The Vaults of Forbidden Knowledge, which conceal treasures and mysteries, are distributed throughout Hadea in the game Hell Is Us. Unlocking these vaults requires a specific sequence of emotion symbols, which you can either discover through research or unlock using the codes given below. From relics and glyphs to rare prisms and weapons, here’s every vault location and combination you need to unlock them all.
Unlocking the Vaults in Hell Is Us
Throughout Hadea you’ll find large doors known as the Vaults of Forbidden Knowledge. They might look interesting, but there’s no way to enter them without the proper password. Inside, each vault guards its own stash, and some of them contain weapons or pieces of history, but more often the rewards are Glyphs, Relics, or even Rare Amine Prisms.
While various sections will have artifacts in them that are labeled as “Research Items.” These items are not simply collectibles—bring them to Tania at the APC, and once you have delivered enough, she will provide you with the details of the next vault and entry code. Generally, the vaults will be revealed to you in a specific order based on your game progression, but if you already possess a code, you may bypass the order and open the vaults whenever you like.
Vault Locations & Codes
Instead of listing them dryly, here’s a travel diary style rundown of where to look and what code you’ll need:
1. Lake Cynon – Vault of the Mere
This one’s sneaky, after dropping from the car overlook, circle back along the water’s edge. A thin, almost invisible path leads to the vault.
Code: Vigilance → Grief → Loathing → Ecstasy
2. Senedra Forest – Vault of the Copse
Near the Caddell Treasure Hunt spot, up on a hill with a small OMSIF camp. Check the woods for a tiny cave.
Code: Terror → Admiration → Rage → Amazement
3. Acasa Marshes – Vault of the Mire
First unlock the OMSIF Observation Outpost in the northeast using the code 151991. Past the Blue Mantle of Sorrow ruins, you’ll find a cave leading to the final vault.
Code: Rage → Ecstasy → Terror → Grief
4. Vyssa Hills – Vault of the Knoll
Hidden behind a waterfall. You’ll need to climb above first, then carefully drop down to reach it.
Code: Admiration → Amazement → Ecstasy → Rage
5. Marastan – Vault of the Beck
Not inside the city but over at the old Raveta estate ruins. Cross a small bridge and head for the rear cave.
Code: Amazement → Vigilance → Admiration → Loathing
6. Jeljin – Vault of the Prairie
Don’t waste time under the chapel—the tunnels aren’t accessed there. Head instead to the fenced-off digsite and slip inside.
Code: Grief → Loathing → Ecstasy → Terror
By the time you’ve cracked all six, you’ll have cleaned out every Vault of Forbidden Knowledge the game has to offer.
The Emotion Symbols
Passwords are always built using the game’s eight Emotion symbols. Here’s a cheat sheet to recognize them:
- Loathing: Big U-shape with diagonals sticking out from the base.
- Vigilance: Eye design, slashed diagonally.
- Grief: Curved line with teardrop shapes falling off it.
- Ecstasy: Circle topped with a star.
- Rage: Long vertical stroke with small horizontal lines across it.
- Terror: Box outline with a snake-like squiggle inside.
- Admiration: Resembles the number 8.
- Amazement: A wide-open eye.
