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Most containers and doors you’ll find inThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remasteredwill be protected by a lock. Using lockpicks to access your hard-earned spoils is a core part of the game, but getting the most out of the Security stat can prove tricky if you struggle with the lockpicking minigame or run dry on lockpicks.
The good news is that lockpicks are fairly easy to get in Oblivion if you know where to look. And for those who hate the lockpicking minigame, there’s a way to unlock containers and doors without needing a lockpick. Before we cover how to bypass lockpicking entirely, let’s first showcase where you’re able to find some lockpicks in the early game.
How To Get More Lockpicks
Lockpicks are a common loot drop in Oblivion. Slain enemies, chests, and other lootable sources all have a chance of dropping lockpicks. If you need a stockpile of lockpicks from a consistent source, look no further thanThieves Guild fences.
Once you join the Thieves Guild, you’ll gain access to certain vendors in Cyrodiil who will accept stolen goods. The first and most accessible one isOngar the Word-Weary in Bruma. Ongar and all Thieves Guild fences have alarge stash of lockpicks you can purchase for dirt cheap.Once you purchase all of their lockpicks, wait a few days for their stock to refresh and repeat.
Lockpicking Alternatives
If you aren’t willing to part with your gold but need to find a way to pick locks, you have a few options.
How To Get The Skeleton Key
The Skeleton Key is a Daedric artifact that is obtained during the ‘Nocturnal’ questline. you’re able to start this quest at Nocturnal’s shrine, located north of Leyawiln.This quest will not start unless you’re Level 10 or higher. If you aren’t experienced enough, you can always get the shrine’s fast travel location and return later.
For a breakdown of the quest itself, consult ourNocturnal quest guide. Once you’re finished, you’ll gain access to the Skeleton Key for the rest of your playthrough, an invaluable tool for picking difficult locks.
Picking Locks With Alteration
Mages can opt to ignore the Security skill entirely by using Alteration in its place. The Alteration school of magic has access to Open Lock spells. Learned orcrafted spellswith higher magnitude values can unlock tougher storage containers and doors, as shown below.
Breaking into someone’s home with this spell doesnotcount as breaking the law.
100 Points
Master (Very Hard)
If you’re looking to unlock Master locks, you’ll need to get into spellcrafting. The highest unlock spell in the game goes up to 75 points by default. To hit the point threshold for Master locks, you’ll need to create the spell yourself.
