Oblivion Remastered: How To Lockpick

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Quick Links

  • Where To Obtain Lockpicks

  • How To Open A Lock
  • Other Methods Of Opening Locks

    • Magic
    • Auto Attempt
    • The Skeleton Key

Individuals aiming to excel as a skilled thief in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered must inevitably grasp the art of lock-picking. For those transitioning from Skyrim, this technique may initially require some adjustment.

In comparison to Skyrim, which established a trend for lock-picking mechanics among subsequent video games after its launch in 2011, Oblivion adopted a more authentic style by requiring players to align specific levers or tumblers according to the lock’s complexity level.

Certainly, mastering this skill can be tricky and a tad frustrating at times. However, this manual is designed to assist you effectively in every aspect of lock-picking, clearing up any puzzles that might crop up during your exploration of this unusual hobby.

Where To Obtain Lockpicks

Before we can even think about trying to open certain doors, first and foremost, it’s crucial that you acquire some lock-picking tools. And if I were in your shoes, I’d gather a good number of them because they tend to break easily when you’re just starting out.

There are a few places you’re going to want to check:

  • Whenever you’re exploring a cave, dungeon or mine, make sure to check the bodies of the enemies you kill. Lockpicks are pretty common loot. In addition, while you’re at it, feel free to check any chests or barrels that you find.
  • You can find Shady Sam northeast of the Chestnut Handy Stables, which I’m sure you will have walked past on your way to the Imperial City. He is a great source of lockpicks and potions, so long as you have the coin.
  • For those who have dabbled in any guild affairs, naturally, the Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood are great places for getting your hands on some lockpicks. Look for fences, and perhaps sell some stolen goods while you’re at it.

How To Open A Lock

When the lock interface appears, it might not be clear what you should do at first glance, but essentially, each pin needs to be raised and held in place once it reaches the top.

Based on the security grade, each lock may feature a varying number of pins that become more challenging to align due to their increased randomness in placement within the tumbler system.

Each pin will feature its unique pace and rhythm of rapid and slow movements. To observe these patterns, you’ll need to press (up) or W repeatedly, so as to identify instances where the pin rises swiftly and when it ascends gradually.

If the pin appears to be gradually moving, gently tap it back into position before it returns to its starting point, so it continues to move slowly.

After recognizing the pattern and knowing that a slow movement is approaching, you can click the spacebar (or the corresponding control button) at the moment the indicator arrives at its maximum point, thereby setting the pin.

If you don’t succeed with this attempt and misalign the timing for setting the pin, not only could you damage your lockpick, but all the other pins inside the lock will be reset. This means you’ll need to begin the process of picking the lock all over again.

As a budding lock-picker, I’ve found that it can be quite challenging, especially when your security level is still low. The more time I spend tinkering with these intricate mechanisms, the more I’m able to discern patterns and anticipate the precise timings of the pins.

Other Methods Of Opening Locks

Magic

If you’re having trouble mastering lockpicking and it’s not your area of expertise, you might consider exploring alternative methods for accessing items that are securely locked.

Fortunately, Oblivion Remastered provides the tools you need. Based on your proficiency with locks,

you’ll have access to specific Open Lock charms to aid you. Of course, there are five charms for each kind of lock.

As a game enthusiast, you might want to swing by one of the Mages’ Guilds or the Arcane University and pick up some magic goods from a vendor there.

Auto Attempt

An alternative approach when a lock refuses to cooperate is the automatic try function. When you follow the instruction given by the button, you can attempt to open the lock without needing to manipulate any of the pins yourself.

Absolutely, it depends on your Security skill level. If you’re relatively new and attempting to open a tough lock, then you’ll likely need a substantial number of lock picks, and it may also require a considerable amount of time.

In an attempt to automatically open a particularly challenging lock, I unfortunately misplaced approximately twenty lock picks. Whether it was good fortune or bad that led to their disappearance remains uncertain.

As a seasoned gamer, I always remind myself to save my game before tackling a particularly tough lock. Better safe than sorry, especially when it comes to running out of lockpicks. No need for embarrassment; we’ve all been there!

The Skeleton Key

If you find lockpicking challenging or simply dislike it, then you’ll be eager to acquire the Skeleton Key – an indestructible lockpick! Those who have ventured through the Thieves’ Guild questline in Skyrim will surely recall this handy tool (and this time, there’s no need to return it).

To begin, it’s essential that you advance to level 10 first. Then, make your way to the Shrine of Nocturnal, which is located to the north of Leyawiin.

See the journey all the way through, as it leads you to the final destination – the Eye of Nocturnal’s grasp. Upon your return to the sanctum, you will receive the Skeleton Key as a reward.

Could it be that this key is a tad too potent? After all, it allows for unlimited attempts to unlock a lock without the risk of the key snapping.

You’re absolutely free to skip the mini-game if it doesn’t appeal to you. There’s no need for additional purchases or gathering picks from slain goblins anymore, and that’s a fact we can all agree on!

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2025-04-25 16:13