So you’ve just started your adventure in The Outer Worlds 2, and the game drops a mysterious High Security Lockbox in your lap with basically zero explanation. Cool, thanks game. You crack it open using the ship’s decryption machine, score some decent loot, and then… crickets. Where do you find more of these things? How do you even open them without keys?
If you’re scratching your head about High Security Lockboxes, don’t worry—you’re not alone. The game loves being vague about its systems, which is very on-brand for Obsidian’s RPG. Let me break down everything you need to know about these lockboxes, the keys that unlock them, and how to squeeze every bit of value out of this loot system.
What Are High Security Lockboxes, Anyway?
High Security Lockboxes are essentially the game’s premium loot containers. Think of them as treasure chests on steroids—they contain some of the best weapons, armor, mods, and consumables you’ll find in The Outer Worlds 2. The catch? You need special Advanced Decryption Keys to unlock them, and these keys aren’t exactly growing on trees.
The first lockbox you encounter is basically a tutorial freebie to get you hooked. After that, the game expects you to figure out the rest on your own, which can be frustrating if you’re just trying to get your bearings. Before diving deeper into lockboxes, check out our beginner’s guide and what to do first guide to get a solid foundation.
How to Open High Security Lockboxes: The Machine on Your Ship
Here’s the process broken down step-by-step:
1. Get Advanced Decryption Keys (more on this below)
2. Head to your ship. When you enter from the corridor into the main area, look to your right. You’ll see a chunky machine mounted on the wall—this is your High Security Decryption Terminal.
3. Unjam the machine (if it’s your first time). Just interact with it once to get it working.
4. Use your keys. Select a lockbox from the machine’s menu and spend the required number of Advanced Decryption Keys. Different lockboxes require different amounts—some need 4 keys, others demand 8 or more.
Pro tip: The loot quality generally scales with the number of keys required, so those 8-key lockboxes are usually worth the investment if you’re swimming in keys.
Where to Find Advanced Decryption Keys
This is where things get interesting. Advanced Decryption Keys are rare, and the game forces you to choose between exploring or spending your hard-earned Credits. Here are your options:
Option 1: Buy Them (The Expensive Route)
- Vendors and vending machines sell Advanced Decryption Keys for 1,000 Credits each
- Each vendor only stocks a limited quantity, so you can’t just farm Credits and buy unlimited keys
- If you’re willing to take the ‘Consumerism’ flaw, you’ll get a 15% discount on purchases (850 Credits per key instead of 1,000)
My take: The Consumerism flaw is actually pretty manageable if you’re strategic about it. The discount applies to everything, not just keys, so if you’re planning to buy a lot of gear anyway, it’s worth considering. Just be aware of the downsides before committing to any flaw.
Option 2: Explore and Loot (The Free Route)
Advanced Decryption Keys are scattered throughout the game world in:
- Locked containers (ironic, I know)
- Hidden rooms and side areas
- Desks, lockers, and storage racks in buildings
- Caves and remote locations off the beaten path
Exploration tip: If you’re thorough about checking every nook and cranny, you’ll find plenty of keys without spending a dime. This is especially important if you’re working on building your character for combat efficiency, since the Credits saved can go toward better weapons and armor.
Where to Find More High Security Lockboxes
Here’s the thing the game doesn’t tell you: You can’t buy High Security Lockboxes. Unlike the keys, lockboxes only come from exploration. Your ship starts with a handful of lockboxes available at the decryption terminal, but once you’ve opened those, you need to find more out in the world.
Best Places to Hunt for Lockboxes:
• Locked rooms and restricted areas – If there’s a door that requires lockpicking or a keycard, there’s probably good loot behind it
• Corporate buildings and facilities – Check every desk, filing cabinet, and storage locker
• Hidden corners and overlookable spots – Behind staircases, in maintenance closets, tucked under desks
• Caves and outdoor locations – Don’t just focus on buildings; natural environments hide loot too
• Quest-related areas – Major story locations often have lockboxes stashed away
The game rewards players who take their time and actually explore instead of just rushing through objectives. If you’re the type who beelines for quest markers, you’ll miss a ton of these lockboxes. And honestly? That’s a shame, because the loot inside can significantly improve your combat effectiveness.
Is It Worth Opening Every High Security Lockbox?
Short answer: Yes, absolutely.
High Security Lockboxes contain some of the best gear in the game. We’re talking top-tier weapons with unique mods, rare armor pieces, powerful consumables, and valuable crafting materials. If you want to make combat easier (and who doesn’t?), unlocking these lockboxes should be a priority.
That said, prioritize based on your playstyle:
- Combat-focused builds should hunt down every weapon-containing lockbox
- Stealth builds benefit from the rare armor and mods
- Credits-hungry players can sell the valuable items for serious cash
If you’re still figuring out your approach, our guides on backgrounds and traits and negative traits can help you optimize your character.
Advanced Tips for Lockbox Hunting
Save your keys early game. Don’t blow all your Advanced Decryption Keys on the first lockboxes you find. Some later lockboxes contain significantly better loot.
Balance buying vs. exploring. If you’re flush with Credits, buying a few keys can save time. But if you’re low on cash, exploring is always free.
Check back at your ship regularly. New lockboxes may appear at the decryption terminal as you progress through the story.
Invest in lockpicking skills if needed. Many rooms containing lockboxes are behind locked doors, so having decent lockpicking ability opens up more opportunities.
Consider weapon slot upgrades. Since lockboxes often contain weapons, make sure you have enough weapon slots to carry your new arsenal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Ignoring exploration – Rushing through areas means missing both keys and lockboxes
❌ Spending all your Credits on keys – You’ll need Credits for other important purchases like weapon upgrades and health increases
❌ Not checking vendor inventories – Vendors restock, so check back periodically for more keys
❌ Opening lockboxes randomly – Some lockboxes are better than others; check how many keys they require as a rough quality indicator
Note: Make Those Lockboxes Work for You
High Security Lockboxes are one of The Outer Worlds 2’s best reward systems for players who love exploring every inch of the game world. They’re not handed to you—you have to earn them through either exploration or smart Credit management. But the payoff is absolutely worth it.
The key (pun intended) is finding the right balance between buying Advanced Decryption Keys and hunting them down yourself. If you’re thorough in your exploration and strategic about when to spend Credits, you’ll have access to some of the best gear in the game without breaking the bank.
And if you’re still working through the early game decisions, definitely check out our guide on which background to choose to set yourself up for success. You’ll also want to read up on the Inez Graft choice to avoid any regrets later.
Now get out there and start cracking those lockboxes. Your future arsenal will thank you.
