How to Unlock Ash Cave Rooms with Professor Metter’s Password in Fallout 76

If you’ve been wandering around Ash Cave in Fallout 76, you’ve probably noticed the locked rooms scattered throughout the facility. These rooms aren’t just cosmetic—they hide some of the best loot and rare collectibles the game has to offer. Unlocking them requires a bit of sleuthing, patience, and, of course, Professor Metter’s password. I’ve spent a fair amount of time exploring these corners, so here’s a step-by-step guide to make sure you don’t miss anything.


Locating the Ash Cave Entrance

First things first, you need to find your way to Ash Cave itself. The entrance is tucked away in a slightly overgrown area southwest of the main Charleston region. If you’re familiar with the map, look for the large cave opening just past the old mining site. When you get close, you’ll notice that most of the rooms inside are locked and some doors have a keypad—this is where Professor Metter’s password comes into play.


A quick tip: make sure you’re equipped with enough Stimpaks and some good weapons. Ash Cave isn’t just empty corridors; you’ll encounter Scorched, Feral Ghouls, and sometimes the occasional tougher enemy. I’ve learned the hard way that rushing in without preparation can turn what should be a fun exploration into a frustrating grind.


Understanding Professor Metter’s Password

The password system here is actually more straightforward than it seems. Professor Metter’s password isn’t randomly generated—it’s tied to a small set of codes hidden within the area. You can usually find clues in his research notes, scattered terminals, and even on a few signs left around the lab spaces. Each room’s keypad responds to these codes, and once you enter the correct sequence, the door will unlock with a satisfying beep.


I’ll admit, at first, it felt a little overwhelming. There are multiple terminals and notes, and it’s easy to miss a detail. My approach is to scan each terminal carefully, jot down potential combinations, and test them one by one. If you’re methodical, it becomes almost like a mini puzzle game.


Tips for Efficiently Searching

One thing I learned is that rushing around without a plan is the fastest way to waste time. Instead, try mapping out the rooms in your head or even on a notepad if you want. Start from one side of the cave and work your way through methodically. Some rooms are easy to overlook because the doors blend in with the environment. Also, listen closely: certain doors make a slightly different sound when you’re near the correct keypad, which is a subtle but helpful clue.


When it comes to collecting Fallout 76 items, these rooms are a goldmine. I’ve found everything from rare weapon mods to crafting components that are tough to come by elsewhere. If you’re like me and enjoy tinkering with builds, the extra loot here is well worth the effort. Just remember to check containers carefully—sometimes the items are tucked in corners or behind furniture.


Using Terminals and Keypads

Once you have Professor Metter’s password, the next step is entering it into the keypad. Make sure your character is in a safe spot before attempting this. Some doors trigger nearby enemies or alarms, so it’s better to be prepared. I usually clear out any hostiles around a room before trying the code, just to avoid being ambushed mid-unlock.


The terminals themselves are fairly intuitive. You don’t need to hack them in the traditional sense if you already have the password. Just enter the sequence exactly as noted, and the door should slide open. A fun little observation: sometimes the door takes a second or two to respond, which had me second-guessing my code more than once. Patience is key.


Alternative Ways to Gear Up Before Entering

If you’re struggling with combat or need a boost, consider checking out U4GM for in-game resources. While I generally prefer exploring and collecting loot myself, there’s no shame in using safe, player-friendly platforms to get certain items or caps to help prep for tougher areas like Ash Cave. Just remember that it’s a supplement, not a replacement for exploring—finding these rooms yourself is part of the fun.


Additionally, make sure your loadout is optimized for both ranged and melee encounters. Some of the hallways are tight, and being caught with only one type of weapon can make combat unnecessarily frustrating. I usually bring a mix of energy weapons, ballistic guns, and a good melee backup just in case things get chaotic.


Small Tricks That Make a Big Difference

While exploring Ash Cave, I’ve picked up a few small tricks that make unlocking the rooms much smoother:




Listen carefully: Certain audio cues indicate you’re near a terminal or a hidden container.




Use stealth when possible: This helps you avoid unnecessary fights, saving ammo and health.




Take notes: It’s easy to forget the codes if you’re jumping between terminals.




Prioritize rooms with rare loot icons: Some rooms have higher chances for legendary items, so don’t waste time on empty spaces first.




A lot of players might skip over these tips thinking they’re minor, but trust me, these little strategies save a ton of time and make the experience more enjoyable.


Exploring with Friends

One final note: if you’re playing in a team, coordinate your exploration. Having one player handle enemies while another focuses on terminals can cut down on frustration. Plus, sharing loot makes it less of a grind and more of a fun adventure. Ash Cave feels a lot less intimidating when you know someone’s watching your back.



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