Buzz
For devotees of The Last of Us 2, Naughty Dog's sequel to the 2013 Game of the Year, The Last of Us, much of the appeal lies in the richness of its universe. While this depth is typically associated with open-world games that offer expansive exploration and interaction, The Last of Us 2 compensates for its linear structure with deeply woven narratives and hidden collectibles that reward thorough exploration.
Gathering enough ammo to survive can be tough for casual players, or perhaps you’re not keen on scouring every nook and cranny for state coins or reading every note. Yet, if you’re after the treasures locked inside the safes, it’s entirely possible to unlock them without relying on any clues.
Simply listen for the click. That’s correct: A shoutout to the sound design team for enabling players to crack combination safes—excluding digital ones—like a seasoned spy. A quick note: This method might take longer initially than hunting for clues (since each safe has three dials with 100 numbers each, resulting in 1,000,000 possible combinations), but it’s easy to master. If you’re tired of searching or just want to channel your inner heist master, this approach is incredibly satisfying.
Using headphones is ideal for cracking safes—consider them your stethoscope—but it’s entirely possible with standard TV audio, as I’ve done myself. When you encounter a safe, methodically cycle through each number. Pay close attention to the clicking sounds until you detect a distinct pitch change, indicating the tumbler has aligned. Choose that number, proceed to the next, and repeat. With practice, the process becomes surprisingly quick, allowing you to unlock a safe in mere minutes, perfect for when you need supplies without aiming for a Platinum trophy by reading every in-game document.
I strongly suggest practicing on a safe with a known combination first to get accustomed to the sound (if speed is your goal; if you’re up for a challenge, dive straight into the first safe you find). Afterward, try randomizing the numbers, closing your eyes, and attempting it again. Once you recognize the sound, it becomes unmistakable.
So, venture forth, aspiring safecracker, and add this skill to your stealth arsenal! Gather all the resources you need to survive while feeling like a total pro.
This post has been updated to fix an inaccuracy.
