The digipick lockpicking gadget in Starfield introduces a futuristic spin on the iconic lockpicking mechanics beloved by Bethesda fans. But this puzzling new device has secrets left to unravel. As a devoted gamer who has relished dominating previous games‘ security systems, I‘m here to share expert insights into fully mastering the digipick to access Starfield‘s most elusive locked doors and chests.
This definitive guide will cover:
- Lockpicking precedents in Bethesda games
- Essential skills for upgrade
- Locating and optimizing your digipick
- Common puzzles and solutions
- Notoriously tricky locks to anticipate
- Specialized builds and strategies
- And more digipick tips only hardcore fans need to know
Let‘s break down the barriers to unlocking this innovative new gadget‘s true potential.
A New Spin on a Classic Bethesda Mechanic
Since Elder Scrolls games introduced lockpicking way back in 2002, manipulating tumblers with lockpicks has been a staple mechanic in Bethesda RPGs for obtaining epic loot. Fallout expanded this with computer hacking minigames. Starfield‘s digipick brilliantly modernizes the concept with holographic hacking puzzles.
But while the presentation went sci-fi, the satisfying feeling of cracking into restricted areas remains. As a devoted fan of previous Fallouts and Elders Scrolls, that thrill of the unknown still pushes me to decipher each digipick puzzle. There are always sweet rewards behind the toughest locks!
In some ways, the digipick puzzles actually resemble Fallout 3‘s computer password system more than the bobby pins from Skyrim. The puzzle combinations share similarities to guessing terminal passwords. However, Starfield adds thetwist of manipulating pillars around a circular boundary. This 3D element brings more intricacy that will stump gamers…but also gives that much bigger rush when finally cracked!
Now let‘s break down everything you need to dominate digipick puzzles.
Investing in Security Skills is Non-Negotiable
While savvy gamers can tackle basic digipick puzzles from the start, heavily fortified doors in restricted areas, pirate hideouts and high-security facilities will obstruct progress later on without developing Security skills.
The Security skill tree includes 4 pivotal upgrades allowing access to locks of increasing difficulty:
| Security Upgrade | Lock Level Access | Skill Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Security Access I | Standard locks | Default (free) |
| Security Access II | Intermediate locks | 10 points |
| Security Access III | High security locks | 20 points |
| Security Access IV | Unlimited lock access | 35 points |
As the above table shows, costs in skill points escalate rapidly. But the payoff of unlocking epic end-game gear behind impenetrable vault doors makes maxing out security skills absolutely vital.
While early-game locks shield mostly resources and medical supplies, later locks protect the most powerful armor sets, unique cybernetic enhancements and experimental weaponry unavailable any other way.
In short, treat security as a top-priority skill category right from the start. Divert points from combat and hacking skills if needed to keep your digipick at peak puzzle-solving capacity. The loot bonuses are worth it!
Where to Obtain Your Digipick Devices
These ingenious little hacking tools rarely stay in short supply while exploring Starfield‘s worlds. Nearly all vendors carry basic model digipicks costing only 35 credits. Looting downed enemies may yield some too.
But for heavy digipick users facing puzzles that require multiple attempts across hours of play, buying in bulk saves frustration. I suggest keeping at least 6 on hand at all times in case of encountering consecutive difficult locks. Amass 15-20 when anticipating extended lockpicking side quests.
For players truly obsessed with collecting secure loot, devote cargo space for hauling digipicks during all activities. Think of them like ammunition. Refill whenever passing a merchant or outpost.
Now let‘s overview cracking open our first lockpicks!
Solving Your First Digipick Puzzles
From the very first locked door or chest encountered, the digipick launches its hacking mini-game.
The goal involves positioning vertical pillar symbols perfectly into gaps along the carved perimeter of a large circle. Streamline rearranging the pillars using your digipick device to shuffle their sequence order with each attempted full rotation.
The satisfying click of pillars snapping into gaps indicates discovering the right order. Shortly after, the security door opens to reveal what sweet rewards lurk inside.
Below is a step-by-step guide to smoothly solving your first puzzles:
- Approach locked door/chest and activate scanning prompt
- Initiate digipick hacking puzzle interface
- Study initial pillar/gap configuration
- Use digipick rotations to shuffle and test sequence orders
- Attempt to fit all pillars cleanly into perimeter gaps
- If puzzle unsolved, restart sequence with second digipick
- Repeat process until puzzle solved!
Simple, right? Now for some pro tips to avoid common mistakes.
Digipick Pro Tip #1: Don‘t rush early rotations just to be taking actions. Carefully study the initial pillar/gap layout before manipulating with digipick. Rushing causes overlooking potential first-try solutions.
Pro Tip #2: Mentally track the specific pillar causing an incomplete fit each attempt. Narrow down which one disrupts the pattern and causes digipick failure when focusing sequence testing on that pillar.
