What to know
- You can snag high-level weapons and items almost immediately after the first mission in Outer Worlds 2.
- Stealth and lockpicking skills are crucial for this tactic.
- Powerful melee weapons like the Inferno Scythe become accessible much earlier than normal.
- This method lets you bypass lengthy quest chains for key loot.
Getting a head start in The Outer Worlds is much easier if you know a clever exploit right after the first mission. This approach uses lockpicking and stealth to access high-tier equipment, providing a massive early advantage. Here’s how you can execute this step-by-step and what you’ll need to make it work.
Gearing up early with stealth and lockpicking
By prioritizing points in lockpick and using stealth, you can gain access to key items and powerful weapons well ahead of the curve. This trick helps you nab gear intended for later quests, all while dodging tough fights and long fetch quests.
Any reason not to steal? (Outer Worlds 2)
by u/CR4ZY_PR0PH3T in theouterworlds
Getting the Inferno Scythe after the first mission
The Inferno Scythe is a two-handed plasma melee weapon that deals huge damage and leaves enemies burning. Traditionally locked behind later missions, you can actually get it early with the right approach:
| Location | Method | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covert Lab, Roseway | Locked office or picked from a safe | Lockpick or quest key | Accessible once you sneak in; often guarded by an NPC. |
| Stellar Bay Apartment | Top-left upper floor room — can be stolen | Stealth, lockpick, or buy | Often guarded by an NPC. |
How to steal the best loot right away in Outer Worlds 2
Here is how you can get the best loot in Outer Worlds 2 easily:
- Right after finishing the first mission, invest at least one skill point in lockpicking and grab the pickpocket perk.
- Approach important NPCs tied to high-level quest rewards—use stealth to remain unseen.
- Hold the pickpocket button for several seconds while sneaking behind the NPC to steal their key or access card. No dice roll is needed; just be sure nobody sees you.
- Use those stolen keys to access restricted chests or secret storage rooms. Open the loot and claim powerful gear—including legendary weapons and rare mods—without advanced progression.
- If the weapon or item you want is locked behind a skill gate, return after leveling or use skill-boosting gear and consumables to meet requirements.
Lockpicking and stealth: Tips for consistency
- Always quick-save before attempting theft or risky actions to reload safely if you get caught.
- If a room or safe is too difficult early on, mark it on your map for a return trip.
- Remember, there’s no “stolen” tag, so you can sell or disassemble whatever you grab with no consequence.
Outer Worlds 2: Key skills to pick first
| Skill / Perk | Effect | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Lockpicking | Open safes and doors | Gives access to locked loot |
| Pickpocket Perk | Steal directly from NPCs | Lets you grab keys/rewards early |
| Stealth | Remain unseen while picking/stealing | Reduces risk of being caught |
| Dialog (Persuade) | Unlock more options / avoid fights | Useful for resolving failed theft or bypassing conflict |
Early game items to target
Besides the Inferno Scythe, you can steal or unlock other early game power weapons and armor. Look out for:
- Biomass pistols and unique heavy armor in first planets’ locked areas.
- Mods for companions that speed up their abilities.
- Keys unlocking “quest reward” chests you’d otherwise wait hours for.
Why early lockpicking is so powerful
Investing skill points into lockpicking right away opens up chests, safes, and private rooms that hold elite items. With just one point in lockpicking and the pickpocket perk, you can steal critical keys directly from major NPCs, skipping entire parts of questlines.
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