Unlocking the secrets of Destiny 2’s “Zero Hour” mission just got a whole lot easier. Dive into our concise guide to mastering the three intricate Vault puzzles hidden within this exotic mission-learn where to find each console, how to shoot the right symbols with Outbreak Perfected, and the exact switch sequences to conquer before the final boss fight. Whether you’re on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, this walkthrough ensures you’ll crack the code and claim your triumph in one seamless run.
After you’ve earned Outbreak Perfected from Ada-1, you’ll need to find some hidden symbols in the mission itself and use them to unlock a door so you can input a secret code in the Cryptarch’s vault. For your trouble, you’ll get the groovy-looking Vimana Junker Exotic ship, which is themed after the Outbreak Perfected Exotic pulse rifle.
In this Destiny 2 guide, we’ll show you how to find each hidden code and what sequence to input inside the “Zero Hour” mission. If you’re after additional perks when crafting Outbreak Perfected, you’ll also need to find special switches in the “Outbreak Refined” weekly quest.
How do the vault puzzles work?
The vault puzzles in Destiny 2’s “Zero Hour” mission are multi-step challenges that require players to interact with specific consoles and shoot matching symbols with the Outbreak Perfected weapon before entering the vault room. Each puzzle begins by finding and activating a console hidden in a particular area of the mission, which displays a symbol. Players must then locate and shoot the corresponding crystal or panel that matches the symbol, followed by using a nearby projector to reveal the next symbol in the sequence, repeating this process until all required targets are hit. Once this access step is completed, the vault room opens, presenting a series of switches or tiles that must be activated or walked on in a precise order-often based on patterns or clues found earlier in the mission. Successfully completing both stages of each puzzle is necessary to unlock rewards and progress through the mission.
In order to solve the vault puzzle, you’ll need to input a special code sequence once you reach the Cryptarch Vault toward the end of the mission. However, some of the rooms you’ll need to access in order to input the sequences are blocked off, and you’ll need to unlock them.
In order to unlock the blocked rooms, you’ll need to have already found different consoles earlier in the “Zero Hour” mission and solve their puzzle.
If you successfully open a door on your run and then input the correct vault puzzle sequence, you’ll be able to earn a Vinma Junker Schematic and improve the Intrinsic perk for Outbreak Perfected, The Corruption Spreads.
This puzzle can be a little hard to describe in spots – at least until you have a baseline understanding of what you’re doing. So, if you want to see what this all looks like in practice before continuing on, check out Skarrow9’s video above.
You can do this puzzle on legend or normal difficulty, although you’ll have much more time on normal, so that’s what I recommend.
Console icon set 1
The first vault puzzle in Destiny 2’s Zero Hour mission begins with locating and interacting with a console in the second room, just after clearing out the enemies. This console displays a symbol, and you must then shoot the matching crystal in the surrounding area using Outbreak Perfected. After shooting the correct crystal, check the nearby projector to reveal the next symbol, and repeat the process until all three crystals are shot in the correct order. Once this sequence is completed, proceed to the vault room, where you’ll need to activate a specific set of switches in a precise order to solve the puzzle and unlock the vault for this icon set.
To unlock the first door for the first vault puzzle in “Zero Hour,” make your way to the main Tower courtyard. If you’re unfamiliar with the original Destiny, basically you just need to progress the mission until you fight the Brig in the open area – the second combat arena in the mission, after you emerge from the vent and run through the hallway. Kill everything in the encounter.
Before you move on, jump up on the oddly shaped building in the middle of the Courtyard – what used to be the postmaster and the Eververse store. Look back toward where you came from, and you’ll see a partially destroyed balcony over the stairway you just crawled through. Jump up there and look for the main column. On the side facing away from the balcony and the Traveler, you’ll see a console. Equip your Outbreak Perfected and activate the console.
