The sealed door on Scylla in The Outer Worlds is opened by finding and using the keycard that unlocks it, which is located in the nearby abandoned laboratory during the mission “The Ice Palace.” Specifically, you need to retrieve the “Scylla Keycard” from the body of Dr. Tanaka inside the lab, then return to the door and use the keycard on the console beside it.
Where Is the Sealed Door on Scylla?
Scylla is a small, frozen moon in the Cascadia system, visited during the main story mission “The Ice Palace.” The sealed door in question is part of the “Byzantine” questline, where you are searching for a scientist named Dr. Tanaka. The door is located in the northern part of the Scylla map, inside a structure called the “Scylla Research Lab.” It is a large, circular door with a control panel on the right side, and it is locked with a “Very Hard” lock, but the keycard bypasses the lock entirely.
How to Get the Scylla Keycard
The keycard is not hidden far from the door. Follow these steps:
- Enter the Scylla Research Lab, which is directly south of the sealed door.
- Clear out the automechanicals and marauders inside.
- Find Dr. Tanaka’s body in the main laboratory area, near a computer terminal.
- Loot the body to obtain the Scylla Keycard.
- Return to the sealed door and interact with the keycard slot on the console.
If you have already looted the body and sold or dropped the keycard, you can still open the door with a high Lockpick skill (100+), but the keycard is the intended method.
What Is Behind the Sealed Door?
Behind the door is a small room containing a few containers with random loot, a science weapon called the “Prismatic Hammer” (if you have the Peril on Gorgon DLC), and a terminal with lore about the lab’s experiments. The room is not essential to the main story, but it contains some unique items and a bit of world-building about the Board’s activities on Scylla.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A frequent issue is that players miss the keycard because they assume it is on a table or in a drawer, but it is always on Dr. Tanaka’s body. Another misconception is that the door can be opened with a high Lockpick skill alone; while that is true, the keycard is much easier to obtain. If you are playing with the DLC, the Prismatic Hammer is a powerful weapon, but it is not necessary for completion. Also, note that the door is not part of any required objective; it is optional, so you can skip it if you want.
Comparison with Other Locked Doors in The Outer Worlds
Unlike many locked doors in the game, which are simple locks that require Lockpick skill, the Scylla door is a keycard door. This is similar to the door in the “Radio Free Monarch” quest that requires a keycard from the Primal Deity, or the door in the “The City and the Stars” quest that requires a keycard from the Sublight offices. The keycard mechanic is used sparingly in the game, so when you encounter one, it is worth searching for the key rather than trying to force it.
Tips for Exploring Scylla
Scylla is a small map, but it is easy to miss things. To make the most of your visit:
- Wear cold-resistant armor or bring a lot of inhaler to counter the freezing environment.
- Check every terminal for lore and quest clues.
- Loot all bodies, as they often hold keycards or notes.
- Use the TTD (Tactical Time Dilation) to spot enemies and items from a distance.
If you are on a low-level character, be careful of the automechanicals, which can be tough. Use a plasma weapon to deal extra damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open the Scylla sealed door without the keycard?
Yes, if you have a Lockpick skill of 100 or higher, you can pick the lock. However, the keycard is much easier to find, and you will likely get it during the mission anyway.
What happens if I missed the keycard?
If you missed it, you can go back to the lab and loot Dr. Tanaka’s body again if you did not loot it the first time. If you looted it and sold it, you may need to reload a save or use a high Lockpick skill.
Is the Prismatic Hammer behind the door?
Yes, but only if you have the Peril on Gorgon DLC installed. Without the DLC, the room contains only standard loot.
Does the sealed door have any quest significance?
No, it is entirely optional. It is not required for any main or side quest, but it does contain some lore and a unique weapon if you have the DLC.
Can I get the keycard before starting “The Ice Palace” mission?
Yes, you can go to Scylla at any time after you get your ship, but the mission will guide you there. The keycard is always in the same place, so you can grab it early.
Final Thoughts on the Scylla Sealed Door
Opening the sealed door on Scylla is a simple matter of finding the keycard on Dr. Tanaka’s body. It is a small optional area that rewards exploration. If you are a completionist, it is worth the detour. Otherwise, you can safely ignore it and continue the main story. Just remember to check the body, and you will have no trouble.
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