Introduction
The Mojave Desert. A land of sun-baked earth, desperate souls, and countless locked doors holding treasures both tangible and dangerous. Imagine yourself, the Courier, stumbling upon a weathered safe tucked away in a crumbling ruin. You can practically smell the pre-War caps and valuable schematics inside. You reach for your trusty lockpicks, only to realize your Lockpick skill is woefully inadequate. Frustration mounts… unless you have a secret weapon: the Locksmith Reader perk.
Locksmith Reader, a quirky addition to your arsenal via the Old World Blues DLC, promises a shortcut to bypassing those frustrating skill checks. It whispers of unlocking untold riches and bypassing seemingly impassable obstacles. But is it truly the ultimate lockpicking hack in New Vegas? Or is it just another Wasteland mirage?
This article will delve deep into the Locksmith Reader perk, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and whether it deserves a place in your Courier’s repertoire. We’ll uncover how it works, the benefits it offers, the downsides you’ll face, and ultimately, help you decide if it’s the right choice for your unique New Vegas adventure.
Understanding the Locksmith Reader Perk
First, let’s break down exactly what Locksmith Reader is and how to acquire it. This perk isn’t available at the start of your journey. You’ll need to have reached level twenty and possess a Lockpick skill of seventy to even consider taking it. Then, and only then, can you choose it when leveling up. Locksmith Reader is unique because it is tied to the Old World Blues DLC, meaning you must have the DLC installed and active in order to be able to choose the perk.
So, what does it *do*? The core function of Locksmith Reader is simple: it allows you to temporarily boost your Lockpick skill when attempting to open locks that are beyond your current capabilities. How is this achieved? By consuming the corresponding skill magazine when attempting to open the lock. This is done using the Locksmith’s Reader magazine.
Specifically, it lets you use a Locksmith’s Reader magazine (the skill magazine pertaining to lockpicking) to attempt to pick locks of a higher level than your skill would normally allow. It’s important to note that this perk doesn’t magically unlock *everything*. You still need a foundation of Lockpick skill. It’s more like a temporary boost, a surge of knowledge gleaned from the magazine that empowers you to tackle a difficult challenge.
The Allure of Locksmith Reader: Unlocking Opportunities
The primary appeal of Locksmith Reader is its ability to grant early access to valuable loot and crucial locations. Think about the safes scattered throughout Vault Three. Some of these contain valuable pre-War money, schematics for crafting, and unique weapons that can significantly aid your early-game progression. Without a high Lockpick skill or Locksmith Reader, these treasures remain locked away.
Or consider the locked doors guarding secret rooms or vital information within questlines. Bypassing these obstacles can save you time, effort, and potentially even lives. Imagine discovering a hidden stash of medicine just when you need it most, or uncovering a crucial clue that unravels a complex mystery. Locksmith Reader can be the key that unlocks these opportunities.
Furthermore, Locksmith Reader offers the tempting prospect of skill point savings. In New Vegas, every skill point counts. Investing heavily in Lockpick early can detract from other crucial skills like Guns, Speech, or Medicine. By relying on Locksmith Reader, you can allocate those points elsewhere, creating a more well-rounded and versatile character.
There’s also a certain roleplaying element to consider. Perhaps your Courier is a charismatic smooth-talker who relies on their wits and scavenged resources rather than brute force or specialized skills. Locksmith Reader perfectly complements this playstyle, allowing you to overcome challenges through cleverness and resourcefulness.
Finally, many players simply appreciate the perk for reducing frustration. Constantly being blocked by locked containers can be a drag. Locksmith Reader can smooth out the gameplay experience, allowing you to progress more freely and discover more of what New Vegas has to offer.
The Shadow Side: Considerations and Limitations
While Locksmith Reader sounds amazing on paper, it’s not without its drawbacks. The biggest constraint is its reliance on magazines. Locksmith’s Reader magazines, while not incredibly rare, are not exactly overflowing in every nook and cranny of the Mojave. You’ll need to actively search for them, often scouring bookshelves, desks, and abandoned buildings.
