Locked crates in SAND: Raiders of Sophie are opened with keys found around the world, not by forcing the crate itself open. The game’s guidance and player discussions both point to keys as the required method for locked boxes and crates.

How it works

  • Search nearby buildings, POIs, and loot areas for keys.
  • Locked crates stay shut until you have the matching key.
  • Some areas also require explosives for red doors , but that is for doors, not the locked crates themselves.

Practical tips

  • Clear a location fully before leaving, since keys can be tucked into side rooms or loot containers.
  • Prioritize named areas and high-value zones where better loot tends to spawn.
  • If you see a locked crate, treat it as a key hunt rather than a puzzle box.

For the Steam discussion

One player’s answer is very direct: “For any locked crates, you'll need to locate keys around the world to open them”.

Why this matters

The game separates access types: keys open locked containers, while explosives open certain red doors and gated rooms. That means if you are stuck on a crate, the fix is usually to keep looting until a key drops, not to try a different weapon or tool.

TL;DR: Find a key somewhere in the world, then use it on the locked crate.