Once you activate it, you’ll see a group of Siva symbols appear on the screen. You’ll also notice a timer appear on your UI, which says “Temporary Clearance Granted.” Look out into the combat arena and you’ll see a symbol has appeared on the top left tower. There are two other new symbols in this area, although you can’t see it from here.
Run around and look at the three symbols in the area:
- Top-left tower
- On the opposite side of the oddly shaped building you climbed on, facing the console
- Near the exit of the arena, turn around and face the oddly shaped building and you’ll find the symbol attached to the outside balcony wall
The console you activated tells you which symbol you need to shoot with Outbreak Perfected first. Follow the directions and shoot the symbol it’s showing you. Once you’ve done that, the symbol on the console will shift, telling you the next one in the sequence.
The order you need to shoot the symbols in is random, so make sure to reference the console the first two times you fire. There’s also a little cheat sheetover by symbol 3 that will tell you the next symbol in the sequence if you don’t want to run all the way back. It looks like the Siva symbol, and is just a small hologram sitting on some rubble.
Once you’ve gotten the first two right, you just need to find and shoot the third.
After you’ve destroyed all three symbols, you’ll get a notification that access has been granted. Now, you can either move on to the second symbol set for the next puzzle or head straight to the vault puzzle 1 section for the solution.
Console icon set 2
The second console icon set in Destiny 2’s Zero Hour vault puzzles is encountered in the Passage room, where planes are scattered throughout the area. To begin, drop into the room and locate the control panel hidden behind the plane, near the far wall with an open vent. Interact with this console to reveal a symbol, then use Outbreak Perfected to shoot the corresponding crystal under the stairs to the right of the panel, under the stairs beside the plane, or on the wall above the first set of stairs. After shooting the correct crystal, check the projector at the top of the stairs to find the next symbol, then shoot the matching crystal and finally the last one. Once all three crystals are shot in the proper order, proceed to the Vault Room and activate the switches in sequence: front, left, and back of the center pillar in the third room on the left, then two switches on the right side of the hall, and finally return to the third room for the last switch. This completes the second vault puzzle, unlocking further progress toward the Vaulted Obstacles Triumph.
For the second set of symbols, complete the first combat section of “Zero Hour,” and make your way to the rooftop area where the normal and legend missions diverge. Jump down like you’re about to take the normal path under the plane. But instead, pass the plane and run to the back wall that has the white panels on it.
On the left side of the wall, you’ll see an open vent hole. Walk into it and you’ll find the console. Activate it to start your timer.
Just like in the first puzzle, look to the console to determine which symbol you need to hit. You can find symbols in three different places:
- Behind the plane, by the stairs
- On the second level, behind the stairs
- On the third level, on the back side of the middle column, near the white pipes
Follow the console’s instructions and input the code in order using the floating symbols. More than the first puzzle, the Siva cheat sheet – which tells you which piece of the puzzle is next – will save you time here. You’ll find it sitting on the central pallet on the second level. If you’re playing with friends, it’s a good idea to keep one Guardian by the console to save you from running back and forth.
Once you input the code properly, the game will notify you that you’ve gained access to another vault door (listed as “Vault puzzle 2” in this guide). Continue through the rest of the mission until you reach the Cryptarch vault.
Console icon set 3
The third console icon set puzzle in Destiny 2’s Zero Hour mission is found within the maze area patrolled by the TR3-VR robot. To begin, drop into the maze and immediately turn left, then enter the first vent on your right to find the console you need to interact with. After activating the console, you’ll be shown a symbol that corresponds to a specific crystal hidden in the maze-shoot it with Outbreak Perfected, then check the projector on the floor near the second crystal location to reveal the next symbol. Repeat this process for all three crystals in the correct sequence. Once the crystals are shot, proceed to the vault room and activate the switches in the order shown on the control room map just before the maze. This sequence unlocks the final puzzle, and completing it is required to finish the Vaulted Obstacles Triumph and earn the Outbreak Perfected intrinsic upgrade.
