Cracking the Code: A Comprehensive Guide to Opening Vaults in Fallout 4

So, you’re wandering the irradiated wastes of the Commonwealth and you’ve stumbled across a vault door. The big question is: How do you open the vault in Fallout 4? The answer, like much in the post-apocalyptic world, isn’t always straightforward. It depends entirely on which vault you’re trying to access. Let’s break down the methods, challenges, and secrets behind opening those iconic vault doors.

Vault Access 101: Decoding the Entry Methods

Vaults in Fallout 4 aren’t just static locations; they’re dynamic environments that often hold vital clues, challenging enemies, and intriguing stories. Opening the vault door is just the first step. Here’s a general overview of how to get inside, keeping in mind that each vault presents its unique set of circumstances:

1. The Standard Interface: The most common method involves locating a control panel near the vault door. Interacting with this panel usually requires a simple button press. However, the panel might be broken, require power, or necessitate a specific key or password.

2. Quest-Related Access: Many vault entries are tied to specific quests. You might need to complete a series of objectives to gain access, such as retrieving a missing part, eliminating a threat, or gaining the trust of a faction.

3. Combat and Exploration: Some vaults are accessed through hidden entrances or require you to fight your way through hordes of enemies. This can involve navigating treacherous terrain, solving environmental puzzles, or defeating powerful bosses.

4. The “TCL” Trick (Console Commands): For PC players, the console command “TCL” allows you to disable collision and walk through walls. This is a last resort if a door is bugged or you’re simply impatient. Use this method with caution as it can sometimes break quests. To use the console, press the tilde (~) key, type TCL, and press enter. Type TCL again to re-enable collision.

5. DLC Specific Requirements: Some vaults can only be accessed if you have a specific DLC. For example, Vault 88 requires the Vault-Tec Workshop DLC.

Vault-Specific Strategies: A Practical Guide

While the general principles remain the same, let’s look at specific examples of vaults and how to access them.

Vault 111: Your Icy Beginning

This is the vault where your journey begins. Opening the door involves a simple sequence after obtaining your Pip-Boy:

1. Retrieve the Pip-Boy from the corpse near the cryo-pods.
2. Locate the red Vault Door Controls button on the nearby wall and push it.

However, players have reported issues with the door not opening. If this happens, reload a previous save, particularly one from before picking up the Pip-Boy. Avoid interacting with the skeleton until absolutely necessary. It also can sometimes be caused by mods and CC add-ons, which can overload the game with scripts upon receiving the Pip-Boy.

Vault 88: Build Your Own Underground Paradise

Accessing Vault 88 requires the Vault-Tec Workshop DLC.

1. Travel to Quincy Quarries.
2. Find the dug-out hole in the wall that leads to the vault entrance.
3. Interact with the console near the giant Vault 88 door to open it.

Once inside, you can begin building your own vault.

Vault 95: A Raider’s Den with a Dark Secret

The entrance to Vault 95 is relatively straightforward, though heavily guarded.

1. Fight your way through the raiders guarding the entrance.
2. Use the elevator at the back of the entrance room to descend into the vault.

Other Vaults and Methods

• Vault 114: Involved in the “Dangerous Minds” quest. The entrance is located within the Park Street Station. Progressing through the quest unlocks access.
• Vault 75: Located beneath Malden Middle School. Requires fighting through Gunner forces.
• Vault 81: Requires either passing a speech check or providing a cure for a sick child to gain entry.

Troubleshooting Vault Door Issues

Sometimes, the best-laid plans go awry, and vault doors refuse to cooperate. Here’s a troubleshooting guide:

• Check for Power: Many vault doors require power to operate. Ensure that the control panel is receiving power from a nearby generator or power source.
• Look for Keycards or Passwords: Some vaults require specific keycards or passwords to bypass security protocols. Search the surrounding area for clues or items that might grant you access.
• Reload a Previous Save: If a vault door is bugged or glitched, reloading a previous save can often resolve the issue.
• Consult Online Resources: If you’re truly stuck, consult online forums, wikis, or walkthroughs for solutions specific to the vault in question.
• Disable Mods: If you are using mods, try disabling them to see if one is causing the issue. Some mods can interfere with the game’s scripts and cause vault doors to malfunction.

Opening vaults in Fallout 4 isn’t just about brute force; it’s about exploration, problem-solving, and understanding the lore of the wasteland. Each vault offers a unique story and a new set of challenges to overcome. So, grab your Pip-Boy, prepare for the dangers ahead, and get ready to unlock the secrets hidden beneath the surface. And remember, learning more about game design and educational opportunities can be found at the Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why isn’t the vault door opening in Fallout 4?

The control panel to the vault might be bugged. Try reloading to a save where you haven’t attempted to open the door via the panel and just use the console command “TCL” to clip through it without accessing the panel. Alternatively, there could be a power issue or a missing keycard.

2. How do I get into Vault 88 in Fallout 4?

Entry to Vault 88 requires the Vault-Tec Workshop DLC. Go through Quincy Quarries and enter a dug-out hole in the wall. There, you’ll find the giant Vault 88 door and the console needed to open the door.

3. How do I get into Vault 95 in Fallout 4?

The entrance to Vault 95 is an open room guarded by enemies. You can use the elevator at the back of the entrance to enter the vault.

4. How do I fix the Vault 111 door glitch?

Load a save from before you grabbed the Pip-Boy and get back to the point where you can interact with the skeleton by the exit door.

5. Can you get back into the vault in Fallout 4?

Yes, you can re-enter Vault 111 whenever you wish simply by heading to the location and pressing the button in the guard tower. This allows you to explore Vault 111 to your heart’s content even after finishing the main questline.

6. What vaults can you enter in Fallout 4?

You can enter Vaults 111, 114, 75, 81, 95, and 88 (with the Vault-Tec Workshop DLC).

7. Can I build a vault in Fallout 4?

With the Vault-Tec Workshop DLC, you can build your own vault at Vault 88.

8. How do you open Vault 101?

Vault 101 is not directly accessible in Fallout 4. It was a major location in Fallout 3. If you are near Vault 101 in Fallout 3, listen for the radio signal to trigger the quest to enter the vault.

9. What happened at Vault 111?

The inhabitants of Vault 111, except for you, your spouse, and your child, died of “asphyxiation due to life support failure” due to the experiment conducted there.

10. Why can’t I leave Vault 111 in Fallout 4?

The issue stems from having too many mods and Creation Club add-ons, triggering many scripts when you get your Pip-Boy.

11. Where is Vault 111 in Fallout 4?

Vault 111 is located in the Northeast area of The Commonwealth, to the Northeast of Sanctuary, across a footbridge.

12. Did anyone else survive Vault 111?

Aside from the player character (Sole Survivor), their spouse, and Shaun, all other inhabitants died due to life support failure as part of the Vault-Tec experiment.

13. What is the weirdest vault in Fallout 4?

Vault 75 is considered weird because it was initially presented as a safe place for school children, but the children were separated from their families and experimented on.

14. Why did Kellogg leave you alive?

Kellogg left you alive under Institute orders, as Shaun was taken to be the genetic basis for Generation 3 synths.

15. What to do if the vault door won’t open?

Check for power, alignment, the correct key, door seals, obstructions, hinges, and corrosion. Try different combinations or, as a last resort, use console commands on PC.