Everwind Keys and Lockpicking Guide: Every Chest Tier Explained

Locked chests are one of Everwind's primary loot delivery systems, and understanding how the key system works is essential for maximizing your treasure yield from dungeons and exploration. There are five documented key tiers plus a special Steamer Key, and each tier unlocks chests of corresponding security level. This guide explains every key type, where to find them, and how to use them efficiently.

Key Tiers Overview

• Novice Key: opens the most basic locked containers; found in Starting Meadows and early dungeon areas
• Apprentice Key: opens intermediate chests; common in Russet Forest and lower dungeon sections
• Moderate Key: opens well-secured chests in advanced biomes; requires crafting with mid-tier materials
• Expert Key: opens heavily secured containers; rare, found in late-game zones and high-tier dungeons
• Master Key: the highest standard key tier; extremely rare; opens the best locked containers in the game
• Steamer Key: a faction-specific key that opens Steamer-locked containers in Steamer Mines and Steamer-controlled areas

Where to Get Each Key

Novice and Apprentice Keys are craftable at the Crafting Station using basic metal components and can also be purchased from Merchant NPCs. These lower tiers should always be kept in stock before dungeon runs since basic locked chests appear even in the very first dungeon floors.

Moderate Keys require more valuable crafting materials and are available from mid-tier merchants in Zone 2 settlements. Crafting them at the Crafting Station is also possible once you have the appropriate recipe unlocked. Maintain a supply of at least 3-5 Moderate Keys for any Zone 2 dungeon expedition.

Expert Keys are rare crafting outputs or merchant purchases requiring late-game materials. Plan their use deliberately: do not open low-value Expert-locked containers when you might encounter higher-value ones deeper in the dungeon. The Engineer skill Price Estimation helps you evaluate whether a given container is worth an Expert Key before you commit.

The Master Key is the most elite key tier and the rarest. It may only be obtainable from specific merchants, dungeon bosses, or high-tier chest cascades (opening one chest leads to finding another key inside). Treat Master Keys as precious resources and reserve them exclusively for the innermost chambers of the highest-tier dungeons.

The Steamer Key

The Steamer Key is a faction-specific key that opens Steamer-brand locks found in Steamer Mines and Steamer faction-controlled areas. It cannot substitute for a standard key of the equivalent tier on non-Steamer locks, and vice versa. Source Steamer Keys from defeated Steamer enemies or from specific locations within Steamer-controlled zones. Before running Steamer Mines, ensure you carry several Steamer Keys alongside your standard key inventory.

Lockpicking Potion

The Lockpicking Potion grants +10% lockpick success rate for 180 seconds. This potion allows you to attempt to open certain locked containers without a key, though with a success rate rather than guaranteed access. Use Lockpicking Potions on containers where you do not have the correct key type but strongly suspect valuable contents inside. The Lockpicking Potion does not substitute for proper key management but provides a useful backup option in key-scarce situations.

Key Economy Tips

Organize your keys into dedicated chest storage at your base, separated by tier. Before a dungeon run, take only the keys you need rather than carrying your entire key inventory: key items have weight and losing them to an unexpected death is frustrating. After each dungeon run, restock keys that were consumed and add any keys you found inside the dungeon to your surplus. Over time, a well-managed key economy means you always have the right key for the right chest.