This dependence on magazines introduces an element of inconsistency. You might find yourself desperately needing to unlock a specific container, only to realize you’re completely out of Locksmith’s Readers. This can force you to backtrack, abandon your current objective, or simply resign yourself to leaving the loot behind.
Carrying a significant number of magazines also adds to your encumbrance. New Vegas is notorious for its strict weight management system. Every bullet, every stimpak, and yes, every magazine, contributes to your carrying capacity. Hoarding a large supply of Locksmith’s Readers can quickly weigh you down, forcing you to make tough choices about what to carry.
There’s also the increased risk of breaking lockpicks. Attempting locks that are significantly above your skill level inherently increases the likelihood of snapping a lockpick. Lockpicks, especially in the early game, can be a precious commodity. Wasting them on failed attempts can leave you vulnerable and unable to open even easier locks.
It’s also important to remember that Locksmith Reader isn’t the *only* way to bypass locked containers. Keys are often hidden nearby, providing a more reliable and cost-effective solution. Many companions, such as Boone and ED-E, possess high Lockpick skills and can assist you in opening locks. Sometimes, a well-placed explosive charge can blast open a door (though this might not be the most subtle approach). Stealth boys can also be used to avoid confrontation while attempting to pick locks.
Moreover, the Courier has access to skill books around the Mojave, with each book increasing the skill by four, five with the Comprehension perk. This perk can be helpful in giving a larger boost when reading a skill book.
The existence of the DLC, *Old World Blues*, adds further complexity. This DLC grants access to the Auto-Doc, a device that allows you to respec your character’s skills. This means that you can temporarily allocate skill points to Lockpick, unlock a specific container, and then reallocate those points to other skills. This makes Locksmith Reader less of a necessity, as you can essentially “borrow” Lockpick skill when needed.
Finally, consider the opportunity cost. Choosing Locksmith Reader means foregoing another perk at the same level. There are many other compelling perks available in New Vegas, each offering unique benefits and enhancing your character in different ways.
The Verdict: Who Should Embrace the Locksmith Reader?
So, who should consider taking Locksmith Reader? It’s an excellent choice for players who want to focus on other skills and don’t want to invest heavily in Lockpick. It’s also ideal for players who enjoy scavenging and exploring every nook and cranny of the Mojave. If you find yourself constantly running into locked containers and feeling frustrated by your lack of Lockpick skill, Locksmith Reader can provide a welcome boost.
However, if you prefer a more traditional approach, or if you enjoy meticulously leveling up your skills, you might want to skip Locksmith Reader. If you don’t like relying on consumables, or if you prefer to min/max your character’s skills, there are likely better perks available.
Tips for Maximum Efficiency with Locksmith Reader
If you decide to embrace Locksmith Reader, here are a few tips to maximize its effectiveness:
- **Scour the Wasteland:** Actively search for Locksmith’s Reader magazines. Pay close attention to shelves, desks, and abandoned buildings.
- **Save, Save, Save:** Always save your game before attempting to pick a difficult lock. This allows you to reload if you fail and avoid wasting lockpicks.
- **Inventory Management:** Carefully manage your magazine inventory. Don’t carry more magazines than you need.
- **Know Your Limits:** Recognize when a lock is simply too difficult. Sometimes, it’s better to move on and return later with a higher Lockpick skill or a key.
- **Embrace the Outfit:** Finding clothing such as Pre-War Businesswear or other apparel that may help aid you with Lockpicking can reduce the amount of magazines needed, so try to collect them.
Final Thoughts: A Lockpicking Enigma
Locksmith Reader is a fascinating and somewhat controversial perk in Fallout: New Vegas. It offers a tempting shortcut to unlocking valuable loot and bypassing frustrating skill checks, but it comes with its own set of drawbacks and limitations. Ultimately, whether or not it’s the right choice for you depends on your playstyle, your character build, and your overall approach to the game.
So, is Locksmith Reader the ultimate lockpicking hack? Perhaps not. But it is a valuable tool that, when used wisely, can significantly enhance your New Vegas experience. The decision, as always, rests with the Courier. Choose wisely, and may your journey through the Mojave be filled with treasure… and unlocked doors.
