How to Find Every National Guard Armory Key in Fallout 4

One of the more rewarding side‑quests in Fallout 4 is cracking open the National Guard Armory. Inside you’ll discover a stash of weapons, armor, and sometimes even a rare piece of power armor. The catch? The door is locked, and the only way in is the elusive National Guard Armory key. Below is a practical guide to tracking that key down, plus a quick look at what awaits you once the heavy steel door swings open.

Where the National Guard Armory Key Can Appear

The game deliberately randomises the key’s location, so you won’t find it in the same spot every playthrough. It can spawn in one of three distinct places, each of which is reachable early on and doesn’t require a high level to access.

1. Museum of Freedom – Office Desk

If the key shows up here, you’ll head to the Museum of Freedom, located just east of the Boston Commons. Inside the main building, make your way to the small office on the second floor. The key rests on a cluttered desk, usually next to a notebook or a coffee mug. A quick search of the desk will add the key to your inventory.

2. Red Rocket Truck Stop – Cash Register Table

The second possible spawn point is the Red Rocket Truck Stop, a familiar roadside shack near the Old North Bridge. Inside the modest shop, the key is placed on a table right beside the cash register. It’s easy to miss if you rush past, so give the interior a quick glance before moving on.

3. The Castle – Locked Metal Locker

The final location is The Castle, the rebel stronghold perched on a hill south of the Commonwealth. In the armory section, locate a metal locker with a broken lock. The key is tucked inside, often accompanied by a few extra caps. You’ll need a lock‑picking perk or a high enough lock‑picking skill to open the locker.

What You’ll Find Inside the Armory

Once you’ve secured the National Guard Armory key and unlocked the main door, the loot is generally worthwhile. The armory’s inventory varies slightly between playthroughs, but common highlights include:

• Combat Armor – A solid set of mid‑tier protection that’s a step up from the early leather gear.
• Assault Rifles – Typically a semi‑automatic or automatic rifle, often stocked with a decent amount of ammo.
• Power Armor Frame – Not always present, but when it is, you get a fully functional frame ready for customization.
• Miscellaneous Supplies – Caps, stimpaks, and sometimes a unique perk magazine.

Because the armory’s contents are balanced for mid‑game characters, it’s a good idea to hit it as soon as you can. The gear can give you a noticeable edge when you start tackling tougher settlements or raider camps.

Tips for Getting the Key Quickly

Even though the key’s location is random, a few strategies can shave minutes off your search:

• Check the three spots in succession. Since each location is close to the others, you can swing by all three within a single trip around the Commonwealth.
• Bring a companion with high perception. Companions like Preston or Piper will highlight interactive objects, making the key’s glint easier to spot.
• Use “Sneak” to avoid unnecessary combat. Both the Museum and The Castle can have hostile NPCs; staying hidden lets you loot the key without triggering fights.
• Mark each location on your map. Adding a custom marker after you’ve checked a spot prevents double‑checking and keeps your route efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get the National Guard Armory key without exploring all three locations?

A: No. The key spawns in only one of the three places per playthrough, so you’ll need to check each location to be certain.

Q: Is the key a quest item?

A: Yes. It appears as a quest item in your inventory, which means it won’t be sold or accidentally dropped.

Q: Does the armory ever respawn loot after I take everything?

A: The armory’s loot does not respawn. Once you’ve cleared it, the contents are gone for that playthrough.

Q: What if I’m missing the key after checking all three spots?

A: Occasionally a bug may prevent the key from spawning. Reloading a previous save or waiting a few in‑game hours usually resolves the issue.