The third set of symbols is in the maze near the end of the mission – yes, the same maze the TR3-VR patrols. You’ll still be timed here as well, so you’ll need to both move quickly and keep an eye out for the evil robot that’s trying to kill you.
When you first drop into the maze, take a left, crouch, and hug the wall to your right. Before you reach your first turn, you’ll find a cubby in the wall that has the Siva console in it. Crouch inside, make sure TR3-VR isn’t coming (listen for him or watch for the bright red light), and then activate the console.
Like the other puzzles, you’ll need to hit the symbols in a random order, which the console will display for you, before time runs out. But unlike the other puzzles, you can’t just stand back and see where all of them are, so I’m going to show you where to find each symbol.
All of these symbols are on the left side of the maze, same as the console.
The first symbol is near the console. Exit the cubby and continue along the left path. When you take a right to head down toward the maze switches, turn around. You’ll see this first symbol on the wall behind you – the back wall of the maze.
The second symbol here – as well as the hologram cheat-sheet, which is invaluable for this step of the puzzle – is down the first left on the left path. This hallway also leads to one of the maze switches. The symbol you’re looking for is also plastered onto the back wall.
The final symbol here is in the gap area with the red pipes – the spot you can normally use to jump between the left and right side. It’s on the back left wall here, so you’ll see it if you’re walking toward the back-left switch or the maze’s exit.
Shoot these switches in the order you’re shown and you’ll unlock the third and final door in the vault room. Once you see that the sequence is complete, complete the maze and head to the vault.
Vault puzzle 1
Vault Puzzle 1 in Destiny 2’s “Zero Hour” mission requires players to first unlock the puzzle by interacting with a console in the main Tower courtyard and then shooting the correct symbols with Outbreak Perfected as indicated on the console. After unlocking, the puzzle itself is located in the vault room just before the boss fight. Players must interact with six consoles in a specific order to complete the puzzle. The sequence involves moving between consoles inside and outside the vault room, following a pattern that can be learned or referenced from in-game clues or guides. Successfully completing this puzzle contributes to upgrading the Outbreak Perfected exotic weapon and rewards players with part of the Intrinsic perk and ship schematic.
Once you arrive in the vault – remember, you need to have solved the “Console Icon 1” puzzle earlier in this guide – head past the pathway trap and into the area with all the relics and the big towers that look like servers. Do not drop down and continue toward the boss arena, as you won’t be able to come back up.
On the left side of the room, you’ll see a TV monitor that shows multiple rooms with terminals in them, four “offline” rooms, and one “ERROR” room. You’ll also notice some shapes and arrows on the right side of the monitor.
The shapes represent the position of the terminals in the room, so the leftmost puzzle solution is for the square room, which is bottom left. The diamond room is top left.
Each of the small terminals on the map represent a console you can interact with. The arrows are showing you the order you’ll need to access the terminals.
Above is the order you need to press the terminal buttons in to solve the first puzzle, which is in the square room. If the square room is blocked off, it means you didn’t complete the first symbol puzzle earlier in the mission to unlock the door.
Look at the TV screen and orient yourself so your back is to the tile puzzle. The pink numbers (1, 2, 4, and 5) are for terminals inside the square room and the red numbers (3, 6) denote terminals you need to press in the hallway. The solution is:
- Inside the square room, top-right
- Inside the square room, bottom-right
- In the relic hallway, bottom-left
- Inside the square room, bottom-left
- Inside the square room, top-left
- Inside the relic hallway, top-left
If you mess up the sequence, it’ll tell you that you failed, and allow you to start again at the first terminal. You’ll know you were successful when you see the schematic and the Exotic Intrinsic upgrade pop up on your screen.
Vault puzzle 2
Vault Puzzle 2 in Destiny 2’s Zero Hour mission is found in the hangar section, behind the ship on the left side-look for a vent with a console tucked inside. Activate this console to begin the puzzle, which requires you to shoot three holographic panels in the area whose symbols match the one displayed on the console. The sequence is randomized, so pay attention to the symbols and shoot them in the correct order to unlock the next stage. Once completed, proceed to the vault room past the fire puzzle, where a monitor on the left displays a map with clues for the correct activation order of panels inside the vault. Follow the arrows on the display-black for inside the room, red for outside-to solve the puzzle and earn progress toward Outbreak Perfected upgrades and the Vimana Junker ship schematic.
