Security Level 3 Keycard: Blacksmith exchange and laser check

Prerequisites and Route Overview

The Security Level 3 keycard path requires completing two distinct progression checks: a trade with The Blacksmith in Manufacturing West, followed by solving a laser alignment puzzle in the lab sector. Players who attempt either step without proper preparation often find themselves stuck, believing the game has bugged or that they missed a hidden item.

Before attempting this route, confirm the following prerequisites are met:

The Blacksmith is located in Manufacturing West, not in a random side room. Treat this as a targeted expedition rather than a general loot run. Pack only what you need and leave inventory space for trade items and any gear you acquire during the exchange.

Section 1: Reaching The Blacksmith in Manufacturing West

Manufacturing West is a large industrial zone with multiple branching paths. The Blacksmith's position is fixed, but the route to reach it requires navigating past Order patrols, turrets, and environmental hazards.

Route Selection

Two main approaches exist for reaching The Blacksmith:

Direct route through the main manufacturing floor:

• Enter Manufacturing West from the Office Sector connection
• Move through the main assembly area, staying to the left side
• Pass through the room with large industrial furnaces
• The Blacksmith's area is in the northwest section, marked by a garage-style door

Alternative route through the supply corridors:

• Take the side passages near the supply room
• Navigate through the container storage area
• Cross the catwalk above the main floor
• Descend near the Blacksmith's location

Prefer the direct route when carrying heavy trade materials, as it has fewer ladder climbs and narrow passages. Use the alternative route when you need to avoid heavy Order patrols on the main floor.

Clearing the Approach

Before initiating the trade with The Blacksmith, clear or bypass the immediate threats near the garage entrance. This includes:

• A turret positioned on a raised platform overlooking the entrance area
• One to two Order soldiers patrolling the nearby corridor
• Environmental hazards such as steam vents or electrical panels

Do not start the exchange while enemies are active. The trade animation leaves the character vulnerable, and the post-exchange event can spawn additional threats that compound with existing enemies.

Section 2: The Blacksmith Exchange Process

The Blacksmith functions as a fixed-location trader. Interact by pressing the appropriate key (F on keyboard, Y on controller) to open the trade screen. The exchange requires specific items placed into the trade window.

Trade Requirements

The Blacksmith accepts Reinforced Hoses in exchange for progression items. The exact number required is two Reinforced Hoses. These can be crafted at a workbench using:

• Rubber (2 per hose)
• Metal Scrap (1 per hose)
• Cloth Scrap (1 per hose)

Alternatively, Reinforced Hoses can be found as loot in Manufacturing West, particularly in the supply room and near the container storage area. If you arrive without the required hoses, return to base rather than pushing deeper into Manufacturing West. The zone has limited safe storage and the return trip wastes fewer resources than attempting to find hoses while under-equipped.

Post-Exchange Event

After completing the trade, expect an Order response event. This typically involves:

• A small group of Order soldiers spawning near the garage entrance
• Increased patrol density in the immediate area for a short duration
• Possible turret activation if not previously disabled

Prepare for this event before initiating the trade. Have healing items ready, ensure armor is repaired, and identify a retreat path or defensive position before handing over the hoses. The event is finite; once the initial wave is dealt with, the area returns to normal patrol patterns.

Optional Collectible

While in The Blacksmith's area, consider retrieving The Blacksmith Bobblehead collectible. This item is located in a small room above The Blacksmith's position. Access requires a Keypad Hacker (Tier 2) to open the locked door. The bobblehead is purely cosmetic and does not affect progression, but it provides research material if scrapped.

Section 3: Lab Sector Laser Alignment

After securing the progression item from The Blacksmith, the next step involves solving a laser alignment puzzle in the lab sector. This puzzle is often misunderstood, leading players to believe the door is bugged when it simply requires correct configuration.

Laser Color Requirement

The critical detail for the lab laser door is beam color, not just alignment angle. The solved beam must be blue. Many players align the angle perfectly but miss that the wrong color beam will not trigger the door even when pointed at the receiver.

To achieve a blue beam:

1. Locate the laser emitter in the lab sector room
2. Identify any color filters or prisms in the beam path
3. Adjust filters until the beam output is blue
4. Align the blue beam with the door receiver

Troubleshooting Steps

If the door does not open despite apparent alignment:

Numbered Workflow: Laser Puzzle Solution

1. Identify the emitter and receiver - Locate both ends of the laser path. The emitter is typically a wall-mounted device; the receiver is near the door mechanism.

2. Set beam color to blue - Examine any color filters or prisms in the room. Adjust them until the beam output is visibly blue. If no filters exist, the emitter may need a specific item or power state to produce blue light.

3. Align reflectors to connect emitter to receiver - Position any movable mirrors or reflectors so the blue beam travels from emitter to receiver without interruption. Check for obstacles that might block the path.

4. Verify the connection - Once the blue beam hits the receiver, the door should open. If it does not, repeat steps 2 and 3, checking for any missed filters or obstructions.

Section 4: Recovery and Transition Advice

Failure Recovery

If the Blacksmith exchange fails due to missing materials, do not continue deeper into Manufacturing West. Return to base, craft or collect the missing Reinforced Hoses, and make a clean second trip. The zone's enemy density makes extended exploration without proper preparation costly.

If the post-exchange Order event drains too many supplies, bank the progression and restock before attempting the lab transition. The lab sector has its own hazards and requires full equipment.

If the laser puzzle seems bugged, step back and verify each element separately:

• Is the beam color blue?
• Is the receiver unobstructed?
• Are all reflectors properly aligned?
• Is the emitter powered?

Transition Checklist

Before leaving Manufacturing West for the lab sector, check these items:

Common Mistakes

• Arriving at The Blacksmith without Reinforced Hoses and attempting to find them in the zone while under-equipped
• Solving only the laser angle while ignoring that the lab door expects the correct beam color
• Treating Manufacturing West as a general loot sweep when the actual goal is a targeted progression exchange
• Continuing into the lab sector immediately after the Blacksmith handoff with broken armor and depleted supplies
• Assuming the laser puzzle is bugged without verifying beam color first