Unlocking Lockpicking Skills in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Guide

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered presents players with numerous locked doors and chests that conceal treasures, gold, and hidden secrets. While these barriers can prove challenging, the game provides various methods to overcome them—from classic lockpicking to enchanting spells. Here’s a comprehensive guide that will equip you with all the techniques necessary for successful lockpicking in Oblivion Remastered.

Mastering Lockpicking in Oblivion Remastered

Scrolling lockpick on tumbler to pick the lock in Oblivion Remastered — Image courtesy of Prima Games

Lockpicking in Oblivion Remastered is an engaging minigame that hinges on timing and skill. When you approach a locked object, you’ll see a side view of the locking mechanism, with your lockpick on the left and a set of metal pins, known as tumblers, on the right.

The complexity of the lock determines the number of tumblers; simple locks might have just one tumbler, while more challenging master-level locks can feature up to five. To unlock a tumbler, slide your lockpick left or right to position it. You must then apply pressure to push the tumbler upwards and lock it in place at precisely the right moment.

What Should You Do If Your Lockpick Breaks?

Your success in lockpicking heavily depends on your timing—pressing too early or too late could mean a wasted attempt or even breaking your lockpick. As you engage with the tumblers, you’ll notice their unique movement pattern. They rise swiftly initially but slow as they peak. Aim to engage the tumbler when it’s virtually still at the top; this is when you can effectively lock it into position.

Breaking lockpicks in Oblivion Remastered — Image courtesy of Prima Games

Acting too soon results in the tumbler snapping back down, thus increasing the chance of breaking your lockpick. More critically, a failed attempt may cause previously set tumblers to fall, requiring you to restart the entire process.

Improving Your Lockpicking Skills

Veteran players often utilize sound cues—listening for the faint click that indicates a tumbler is in position. This technique can enhance your chances of success, particularly if using headphones, although it demands keen auditory attention. Another strategy involves closely observing the tumblers for the moment they slow significantly before reaching the top.

For best results, we suggest equipping headphones while practicing lockpicking in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. Additionally, improving your character’s Security skill is vital; a higher level means that fewer tumblers will reset upon a failed attempt, thus making the lockpicking process less punishing.

Lockpicking with Keyboard and Mouse on PC

For PC gamers, lockpicking involves a blend of sharp listening and precise mouse movements. As you engage a lock, keep an ear out for the satisfying click of the tumbler locking in place while adhering to the game’s control prompts.

Begin by moving your mouse side to side to position the lockpick and then slide it upward to interact with the selected tumbler. Upon hearing a distinct clicking sound from the tumbler, promptly click the left mouse button or press the spacebar to secure it.

Lock unlocked using the lockpick in Oblivion Remastered — Image courtesy of Prima Games

For simpler locks, successfully setting just one tumbler can unlock the mechanism. For more intricate locks, however, you’ll need to apply this method to each tumbler until the entire lock is disengaged.

Lockpicking with Controller on PlayStation/Xbox

If you are using a PlayStation or Xbox controller, the fundamentals remain similar, though the controls differ slightly. Start by moving the left thumbstick to select your desired tumbler, then push it upwards to lift your lockpick.

When you detect the click sound, press X (PlayStation) or A (Xbox) to lock the tumbler in place. Continue this process until all required tumblers are properly set, effectively unlocking the lock.

Unlocking Doors Without Lockpicks in Oblivion Remastered

Skeleton Key in Oblivion Remastered — Image courtesy of Prima Games

There are several strategies to open locks without relying solely on lockpicks or engaging in the minigame mechanics. To do so, players must first gather specific items that facilitate bypassing traditional lockpicking methods.

1. Utilizing Console Commands

For those playing on PC, console commands make unlocking objects a breeze. Although this method isn’t officially supported, players can type commands to access locked areas easily: simply press ~, select the locked object, type ‘unlock’, and hit Enter.

Note: Using console commands may disable achievements, so players aiming for achievements should steer clear of this shortcut.

2. The Skeleton Key Advantage

To truly simplify your lockpicking experience, seek out the Skeleton Key, an unbreakable lockpick awarded for completing Nocturnal’s quest. This powerful item transforms the approach to cracking locks.

With just a single regular lockpick in your inventory, you can spam the “Auto Attempt” button until the lock yields, a risk-free endeavor since the Skeleton Key never breaks. While “Auto Attempt” is available without the Skeleton Key, its reliability decreases as the game progresses, especially if your Security skill is still budding. In contrast, wielding the Skeleton Key opens up virtually all locks effortlessly, regardless of their difficulty.

3. Employing Lockpicking Spells

Should you prefer a magical approach to unlocking doors, the Open spell could be your solution. Accessible early in the game through a unique discovery near the Imperial City, this spell offers an outstanding alternate choice.

Travel northeast from the Lake Rumare bridge until you spot a peculiar stone marker. Interacting with it grants you a greater power known as the Warden Key.

Your success with the Open spell correlates to your Alteration skill level; the higher it is, the more challenging locks you can bypass. As long as your Magicka allows, you can repeat the spell, making it a consistent option that emerges as a strong alternative to traditional lockpicking methods.

While the Skeleton Key provides unparalleled convenience, the Open spell caters to players who lean toward magic or prefer spellcasting over traditional methods.

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