Understanding the Lockpicking Skill
Ever stumble upon a locked safe gleaming invitingly in the Nevada desert, only to realize your lockpicking skill is about as useful as a brahmin in a dogfight? The Mojave Wasteland is teeming with secrets, treasures, and hidden lore, but a significant portion of it is tucked away behind locked doors and containers. Mastering the art of lockpicking in Fallout: New Vegas isn’t just a helpful skill; it’s practically essential for uncovering the game’s deepest secrets and reaping the richest rewards. This guide will equip you with everything you need to become a master locksmith, from understanding the underlying mechanics to exploiting clever strategies and even, if you’re feeling particularly brazen, the occasional cheat. Prepare to unlock the Mojave, one tumblr at a time.
At its core, the lockpicking skill in Fallout: New Vegas determines your ability to bypass locked doors, safes, footlockers, and other containers. The higher your skill level, the better your chances of successfully picking more challenging locks. Think of it as a battle of wits and finesse between you and the lock’s intricate mechanics.
Locks in New Vegas are categorized by difficulty: Very Easy, Easy, Average, Hard, and Very Hard. Each category corresponds to a minimum lockpicking skill level required to even attempt to pick the lock. Trying to pick a Very Hard lock with a skill of only twenty-five is like trying to climb Mount Everest in flip-flops – you’re likely to break something (in this case, bobby pins) long before you reach the summit. Generally, you’ll need roughly skill level twenty-five to attempt easy locks, fifty for average, seventy-five for hard, and a skill level of one hundred to tackle the very hardest locks in the Mojave.
Increasing your lockpicking skill is paramount if you aspire to open every lock you encounter. There are several avenues to achieve this. First and foremost, leveling up your character and allocating skill points directly to lockpicking is the most straightforward method. Each level grants you a set number of skill points, allowing you to tailor your character’s abilities to your preferred playstyle.
Skill books offer a more passive, yet equally effective, means of boosting your lockpicking prowess. These books are scattered throughout the Mojave and provide a permanent increase to your skill when read. They can typically be found in abandoned buildings, libraries, or hidden within containers. Some notable examples would be the “Dean’s Electronics” book, found in the REPCONN facility, and “Locksmith’s Reader” which has multiple spawn points throughout the game. Hunting these books down can significantly accelerate your lockpicking progression. Reading these magazines is a fantastic way to ensure that all of your skill points are being used in other important areas of gameplay such as speech or guns.
Don’t underestimate the power of temporary skill boosts. Chems like Mentats, can temporarily increase your intelligence, which in turn, boosts your skills, including lockpicking. Magazines, such as “Locksmith’s Reader,” provide a temporary surge in your lockpicking ability. Consuming these items before attempting a particularly tricky lock can provide the edge you need to succeed. Furthermore, having companions can aid in skill points. Certain companions, such as Boone and Raul, give passive buffs to your skills passively.
While often overlooked, perception plays a role. High perception makes it easier to spot locked containers and other points of interest, leading you to more lockpicking opportunities. So, while it doesn’t directly affect the skill, it contributes to finding locks to practice on.
The Mechanics of Lockpicking
The lockpicking interface is deceptively simple. You’re presented with a tumbler (the internal mechanism of the lock) and a bobby pin (your makeshift key). The goal is to maneuver the bobby pin into the “sweet spot,” the point where the tumbler can be rotated freely without breaking the pin.
To do this, you gently apply pressure to the tumbler while simultaneously moving the bobby pin. Listen carefully to the sound and feel for resistance. If you hear a distinct “clicking” sound and the controller (if using one) vibrates slightly, you’re getting close to the sweet spot. However, if you hear a “snapping” sound and the screen shakes, you’re applying too much pressure and the bobby pin is about to break.
Breaking bobby pins is an inevitable part of the lockpicking experience, especially at lower skill levels. Common causes include applying too much pressure, moving the pin too quickly, and using low-quality bobby pins. To minimize breakage, start with high-quality pins (they have a higher durability rating), apply pressure gradually, and be patient. If you feel significant resistance, back off and adjust the position of the bobby pin.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to picking a lock in Fallout: New Vegas:
First, insert the bobby pin into the lock and gently apply pressure to the tumbler. Slowly move the bobby pin back and forth, listening for the clicking sound and feeling for the vibration. When you find a spot that offers minimal resistance, apply slightly more pressure to the tumbler. If the pin bends excessively or breaks, back off and try a different position. Continue this process, gradually increasing pressure and adjusting the pin’s position until you find the sweet spot. With enough skill and patience, the lock will eventually yield, granting you access to its hidden contents.
