Unlocking with the rune key

[sylviakotulla]

mostly it is trial and error
even when not going for the achievement, this procedure is really difficult, I try to do it like it is done in a good walkthrough, yet, I can do the same steps as there -nothing. I'm in the Hope chapter and opening the lock with the 4 golden sticks seems impossible.
Please a nudege, how many steps up and down? other tricks?

[Mango Protocol]

Hi Sylvia! The lock puzzles are randomly generated for each run, so the chances that the one you encounter is like the one in any walkthrough are really slim.

The trick for solving the golden/reinforced pins is to first determine their correct position and then press open as fast as you can when the key enters the hole.
Another way to do it is to position them in the correct position + some additional offset so you have some preparation time when inserting the key before they are pushed back into wrong positions.

Take this example, and see if it works:
The following pin positions are an example and will not be the ones you are presented in your particular run.

• First determine the correct position for each pin, for example: Pin1 -> 2UP, Pin2 -> 3DOWN, Pin3 -> 4UP, Pin4 -> 1DOWN.
  
• Then you position them with a +2 offset, like this: Pin1 -> 4UP, Pin2 -> 5DOWN, Pin3 -> 6UP, Pin4 -> 3DOWN.
  
• This way, you insert the key and wait for the springs to push all of them 2 positions back and then you press OPEN, just as the 4 of them are in the right position. This way is less demanding than positioning all of them in the correct position and pressing OPEN as fast as you can before the springs have time to push the pins.

[minstrelofmoria]

Originally posted by Mango Protocol:

• First determine the correct position for each pin, for example: Pin1 -> 2UP, Pin2 -> 3DOWN, Pin3 -> 4UP, Pin4 -> 1DOWN.

That's the part I don't understand. How do I figure out what's 1Up and what's 2DOWN and such?

[Mango Protocol]

Good morning minstrelofmoria! 1Up, 2Down, etc, is referring to how many positions you have to displace UP or DOWN each of the stones in the runic key in order for the corresponding pin to be aligned correctly with the lock edge.
Here's an image to clarify what "aligned correctly" means: https://ibb.co/z79pXkY

Also, to help you with future, more difficult locks, remember that you can insert and take out the key inside the lock as many times as you like and the game won't consider it a "failed opening attempt" as long as you don't press the "UNLOCK" button.

I hope this helps. Don't hesitate to get back with any further questions you may have.

Jordi.