Even if you have the Skeleton Key, you still need to know how to lockpick in Oblivion Remastered. If you’ve played any Elder Scrolls game, you know that one of the easiest ways to get money is by lockpicking chests and doors. Just like its leveling system, Oblivion Remastered keeps this tradition alive as well, but its lockpicking system is a bit different from what you might expect.
If you’re stuck trying to open a locked door or chest, don’t worry. Here’s a simple guide on how to lockpick in Oblivion Remastered with all the details you need.
How to Lockpick in Oblivion Remastered
Before you figure out how to lockpick in Oblivion Remastered, you need lockpicks. You can buy them from some shopkeepers or find them by looting containers and enemies. Always keep a few on hand because lockpicks can break if you fail while trying to open a lock.
When you find a locked door or chest, you’ll see a lock icon and a difficulty level. Sometimes, the game will warn you if opening it is illegal, which means you might get caught if someone sees you. Some locks are legal to open, like your own containers or certain quest items.
How the Lockpicking Mini-Game Works
Unlike newer games where you rotate a lockpick to find the right spot, Oblivion’s lockpicking mini-game is about timing and locking tumblers in place.
When you start lockpicking, you’ll see the inside of the lock with several tumblers moving up and down. Your goal is to push each tumbler to the top and lock it there. Here’s how to do it:
- Pick any tumbler to start with.
- Press the action button (X on Xbox, A on Xbox controller, or Space on PC) to push the tumbler up.
- Watch the tumbler’s speed carefully as it moves up.
- When the tumbler reaches the top, press the action button again to lock it in place.
- If you succeed, the tumbler stays locked at the top.
- If you fail, your lockpick breaks, and all tumblers reset to the bottom.
Tips to Get Better at Lockpicking
The key to success is timing. You need to press the button exactly when the tumbler slows down at the top. Pressing too early or too late will break your lockpick.
Some players “cheese” the mini-game by holding the direction button to keep the tumbler rising and then pressing the action button when it slows down. This takes practice but can make lockpicking easier.
Remember, if you run out of lockpicks, you can buy more from fences in the Thieves Guild. You’ll need to join the Guild first, but it’s worth it if you want a steady supply of lockpicks and other useful items.
So, that’s the full scoop on how to lockpick in Oblivion Remastered. For more Oblivion content, stay posted to RetroNoob.
