements must be met:
- Bobby Pins: You must have at least one bobby pin in your inventory. These weightless items are critical for the lockpicking process and are consumed if broken during the mini-game. Bobby pins are frequently found within first aid kits, toolboxes, and various locked containers throughout the Commonwealth. It's always wise to carry a good supply, especially when exploring areas with many locked doors or safes.
- The Locksmith Perk: Unlike earlier Fallout titles where lockpicking was tied to a general skill stat, Fallout 4 uses a perk system. To tackle harder locks, you need to invest in the Locksmith perk under the Perception attribute. This perk has multiple ranks, each unlocking the ability to pick increasingly difficult locks.
The Critical Perk: Locksmith
The Locksmith perk is indispensable for any aspiring scavenger in Fallout 4. Each rank of this perk allows you to pick locks of a higher difficulty:
| Locksmith Perk Rank | Required Player Level | Unlocks Lock Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Rank 1 | 0 | Advanced |
| Rank 2 | 7 | Expert |
| Rank 3 | 18 | Master |
| Rank 4 | 31 | Never break bobby pins |
To unlock a "Hard" lock, which is actually referred to as an "Expert" difficulty lock in the game's perk description, you will need to have Rank 2 of the Locksmith perk. However, if you are referring to the highest difficulty, "Master," then Rank 3 of the Locksmith perk is required. It's important to clarify if "Hard" refers to "Expert" or "Master" difficulty. Assuming "Hard" means the second-highest tier, Rank 2 is sufficient. If "Hard" is used colloquially for the most challenging locks, then Rank 3 is what you need. For the purpose of this guide, we will consider "Hard" to mean "Expert" difficulty, which becomes accessible with Locksmith Rank 2.
Mastering the Lockpicking Minigame
Once you have the necessary perk and bobby pins, activating a locked container or door will initiate the lockpicking mini-game.
- Position the Bobby Pin: You use the left stick (or mouse) to rotate the bobby pin into different positions within the lock's tumbler.
- Turn the Screwdriver: With the right stick (or mouse), you attempt to turn the lock cylinder (represented by a screwdriver).
- Find the Sweet Spot: As you rotate the bobby pin, there's a "sweet spot" where the lock will turn with minimal resistance.
- If the bobby pin is far from the sweet spot, the lock cylinder will turn only a little, and the bobby pin will shake violently, indicating it's about to break.
- If the bobby pin is close to the sweet spot, the lock cylinder will turn further, and the bobby pin will shake less.
- Open the Lock: Once you find the correct bobby pin position, the lock cylinder will turn all the way, and the lock will open.
Practical Tips for the Minigame:
- Listen Carefully: There's an audible "click" or grinding sound that changes in pitch and intensity depending on how close you are to the sweet spot.
- Gentle Turns: Instead of brute-forcing the lock, make small, gentle turns with the screwdriver. This reduces the chance of breaking bobby pins.
- Wiggle and Observe: Slowly move the bobby pin around the circumference of the lock, attempting a small turn at each position. Observe how far the lock cylinder moves and how much the bobby pin resists. The position where the cylinder turns the furthest without the bobby pin breaking is your target.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice, the better you'll become at judging the sweet spot quickly.
- Save Before Attempting: For particularly valuable or challenging locks, consider saving your game beforehand. If you break too many bobby pins or simply fail, you can reload and try again without consequence.
Practical Strategies for Hard Locks
To effectively unlock hard (Expert or Master) locks:
- Verify Difficulty: Always check the lock's difficulty (e.g., "Expert" or "Master") before attempting.
- Ensure Perk Rank: Confirm you have the corresponding Locksmith perk rank (Rank 2 for Expert, Rank 3 for Master). Without it, the lock will simply show as "Requires [Perk Rank] Locksmith."
- Gather Bobby Pins: Stock up on bobby pins. While Locksmith Rank 4 prevents bobby pin breakage, you'll still need plenty until you reach that level.
- Engage the Minigame: Activate the lock to begin.
- Execute Carefully: Use the "wiggle and observe" technique, making small turns, and listening for the auditory cues to pinpoint the sweet spot accurately.
By combining the appropriate perk investment, a healthy supply of bobby pins, and a practiced hand at the mini-game, you'll be able to conquer any hard lock the Commonwealth throws your way.
