In The Outer Worlds 2, you’ll need money fast if you want to buy top-tier gear. Here’s the best build for thieves and hackers, along with tips and tricks to boost your digital wallet.
In The Outer Worlds 2, money — or rather, Bits — are one of the most important resources in the game. Whether you’re after new weapons, stronger armor, or handy consumables, you won’t get far without a hefty bankroll. But especially early in your adventure, it can be tough to build up a decent pile of Bits quickly.
This guide shows you the best strategies, skills, and perks to grow your fortune fast—turning your broke space rookie into a wealthy master thief.
Bits in The Outer Worlds 2: What You Need Them For
Bits are the in-game currency in The Outer Worlds 2. You’ll find them as “Bit Modules” scattered throughout the world, each with its own value. The number in parentheses always shows how much money a module is worth.
There are plenty of ways to spend money in The Outer Worlds 2. At vending machines, you can buy all kinds of consumables, mod blueprints, weapons, and armor. There are also human vendors who tend to specialize — like weapon and armor dealers, grocers, or bartenders if you fancy a drink between missions.
- Tip: Upgrade your “Hack” skill to at least Level 1 and unlock the “Restricted Access” perk to gain entry to higher-tier items in vending machines’ restricted inventories.
Bits also come into play during dialogue. Throughout the story, you’ll often find opportunities to bribe NPCs. It’s smart to keep a small stash of Bits handy for critical conversations.
How to Make Money Fast in The Outer Worlds 2
Early on, it’s worth scouring the houses in Fairfield and nearby areas for Bit Modules — and stealing anything that’s not nailed down. Defeated enemies and corpses often carry a few spare Bits you can “liberate.”
You’ll also find plenty of side quests that reward you with Bits. Whenever you enter a new area, talk to everyone you meet to unlock more jobs and payouts.
Every major town has bounty terminals as well. These contracts usually pay well for a bit of combat against alien creatures, drones, or bandits.
Master Thief Build: Key Skills and Perks for Fast Cash
At first glance, “Ex-Convict” might seem like the perfect background for a master thief — and it certainly fits the part. But “Lucky Charm” or “Renegade” also work just as well. Since your background mainly serves role-playing purposes and has little real impact on your build, you’re completely free to choose whatever fits your character concept.
Attributes, on the other hand, matter much more. Choosing “Lucky” boosts your critical hit chance by 5% and can open up some unique opportunities. But “Brilliant” is an even stronger option, as it lets you pick one extra skill at the start and specialize in it with two additional points.
The most important skills for quick cash are “Hack” and “Lockpick.” They not only make stealing easier but also unlock perks that help you pile up Bits even faster. “Speech” is also handy for unlocking key perks and negotiating better prices.
Bit Transfer: Hacking Bounty Terminals
Hackers don’t just access locked terminals — they can turn their skills into quick profit. With the “Bit Transfer” perk, a Bypass Shunt, and a high enough Hack level, you can steal Bits directly from bounty terminals and transfer them straight into your account. But you’ll first need to unlock the “Restricted Access” perk and reach Hack Level 2.
Palm-Greaser & Wholesale Spender: Better Deals
Once your Speech skill hits Level 2, unlock the “Palm-Greaser” perk. It cuts bribe costs in half during NPC dialogues and increases the selling price of stolen goods by 20%.
The “Wholesale Spender” perk gives you a 10% discount at all vendors and boosts your resale profits by 20%. You’ll need Persuade Level 4 to unlock it.
Pickpocket, Bag Check & Keyhole Peek: Stealing More Efficiently
For those with a looser moral compass, the “Pickpocket” perk lets you steal from any NPC in The Outer Worlds 2. Just sneak up undetected and take your shot. You’ll need at least Lockpick Level 1—and the higher it gets, the better your loot.
Next, unlock the “Bag Check” perk, which requires “Pickpocket” and Lockpick Level 4. When sneaking up on an NPC, you’ll see what potential loot they’re carrying and gain a 5% critical hit chance boost on top.
Another useful upgrade is “Through the Keyhole.” Once your Lockpick skill hits Level 2, it lets you preview the contents of locked containers before breaking in so you can decide if it’s worth the effort.
“A Sprat to Die For” – Collect More Bits
On Paradise Island, there’s a side quest that grants a perk for collecting extra Bits. During the main story, you’ll need to reach the Vox Relay Station, but a guarded bridge blocks your path. Just before it, you’ll find a camp with Auntie’s Choice soldiers.
- Also worth checking out: Our Assassin build for mastering stealth in The Outer Worlds 2.
Talk to Commander Torres to start the side quest “A Sprat to Die For.” Once you find Scrabbles, you can keep him and he becomes a passive perk for your character. Carrying him boosts your Bit earnings from looting containers by 5%.
Secret Tip for More Money: How to Multiply Your Wealth in The Outer Worlds 2
There’s an optional flaw you can trigger by spending all your money at once (possibly multiple times). It causes Val to save and invest 75% of all your earned Bits for you. You’ll earn 25% interest on all stored Bits, plus another 25% for every five character levels you gain. The payout happens at Level 30 — with a massive 150% return! You’ll have to manage with less cash for a while, but by the endgame, you’ll be swimming in Bits.
