Mastering Lockpicking in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

Image for oblivion remastered lockpicking guide

Lockpicking in Oblivion Remastered is a vital skill for adventurers aiming to access hidden treasures and restricted areas. This guide provides essential insights into acquiring lockpicks, understanding the lockpicking minigame, and enhancing your success rate.

Acquiring Lockpicks

Lockpicks are indispensable tools for any aspiring thief or treasure hunter. Here are reliable methods to obtain them:

Shady Sam: Located near the Imperial Citys north wall, between the Elven Garden District and Chestnut Handy Stables, Shady Sam sells lockpicks for 6 gold each, carrying up to 30 at a time. citeturn0search0

Thieves Guild Fences: After joining the Thieves Guild, members can purchase lockpicks from fences like Ongar in Bruma, who offers them for 6 gold apiece. citeturn0news12

Looting Enemies: Exploring dungeons and defeating enemies, particularly goblins, can yield lockpicks found in corpses, chests, barrels, and crates. citeturn0search0

The Lockpicking Minigame

Engaging with a locked chest or door initiates a timingbased minigame:

1. Interface: Youll see a crosssection of a lock with up to five tumblers.

2. Manipulation: Use the control stick or mouse to move the pick and push each tumbler upward.

3. Timing: When a tumbler reaches the top, press the action button to set it. Tumblers fall at varying speeds, requiring precise timing. citeturn0news12

4. Failure: An incorrect attempt resets all tumblers and may break the lockpick.

AutoAttempt Feature

The autoattempt function allows players to bypass the minigame:

Usage: After setting one or more tumblers, selecting autoattempt can automatically complete the lockpicking process.

Limitations: Effectiveness varies based on the locks difficulty and the players Security skill. Frequent failures can result in multiple broken lockpicks. citeturn0news12

Enhancing Lockpicking Success

Improving your characters abilities and utilizing certain items can significantly aid in lockpicking:

Security Skill: Increasing this skill reduces the chance of tumblers resetting upon failure. Skill levels affect how many tumblers remain set after a failed attempt:

Novice: 0 tumblers remain set.

Apprentice: 1 tumbler remains set.

Journeyman: 2 tumblers remain set.

Expert: 3 tumblers remain set.

Master: All tumblers remain set. citeturn0search3

Skeleton Key: This unbreakable lockpick, obtained by completing the Shrine of Nocturnal quest, boosts the Security skill by 40 points, making lockpicking significantly easier. citeturn0search2

Open Lock Spells: Utilizing Alteration magic can unlock chests and doors without using lockpicks, though higherlevel spells are required for more complex locks. citeturn0search2

Mastering lockpicking in Oblivion Remastered enhances your exploration capabilities and access to valuable loot. By acquiring sufficient lockpicks, honing your timing skills, and improving your Security skill, youll unlock the games full potential.