Fallout 4 Computer Terminal
Screenshot by Goblins & Ghouls

Fallout 4: Hacking Explained

I’ve been a passionate player of Fallout 4 since day one, but hacking terminals, a crucial aspect of the game, has long caused me headaches. I’d like to walk you through the basics of hacking in Fallout 4, providing a step-by-step approach to help you master this essential skill.

Understanding the Hacking Mini-Game

When you approach a locked terminal in Fallout 4, you’ll need to hack into it using a mini-game. The goal is to select the correct password from amongst a list of jumbled characters, symbols, and potential passwords. You start by selecting a word, and if you’re incorrect, the number of correct letters will be displayed. Pay attention to these clues to make educated guesses in subsequent attempts.

Related: How to Fix a Black Screen on Startup in Fallout 4

Step 1: Surveying the Options

Before diving into the hacking mini-game, take a moment to survey the available options. You’ll see a list of words, any of which could be the password. Look for any symbols that appear more than once, as these can be particularly useful when narrowing down the possibilities.

Step 2: Identifying Commonalities

Once you’ve identified repeated symbols, focus on finding patterns within the words. Look for common suffixes, prefixes, or letter combinations. This can help you eliminate incorrect options and hone in on the correct password.

Step 3: Trial and Error

Start by selecting a word that you think could be the password. If you receive a notification about the number of correct letters, use this information to refine your next selection. Continue this process, eliminating incorrect options and progressing toward the correct password.

But be wary because you only have a limited number of attempts before the terminal locks you out for good!

Step 4: Mastering the Hacking Skill in Fallout 4

With practice, you’ll become more adept at hacking terminals in Fallout 4. The key is to approach each terminal methodically and to learn from each attempt. Over time, you’ll develop a keen eye for patterns and a more intuitive sense of which words are likely to be the correct password.


Goblins & Ghouls continues to provide high-quality video game guides of the industry’s best role-playing games, and Fallout 4, too! Alongside hacking, you might also be keen to learn about the top Fallout 4 mods that we stand by!