New Vegas presents a challenge that some other games do not. The lockpicking difficulty in New Vegas feels more punishing compared to other Fallout games. Pin placement and the sensitivity to breaking is higher, making it a truer challenge. However, the feeling of accomplishment is higher as well!
Essential Lockpicking Perks
Perks are special abilities that enhance your character’s skills and provide unique advantages. Several perks directly benefit lockpicking in Fallout: New Vegas, making the task easier and more rewarding.
One vital perk you can have is, “Comprehension”. Reading any skill magazine gives another skill point boost! Reading Dean’s Electronics gives another boost in lockpicking skill! Another perk that is worth acquiring is “Infiltrator”. This perk allows you to retry a locked door without needing to use another bobby pin. This can really help with the tougher doors, and allow you to attempt a very difficult lock repeatedly. The last perk, “Burglary”, allows you to pick doors in the day with reduced difficulty.
Items That Help With Lockpicking
Apart from skill and perks, certain items can provide a significant boost to your lockpicking efforts.
Bobby pins, the universal lockpicking tool, are essential. They’re commonly found throughout the Mojave, but running out can be a frustrating experience. Stock up on bobby pins whenever possible, especially before venturing into areas known for having numerous locked containers.
Certain clothing items and armor pieces can temporarily boost your lockpicking skill. These items are usually found in stores such as the Atomic Cowboy, or in hidden caches. Chems, as mentioned earlier, like Mentats, can increase your intelligence and subsequently improve your lockpicking ability.
Magazines, specifically “Locksmith’s Reader,” provide a temporary but substantial boost to your lockpicking skill. Seek these out whenever you need an extra edge. Lastly, some companions offer lockpicking bonuses. Raul gives you a bonus to lockpicking as well as durability with using weapons! Boone gives you a bonus when using weapons!
Lockpicking Strategies and Tips
Mastering New Vegas lockpicking involves more than just leveling up and acquiring perks; it’s about employing smart strategies and developing good habits.
Consider prioritizing lockpicking early in the game. This allows you to access valuable resources and equipment that can significantly improve your early game experience. Practice often, even on easier locks, to hone your skills and develop a feel for the mechanics. Training and experimenting will eventually pay off and ensure that you will not have trouble lockpicking in the game. Manage your bobby pins wisely and avoid wasting them on locks that are clearly beyond your skill level. Save them for locks that are within your reach.
Sometimes, the best approach is to find a key instead of picking the lock. Keys are often hidden nearby, or held by enemies. Weigh the risks and rewards before committing to picking a lock. When dealing with difficult locks, don’t be afraid to come back later with a higher skill level or after consuming a chem or reading a magazine. Patience is key to success.
If you want to avoid detection, attempt to lockpick in stealth or when no one is around. Being caught lockpicking can have serious consequences, ranging from fines to hostility.
Notable Locks and Rewards
The Mojave Wasteland is filled with locked containers and doors that hold valuable rewards. Some notable examples include safes in abandoned buildings, footlockers in Raider camps, and locked doors leading to hidden rooms.
Quests often require lockpicking skills to progress. Failing to pick a lock can sometimes lead to alternate quest outcomes, so be prepared to adapt. Be aware that opening some doors can open pathways that you may not be prepared to face. Going into a hostile area that you are not ready to fight in could spell death, and you need to load a previous save.
Hidden lore and secrets are often revealed through locked areas. Exploring these areas can enrich your understanding of the game’s world and characters.
“Cheats” (Use with Discretion)
While not recommended for a pure gaming experience, console commands can be used to increase your lockpicking skill or unlock containers instantly. This can be done through the console. Input “advlevel” to increase your character’s level. Another cheat that is well known is save scumming. If you are having trouble with a difficult lock, save before attempting to pick it. If the door fails and the pin breaks, immediately load a previous save and attempt the lockpicking puzzle again.
Conclusion
Lockpicking is an indispensable skill in Fallout: New Vegas. It provides access to valuable resources, hidden locations, and quest progression. By mastering the mechanics, acquiring essential perks, and employing smart strategies, you can become a master locksmith and unlock the secrets of the Mojave Wasteland. So, embrace the challenge, hone your skills, and start picking those locks! The rewards are well worth the effort. The Mojave awaits you.
