The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion is a massive game full of mystery and hidden treasure. However most of the best loot is hidden behind locked doors and wooden chests. Many players find the lockpicking system in this game to be very tricky and frustrating. My opinion is that lockpicking is one of the most fun parts of the game once you understand the rhythm of the tumblers. If you take your time and listen closely you can open any lock in the game even if your skill level is very low.
I believe that every player should learn how to pick locks instead of just using magic or paying for keys. It feels very rewarding to hear that final click and see a pile of gold inside a chest. You do not need a high level to be a great thief. You just need a steady hand and a few lockpicks in your pocket. This guide will teach you the simple tricks to master the tumblers and help you find the best tool for the job.
Understanding the Lockpicking Screen
When you try to open a lock a screen pops up showing the inside of the door handle. You will see several metal pins called tumblers hanging from the top. I believe the best way to think of this is like a game of timing. Your goal is to use your lockpick to push each tumbler up and lock it in place at the top.
The number of tumblers changes based on how hard the lock is. A Very Easy lock only has one pin but a Very Hard lock has five. In my opinion the difficulty does not matter much if you stay calm. Each tumbler behaves the same way no matter how many there are. You just have to be more patient as the locks get harder.
The Secret of the Tumbler Sounds
Most people try to watch the tumblers move with their eyes. I believe the real secret is to listen with your ears. Each time you hit a tumbler it makes a sound. There are two different sounds it can make when it reaches the top. One is a quick double click and the other is a slow single click.
I think you should only try to lock the pin when you hear that fast double click. This sound means the tumbler will stay up for a split second longer. If you try to click during the slow sound the pin will usually fall back down and break your lockpick. Listening for the rhythm is the best way to win every time.
| Lock Level | Number of Pins | Difficulty |
| Very Easy | 1 Pin | Very Simple |
| Easy | 2 Pins | Quick |
| Average | 3 Pins | Balanced |
| Hard | 4 Pins | Tricky |
| Very Hard | 5 Pins | Challenging |
How to Pick the Lock Step by Step
I believe the best way to practice is to find a Very Easy lock and just play with the pins. Do not try to win right away. Just push the pin up and watch how it falls. Once you feel comfortable with the movement you can try to lock it in place.
It is okay if you break a few picks at first. Lockpicks are very cheap and you can buy them from many people in the game. I think you should always carry at least twenty picks with you when you go into a dungeon. You never want to find a treasure chest and realize you cannot open it because you ran out of tools.
- Use the mouse or joystick to move the pick under a tumbler
- Push up to move the tumbler to the top of the lock
- Listen for the fast double click sound
- Press the confirm button the moment you hear that sound
- Repeat this for every pin until the lock opens
Why the Skeleton Key is a Game Changer
If you really hate the lockpicking minigame there is a special item just for you. It is called the Skeleton Key. I believe this is the most useful item in the entire game. The Skeleton Key is a lockpick that never breaks. This means you can keep trying over and over again and you will never run out of picks.
To get this key you must find the Shrine of Nocturnal. I think you should do this as soon as you reach level ten. Nocturnal will ask you to do a simple mission to find an eye that was stolen. Once you finish she gives you the key. In my opinion this makes the game much more relaxing because you can even use the Auto Attempt button without any worry.
Tips for Raising Your Security Skill
Your Security skill determines how many pins stay up if you make a mistake. I believe that even if you are good at the game you should still try to level up this skill. A higher skill makes the tumblers move more slowly which gives you more time to react.
I think the best way to level up is to find a door in a city and pick the lock at night. Just make sure no guards are watching you. You can also pay trainers in the Thieves Guild to teach you how to be better. The more you practice the easier the rhythm becomes.
- Join the Thieves Guild to buy cheap lockpicks
- Visit the Shrine of Nocturnal at level ten for the unbreakable key
- Practice on Easy locks before trying the Very Hard ones
- Watch the speed of the pins to learn their patterns
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I believe the biggest mistake is being too fast. Many players get excited when they get four pins up and then they rush the fifth one. This usually causes all the pins to fall down and breaks your pick. I think you should treat every single pin like it is the first one.
Another mistake is trying to pick locks while a guard is standing right behind you. Even if you are a master thief you will get arrested if you are caught. In my opinion you should always use the sneak button before you touch a lock. If the eye icon is bright it means someone can see you. Wait until the eye is dark before you start your work.
My Final Thoughts
In my opinion lockpicking in Oblivion is a great skill that every player needs. It opens up new parts of the world and helps you find the best armor and weapons. I believe that once you learn to listen for the double click sound you will find it very easy to break into anything.
I think the best part of being a thief in this game is the sense of adventure. Sneaking through a dark castle and opening a chest full of gems is a great feeling. If you follow these tips and get the Skeleton Key you will never be stopped by a locked door again. Have fun exploring all the secret places that Oblivion has to offer.
- Total pins vary from one to five
- Listen for the fast double click rhythm
- Get the Skeleton Key at level ten for infinite tries
- Always sneak before you start picking a lock
I truly believe that lockpicking adds a lot of flavor to the game. It makes you feel like a sneaky hero who can go anywhere and do anything. Do not let the tricky tumblers stop you from finding the best loot in Cyrodiil. Just take a deep breath listen to the clicks and enjoy your rewards. Happy hunting and stay sneaky.