Once you have solved the “Console Icon 2” puzzle, mentioned earlier in this guide, you can complete another vault puzzle.
This time, you’ll need to follow the arrows to figure out the order. But this time your focus is on the diamond room, which is the one in the upper left. Keep in mind that this room will only be open if you completed the second symbol puzzle earlier in the mission.
Once again, stand by the TV monitor, put your back to the tile puzzle, and face into the vault. This is how you need to read the map. In the image above, I’ve labeled the order you need to interact with the terminals. The pink numbers (1, 2, 3, 6) show the order of the terminals in the diamond room, while the red numbers (4, 5) show the order for the terminals in the hallway. The solution is:
- Inside the diamond room, right
- Inside the diamond room, bottom
- Inside the diamond room, left
- In the relic hallway, bottom-right
- In the relic hallway, middle-right
- Inside the diamond room, top
After you interact with all six terminals in a row, you’ll get another ship schematic and another upgrade to The Corruption Spreads, the intrinsic Exotic perk for Outbreak Perfected.
Vault puzzle 3
Vault Puzzle 3 in Destiny 2’s Zero Hour mission is found within the infamous TR3-VR (Trevor) maze section. To begin, drop into the maze and head left to locate a small cubby near the bottom of the map-this is where you’ll find the activation panel. Interact with it to start the puzzle, then quickly shoot three symbol panels scattered along the left side of the maze, matching the symbols shown on the console. The sequence is randomized each run, and a short timer plus the threat of Trevor and electric walls make this step especially tense. A helpful hologram in the maze will indicate which symbol to shoot next if you lose track.
After completing the maze sequence, proceed to the vault area beyond the fire puzzle. The third vault room, marked by a trapezoid symbol (second from the bottom on the right), will now be accessible. Use the arrows beneath the trapezoid to determine the correct order for activating the six terminals-red arrows indicate panels outside the room, black arrows are for those inside. Completing this sequence will grant you The Corruption Spreads IV Triumph and the final schematic for the Vimana Junker ship.
Once you have solved the “Console Icon 3” puzzle, mentioned earlier in this guide, you can complete another vault puzzle.
Just like both of the other puzzles, you’ll need to follow the arrows on the monitor to figure out where to go. But this time your focus is on the right room, which kind of looks like a rhombus. Keep in mind that this room will only be open if you completed the third symbol puzzle earlier in the mission.
Once again, stand by the TV monitor, put your back to the tile puzzle, and face into the vault. This is how you need to read the map. In the image above, I’ve labeled the order you need to interact with the terminals. The pink numbers (3, 4, 5, 6) show the order of the terminals in the right room, while the red numbers (1, 2) show the order for the terminals in the hallway. The solution is:
- In the relic hallway, middle-left
- In the relic hallway, top-right
- Inside the right room, bottom-right
- Inside the right room, top-right
- Inside the right room, top
- Inside the right room, bottom
After you interact with all six terminals in a row, you’ll get another ship schematic and another upgrade to The Corruption Spreads, the intrinsic Exotic perk for Outbreak Perfected.
What secret codes unlock the vault puzzles in Destiny 2’s ‘Zero Hour’
The vault puzzles in Destiny 2’s “Zero Hour” mission are unlocked by finding hidden consoles and shooting specific crystals with the Outbreak Perfected weapon, then inputting a sequence of switches in the Vault Room. Each week, a different puzzle is available, and the codes (switch sequences) change based on the puzzle you’re attempting. Here are the solutions for the three main vault puzzles:
Vault Puzzle 2 (Passage Room):
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After activating the control panel and shooting the correct crystals, enter the Vault Room and activate the switches in this order:
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Front of the center pillar (third room down on the left)
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Left side of the center pillar (same room)
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Back of the center pillar (same room, high up)
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Left of the first doorway on the right (from the hall entrance)
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Right of the third doorway down (right side of the room)
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Right side of the center pillar (back to the third room on the left).
