In The Last of Us Part II, every detail matters from scavenging supplies to uncovering story elements hidden in the world. One such detail that continues to intrigue and challenge players is the discovery of safes scattered throughout the game. These safes often contain valuable items such as ammunition, supplements, or crafting materials, but unlocking them requires keen observation and puzzle-solving skills. For those playing as Abby, the first safe code she encounters represents one of the earliest moments where her exploration diverges from Ellie’s. Understanding how to locate and open Abby’s first safe is a vital part of maximizing resources and immersing yourself deeper into the survival experience.
Locating Abby’s First Safe
Where to Find the Safe
Abby’s first safe is located during the Seattle Day 1 chapter, specifically within the Hostile Territory section. After navigating through abandoned Chinatown buildings and dodging clickers, you’ll find yourself in a dimly lit alley surrounded by derelict storefronts. One particular building, distinguishable by red lanterns and an accessible second floor, holds the safe in a small backroom tucked behind broken furniture and scattered papers.
Clues to the Safe Code
Unlike some safes in the game that provide the code outright in a nearby note, Abby’s first safe is a bit more subtle. A collectible note in the vicinity gives a cryptic clue that reads something along the lines of: The combo is the date my good boy got employee of the month. This immediately signals the need to search the environment rather than relying on a direct number.
Solving the Puzzle: Finding the Code
Exploring the Bakery
To decipher the safe code, you’ll need to head into the nearby bakery, which has remained relatively intact. Look around the walls for a framed photo labeled Employee of the Month. Upon close inspection, you’ll notice a picture of a dog, affectionately referred to as the ‘good boy’ from the earlier note. Below the photo is the date: 07/2013. This piece of information is the key to unlocking the safe.
Correct Safe Combination
Using the information from the bakery, you can determine that the correct safe code is:
- 30-23-04
This combination is entered using the safe’s rotary dial interface, which requires a steady hand and attention to the numbers. Once opened, the safe rewards you with critical supplies including ammunition, crafting parts, and sometimes upgrade materials that can significantly enhance Abby’s combat effectiveness early in the game.
Why This Safe Matters
Boosting Abby’s Arsenal Early
Unlike Ellie, Abby starts her journey with a different set of skills and weapons. Unlocking this safe early on allows you to accumulate enough crafting resources to upgrade your weapons or create essential items like health kits or pipe bombs. This can dramatically affect your experience in later encounters, especially when faced with large groups of WLF enemies or infected creatures.
Encouraging Environmental Awareness
The challenge of unlocking this safe sets the tone for how players should approach the rest of the game. Rather than relying on linear paths or brute force, The Last of Us Part II rewards those who take the time to investigate their surroundings, read notes, and connect environmental clues. Abby’s safe is a prime example of subtle storytelling and interactive world-building that elevates the gameplay experience.
Additional Tips for Safe Cracking
Listen Closely
Some players may not immediately recognize clues in written notes. However, replaying audio logs (when available) or revisiting areas after gaining new context can help illuminate missed details. It’s always beneficial to return to any area that has locked doors or safes once you’ve collected more information.
Keep an Eye on Walls and Desks
In several cases throughout The Last of Us Part II, clues to safe combinations are scrawled on walls, chalkboards, or found in desk drawers. Always take a moment to look at every corner of a room, even if it seems empty at first glance. The developers love hiding clues in plain sight.
Use the Photo Mode
If you’re having difficulty reading text in the environment, consider using the game’s photo mode. This allows you to zoom in and capture static frames, giving you time to analyze signs, calendars, and other subtle details without being interrupted by the action.
Other Notable Safes in Abby’s Journey
While the first safe during Abby’s Seattle Day 1 is important, there are others along her route that are equally rewarding. Here are a few examples to keep in mind:
- The Aquarium Safe: Found during Seattle Day 2, this safe holds additional crafting materials needed for explosive upgrades.
- Underground Station Safe: Located during Abby’s descent into the infected-ridden depths, offering powerful resources for late-game encounters.
- Scar Camp Safe: Hidden in a makeshift structure during the conflict-heavy scenes in Seattle Day 3, this safe requires piecing together two separate notes to open.
Each safe offers not only supplies but also expands the lore through environmental storytelling letters from survivors, photos, or documents hinting at what happened to the people who lived through the outbreak before you arrived.
The first Abby safe code in The Last of Us Part II is more than just a locked container it’s a well-crafted puzzle that encourages exploration, critical thinking, and immersion in the game’s world. By piecing together clues from a seemingly unrelated note and a photo on the wall, players gain insight into the narrative’s subtle design while also earning valuable resources that impact gameplay. Whether you’re replaying the game or experiencing it for the first time, unlocking Abby’s safe is a small but meaningful step in your journey through a devastated yet beautifully detailed world. So take your time, read every note, and keep your eyes open sometimes, the key to survival is hidden in the quietest corners.