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One of the many splendid things added to the 2023 remake ofDead Spaceis the addition of certain side missions that, rather than feeling tacked-on, enhance the game’s lore whilst rewarding players who go the extra mile. The rewards are worth the hassle, and the ‘hassle’ feels organically integrated - and fun in its own right. All told, it’s precisely how bonus content should be.
Related:Things We Wish We Knew Before Starting Dead Space
‘You Are Not Authorized’ is introduced relatively early into the campaign, but successful completion requires that certain steps be taken in several chapters thereafter. This is the only way to ensure you’ve got access toeverylocked container in Dead Space, so we highly recommend springing for it.
Updated July 19, 2025:We’ve updated this guide to include a video walkthrough that will take you through the ‘You Are Not Authorized’ mission in Dead Space.
How To Begin ‘You Are Not Authorized’
The side mission commences inChapter Four, at theCaptain’s Nest. You’ll be roughly a quarter of the way through the game at this point, give or take - your security access level is low, so the notion of being able to unlock absolutely everything aboard the Ishimura should be a tantalizing one.
What you need to do to trigger the quest isinteract with the Bridge Security console here in the Captain’s Nest. The computer system will chirp ahead with the explanation. Basically,our goal is to gather the RIG (spacesuit) codes from a total of seven high-ranking officers.Each officer’s security clearance relates to their specific sections of the ship.
What happens, then, when all seven are brought back here to the Captain’s Nest?The ultimate RIG code is created, meaning Isaac can finally go wherever he pleases, no holds barred.Unfortunately, you’ll be quite a bit of the way deeper into Dead Space’s runtime before that happens - but so it goes.
Every Officer RIG Location
Note that the chapters we list for each of these corresponds with the timing in whichweourselveslocated the RIG. If, in the weeks to come, we should discover that it’s possible to acquire one or more of these codes earlier than we listed, we’ll be sure to double back to this guide and let you know.
Three
Hangar Bay
Remember where the Kellion docked? Head back there, or rather, back to what’s left of the area. Head out into zero-g; veer left, and you’ll find the RIG near a refill tank in the following little zone.
Six
Communications
Head to the third floor, starting at the bridge. Locate the Comms Room.
Nine
Tram Tunnels
Just swing by the Crew Deck as soon as possible - we weren’t able to get there until the game’s ninth chapter.
Seven
Fuel Storage
After Dallas' RIG unlocks Level Three Clearance aboard the Ishimura, retrace your steps in nearby previously-locked rooms to find Bailey’s over in Engineering.
Four
Cannon Trench
One of the many memorable moments in Dead Space involves blasting away some asteroids with a big honkin' gun. Check the places nearest to the third of these ADS guns via a zero-g flight; White’s is nearby.
Hydroponics
Once you’re in the Hydroponics area, swing by the East Grow Chamber. You’ll need to blow away some gnarly Necromorph goo (you’ll see what we mean) to uncover Holt’s RIG.
Obtaining The Ultimate RIG
Now all that’s left to do is toreturn to the Captain’s Nestwhere the quest began. Armed with all seven RIG codes, Isaac can craftthe ultimate code, capable of unlockingeverydoor, crate, chest, in the entire ship.The USG Ishimura is now your proverbial oyster, just so long as you don’t mind the monstrosities still lurking around every corner. It’s part of the charm.