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Vault Puzzle 3 (Maze Room):
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After activating the panel and shooting the correct crystals, input the following switch sequence in the Vault Room:
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Outside of the doorway (second room down from the left)
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Left side of the third room from the right (across the room)
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Right side of the back wall (second room on the right from entrance)
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Left side of the back wall (same room)
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Left wall (same room)
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Right wall (same room).
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Vault Puzzle 1 (Not detailed in the search results):
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The process is similar: activate the access console, shoot the correct crystals, then input the unique switch sequence in the Vault Room. The exact order for Puzzle 1 can be found in video guides, but it follows the same logic as the above.
Important Notes:
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The order of crystals to shoot is determined by the symbols shown on the console and projector in each puzzle area, and must be shot with Outbreak Perfected.
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The switch codes are unique to each puzzle and must be entered in the correct order for the vault to unlock.
For visual guides and exact switch locations, refer to comprehensive walkthroughs or video guides, as the in-game symbols and switch positions can be tricky to describe in text.
What are the exact sequences or symbols needed for each vault puzzle in Zero Hour
Exact Sequences and Symbols for Each Vault Puzzle in Zero Hour
The “Zero Hour” vault puzzles in Destiny 2 each require two main steps:
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Shooting crystals in a specific order based on symbols shown on panels and projectors.
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Activating switches in the Vault Room in a precise sequence.
The symbols and crystal order are randomized per run, but the switch sequences are fixed for each puzzle. Here are the detailed steps and the exact switch orders for each vault puzzle:
Vault Puzzle 1:
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Symbols/Crystals:
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Interact with the panel in the second room to see the first symbol.
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Shoot the matching crystal in the area.
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Check the projector for the next symbol, shoot the corresponding crystal.
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Shoot the last remaining crystal.
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Note: The symbols and order are random each run, but there are only three crystals, so process of elimination works if unsure.
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Vault Switch Sequence:
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Inside right side, closest to the door.
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Inside left side, closest to the door.
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Outside, left side of the doorway.
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Inside left side, back of the room.
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Inside right side, back of the room.
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Outside right side of the monitor, just to the left of the blue doorway.
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Vault Puzzle 2:
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Symbols/Crystals:
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Find the control panel behind the plane in the Passage Room.
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Shoot the crystal under the stairs to the right of the panel matching the symbol.
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Use the projector at the top of the stairs to find the next symbol and shoot the corresponding crystal.
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Shoot the last remaining crystal.
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Vault Switch Sequence:
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Third room down on the left side, front of the center pillar.
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Same room, left side of the pillar.
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Same room, back of the pillar (high up).
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First doorway on the right from the entrance hall, left side.
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Third doorway down on the right, right side.
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Back to the third room on the left, right side of the center pillar.
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Vault Puzzle 3:
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Symbols/Crystals:
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In the Maze Room, find the panel in the first vent on the right wall.
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Shoot the crystal just outside the panel vent, matching the symbol.
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Use the projector on the floor for the next symbol, shoot the corresponding crystal.
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Shoot the last remaining crystal.
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Vault Switch Sequence:
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Second room down from the left side, outside of the doorway.
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Third room from the right, left side (across the room).
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Second room on the right from the entrance, right side of the back wall.
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Same room, left side of the back wall.
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Same room, left wall.
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Same room, right wall.
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Key Points:
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The crystal symbols/order are random per run; always check the panel and projector for the correct sequence.
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The switch activation order is fixed for each puzzle as listed above.
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All crystals must be shot with Outbreak Perfected.
For visual reference and exact locations, video walkthroughs are highly recommended, but the above sequences are the correct orders to input for each vault puzzle.
