Finding this is straightforward once you know where to look; the hard part is that the game never points you there.

If you are short on time, the first section alone is usually enough. The community figured most of this out through repetition, and the pattern has held up well. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update.

The short answer

It is where most people never think to check, and the route below gets you there without fighting anything unnecessary.

Getting there safely

Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. The approach below has been checked against the current version rather than a patch from two years ago. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. Start with the simplest option before touching anything that is hard to reverse.

The approach below has been checked against the current version rather than a patch from two years ago. There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing. The difference between a smooth run and a frustrating one usually comes down to preparation, not skill.

Where to look

Anything marked optional really is optional, so skip it without guilt. Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. Nothing below requires mods, paid tools or an account on some sketchy site.

  • Back up your save if the game gives you the option.
  • Write down what you changed, so you can undo it if the result gets worse.
  • Check the version you are running before following any step-by-step advice.
  • Test one change at a time instead of five at once.
  • Keep a spare loadout for the attempts that go badly.

What to bring

Carrying capacity ruins more of these trips than combat does. The approach below has been checked against the current version rather than a patch from two years ago. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. Start with the simplest option before touching anything that is hard to reverse.

People often blame the game when the actual cause is a setting they changed weeks ago. Carrying capacity ruins more of these trips than combat does. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update.

Mistakes worth avoiding

  • Following a guide written for an older version and assuming nothing moved.
  • Changing several settings at once, then having no idea which one helped.
  • Skipping the preparation step because it looks boring, then repeating the hard part four times.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a faster method?

Usually yes, and usually it is riskier. The route above trades a little speed for a much lower chance of having to start over.

Can I get it early?

Usually yes, with enough patience. Whether that is worth doing depends on how much the item actually helps at that stage.

Is the location randomised?

The general area is fixed in most versions; the exact placement within it can shift between saves.

If you take one thing away about how to find duplicate files in windows 11, make it the preparation step; everything after it becomes much easier.