Getting Dead Space Security Clearance 1, 2 and 3 explained

Dead Space security clearance
(Image credit: EA)

Dead Space Security Clearance is needed to open level 1, 2 and 3 doors, crates and lockers, but you get it at certain plot points and locations. Security clearance is tied to specific moments in the campaign. but players can do themselves a favour by powering through to reach them as early as possible.

I wouldn't worry too much about backtracking when you get extra clearance levels either, as you'll be heading back to old areas a lot as the story moves you around. The different levels of security you gradually unlock is more about drip feeding you resources later on, rather anything else. There's no real way to short cut anything here. 

There's also the Dead Space crew rigs and Master Override to get much later in the game. This final level of access sees you collecting several rigs from various Ishimura crew to craft the highest level of access for a few doors on the ship and some high tier resource crates - but that's a different guide listed above. For now, here's how to get every Security Clearance in the Dead Space Remake.

All Dead Space Security Clearance levels and how to get them

Here's where to find all three levels of Dead Space security clearance: 

We'll cover each of these in more detail below, so either scroll down to find them in order, or click the links above to jump straight to the one you need.

Dead Space Security Clearance 1

Dead Space security clearance

(Image credit: EA)

You'll get Security Clearance 1 during the Chapter 2 mission to Find the Captain's Body. Once you've dealt with the Necromorphs and got the captain's rig you'll speak to Hammond and get Level 1 Security Clearance. 

Dead Space Security Clearance 2

Dead Space security clearance

(Image credit: EA)

Isaac will get Security Clearance 2 during the Chapter 3 mission to Meet Hammond in the Captain's Nest, close to the Dead Space Centrifuge puzzle. Head to the bridge and follow him into the nest where he'll tell you he's found a CEC Executive Keycard and can upgrade your security to level 2. 

Dead Space Security Clearance 3

Dead Space security clearance

(Image credit: EA)
Dead Space Comms Array

dead space comms array

(Image credit: EA)

The Dead Space Comms Array puzzle is a toughie - but find out how to beat it here!

Clearance level 3 will be gained during the chapter 7 mission, Find the Admin Rig. This will see you chasing down Supervisor Dallas to get his rig with admin codes. You'll be told it's in the Processing Control Room but you'll need to clear some dangerous anomalies (rocks), as the door you need won't open until gravity is restored, and that won't happen until you grab all the glowing rocks and throw them in the mining beam. Do that and you can finally reach what's left of Dallas and claim Security Clearance 3.

Of course, if you're looking for more ways to get around the Ishimura, at times you'll be required to find different keycards and components. If you're trapped in Engineering, here's how to find the Dead Space Fuel Station keycard, or if you're exploring Hydroponics, here's the location of the Dead Space Deck Systems Keycard!

Leon Hurley
Managing editor for guides

I'm GamesRadar's Managing Editor for guides, which means I run GamesRadar's guides and tips content. I also write reviews, previews and features, largely about horror, action adventure, FPS and open world games. I previously worked on Kotaku, and the Official PlayStation Magazine and website.