You’ve just escaped Coldridge Prison. Your hands are probably still shaking from the adrenaline of the explosion, and you're wading through the filth of Dunwall's underbelly. Then, you see it. Tucked away in the corner of the sewers, just before you meet Samuel the Ferryman, sits a locked safe. It’s the first real "gear check" the game throws at you. Honestly, it’s a bit of a tease. You want that loot, but the game wants you to work for it.
The sewer safe combination in Dishonored isn’t just a random sequence of numbers. It’s a lesson in environmental storytelling. If you’re rushing, you’ll walk right past the solution. Most people do. They stare at the dial, try 000, and then give up because they want to see the sky again. Don't be that player.
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Where the Code Hides
The code is 459.
There. Now you can grab the Bone Charm and get on with your life. But if you actually care about how Arkane Studios designs their levels, you should look behind the crates nearby. You'll find a series of whiskey bottles and some scraps. The game literally hides the answer in the environment. It’s a classic immersive sim move. You aren’t just looking for a note; you’re looking for a pattern.
Specifically, look at the wall behind the shelf. There are three bottles. If you smash the crates or move the junk out of the way, the numbers are written right there on the stone. It's easy to miss if your brightness is too low or if you're sprinting through to avoid the rats. Speaking of rats, they’re everywhere in this section. If you take too long staring at the wall, they’ll start nibbling on your ankles. It's annoying.
Why this safe matters for your run
You might think a single safe at the start of the game doesn't matter. You're wrong. Inside that safe is a Bone Charm. In Dishonored, Bone Charms are the difference between a frustrating playthrough and a god-like power trip. Depending on your luck, you might get something that helps you regen mana or swing your sword faster. Since the charms are randomized (mostly), missing this one is a massive gamble.
Think about it. You’re about to head into the Hound Pits Pub. You’re about to meet the Loyalists. Having that extra perk early on changes how you handle the next mission at the High Overseer Campbell’s office. If you get a stealth-based charm, you’re golden. If you get nothing because you couldn't find the sewer safe combination in Dishonored, you're just making life harder for yourself.
The Design Philosophy of the Sewer Safe
Arkane is famous for this. They don't give you a UI waypoint for safe codes. They want you to feel like Corvo Attano, a man out of time, using his eyes to survive. This safe is a "tutorial" for the rest of the game's hidden mechanics. It tells you: "Hey, stop looking for quest markers and start looking at the world."
If you look at the developers' commentary or read interviews from Harvey Smith and Raf Colantonio, they talk a lot about "organic discovery." The sewer safe is the purest example of that. It’s not locked behind a key you find on a guard. It’s locked behind your own ability to observe.
Common Mistakes in the Sewers
- Sprinting past the shelf: People get scared of the rats and just jump into the water. Bad move.
- Ignoring the "Jelly" message: There are notes scattered around that talk about the "Jelly" stash. This safe is part of that.
- Forgetting to lean: Use the lean mechanic. It lets you peer behind the crates without having to knock everything over and make noise.
The atmosphere in this section is heavy. It's damp. It sounds gross. The squelch of Corvo’s boots really sells the "fallen from grace" vibe. You went from being the Royal Protector to hiding in literal waste. That safe is the first bit of "treasure" you get to reclaim. It’s symbolic, honestly.
Let's Talk About the Loot
Inside, you’ll find some coins and the Bone Charm. The coins are fine—you need them for upgrades later—but the Charm is the real prize. If you're playing on a higher difficulty like Very Hard, every scrap of gold counts. You'll want to buy those crossbow range upgrades or the extra sleep darts as soon as Piero opens his shop.
Missing 459 is basically throwing away 50-100 coins and a permanent buff. Don't do it.
Other Hidden Stuff Nearby
While you're down there looking for the sewer safe combination in Dishonored, keep an eye out for the dead bodies near the gated area. There’s a lot of lore tucked into the notes nearby. You’ll learn about how the guards were treating the prisoners and the general state of the plague. It adds flavor. It makes the world feel lived in, or rather, died in.
You'll also find some Elixir. Grab it. You're going to need it once you hit the streets of Dunwall and the Tallboys start patrolling.
Technical Details and Glitches
Occasionally, the physics engine in Dishonored goes a bit crazy. If you throw a grenade near the safe, sometimes the items inside can clip through the floor. It sucks. If that happens, you’ve gotta reload. Generally, though, the safe is solid.
Also, a weird tip: if you’re doing a "No Powers" run (which is a feat in itself), these safes are even more important. You don't have Blink to get you out of trouble, so you need every passive buff you can get your hands on.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Playthrough
To make sure you maximize your efficiency when grabbing the sewer safe combination in Dishonored, follow these specific steps. No fluff, just the most direct way to get in and out without dying to a swarm of plague rats.
- Clear the Rats First: Before you even look at the safe, use a nearby crate or a well-placed bolt to clear the rats. They will interrupt your interaction with the safe dial, which is incredibly frustrating.
- Locate the Crates: Look for the shelf directly across from the safe. Don't just look at it; smash the wooden coverings.
- Note the Numbers: Look at the wall behind where the crates were. You’ll see the numbers 4, 5, and 9 written in a sort of haphazard way.
- Input 459: Turn the dials. It takes a second because the animation is deliberate.
- Quick Save Immediately: After you grab the Bone Charm, hit your quick save key. There is a platforming section right after this involving some pipes and water, and falling can be a real pain if you haven't saved since the prison break.
- Check Your Inventory: Open your menu and equip the Bone Charm. It does nothing if it’s just sitting in your bag.
Once you’ve cleared this, you’re ready to meet Samuel. He’s waiting by the boat. The transition from the dark, dingy sewers to the foggy openness of the river is one of the best moments in the game. You've officially survived the prologue. Now the real game begins. Keep your eyes peeled for more safes; Dunwall is full of them, and they almost always use the same "look at the environment" logic that this first one taught you.