Pro Tip #3: Listen closely for subtle variation in snapping sound effects. The crisp "click" of pillars fitting PERFECTLY contrasts with the soft thud from incorrect alignments. It‘s easier to distinguish once accustomed to both sounds.
While early puzzles follow these tips smoothly, trickier puzzles in late game locations make security skills near mandatory…
The Craftiest Locks Veteran Gamers Must Know
After beating main story missions and entering mid-to-late stages of open world exploration, expect digipick puzzles to confound at an infuriating rate. Based on early testing footage, here are two prime examples of hair-pulling locks to brace for:
Abandoned Asteroid Penal Colony Lock
Hidden deep in an asteroid cavern only found completing the Crimson Fleet quest chain awaits the Velocity Armor Set, increasing weapon damage and movement speed on wearer. But the vault door sports a devious digipick puzzle requiring no less than 19 attempts across 4 digipicks!
This notoriously punitive but clever test taps into the common impulse of always attempting the most obvious-looking pillar sequences first before exhausting less sensible combinations. Gamers drawn to obviously sensible solutions fall into the trap of burning precious digipicks testing the same likely orders.
The actual solution involves a confounding pattern including the one oddly-positioned pillar which most erroneously assume to ignore initially…
Smuggler Hideout Code Lock
When infiltrating the Crimson Fleet pirates‘ secret hideout on Thalia IX seeking a captain‘s logbook, an early hallway sports a locked door with a non-standard numerical keypad for inputting deciphered code combinations instead of the typical pillar puzzle.
This signals to long-time Bethesda fans that a clue about the solution hides somewhere nearby. And indeed, scribbled behind a nearby crate sits directions referencing the year and planet of the Crimson Fleet‘s founding.
Inputting "612-ThaliaSecundus" opens the vault. But many gamers overlooked that obscure note…and met a grisly end at theautomated turret inside once trying to force the lock!
And while individual puzzles prove challenging, specialized character builds and strategies better optimize solving any digipick lock…
Maximizing Efficiency with Custom Lockpicking Builds
The colossal size of Starfield‘s skill trees allow constructingspecialized character builds to align strengths in specific activities. For our purposes, that means tailoring everything to buff security hacking!
Here is an example template maximizing digipick efficiency:
The Unlocker Build
Attributes:
HIGH Intelligence: Boosts experience gaining Security skill faster
HIGH Engineering: Craft advanced digipick modifiers
Skills:
Max Security tree branches first (Obvious, yet critical!)
High Science for crafting bonus
Decent Persuasion for purchasing digipick stockpiles
Equipment:
- MAX upgraded digipick model at all times
- +Hacking skill gear (head cybernetics, armor mods, consumables)
- Backpack cargo mods to carry excessive digipicks
Complement the Unlocker‘s design by using companions to handle firefights and explore conversation options. Allow this build to focus purely on leveraging all possible advantages toward rapid puzzle solving through smart attribute and equipment synergies.
Expert Techniques for Swift Security Circumvention
Even Unlocker builds hit walls against Starfield‘s later vault locks without fundamental puzzle-solving techniques. Below are key strategies for streamlining any digipick lock scenario:
Circle the perimeter first: Analyze all gaps fitting pillars before any sequence attempts. Sometimes first glances see solutions.
Narrow by shape groups: Categorize pillars in easily-remembered groups by height, width or shape for smarter testing.
Lowest pillar first: Attempting shortest pillars into bottom gaps first reduces variables.
Follow sounds, not just sights: Let subtle audio cues of perfect pillar fits versus soft thuds guide attempts.
Come back later: Leave, complete other missions, and return later refreshed if truly stuck rather than burning endless digipicks banging your head!
Digipick puzzles resemble elaborate combination locks. While individually random, patterns emerge across enough experiences. Care, precision and spatial awareness are mandatory for long-term success opening all locks blocking your adventure‘s most coveted secrets.
Now go test your skills…and may Fortuna guide your digipick rotations true!
In Summary: Cracking Starfield‘s Locks Opens Its Full Potential
Starfield‘s digipick hacking device kicks the series‘ beloved lockpicking mechanics lightyears forward into exciting new territory. While the puzzles and gadget take adjusting for returning fans of picking Tumbler locks, the payoffs make mastering this essential skill equally rewarding.
But casual or careless gamers will cripple late-game progress by ignoring digipick mechanics. Only by respecting each lock as the gateway to powerful upgrades will you reap all of Starfield‘s hidden rewards.
Through studying this guide, investing in security skills, tracking down enough digipicks and implementing fundamental puzzle-solving strategy, no vault can keep your mighty space explorer from the treasures inside!
Now get digging in with your digipick and dominate Starfield!
