The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered brings back the sprawling, immersive world of Tamriel with updated visuals and refined mechanics, captivating both new players and seasoned adventurers. Originally released in 2006, this iconic RPG lets you explore Cyrodiil, craft your character, and tackle countless quests. One of the game’s standout skills, oblivion lockpicking, remains a core mechanic for accessing hidden treasures, secret rooms, and shortcuts. Whether you’re sneaking into a bandit’s stash or unlocking a noble’s manor, mastering oblivion lockpicking is essential for any aspiring rogue or adventurer. At GameOblivion, we’re dedicated to helping players navigate every aspect of this remastered classic. This article, updated on April 24, 2025, dives deep into oblivion lockpicking explained, offering practical tips to make lockpicking in Oblivion Remastered a breeze.
Understanding the Basics of Oblivion Lockpicking
Oblivion lockpicking is a skill tied to the Security attribute, governing your ability to open locked doors, chests, and containers. Unlike other Elder Scrolls titles, lockpicking in Oblivion Remastered uses a unique minigame that blends timing, precision, and a bit of patience. Each lock has a series of tumblers—pins inside the lock—that you must set in place using a lockpick. The goal? Push each tumbler up and secure it before it falls back down. Sounds simple, but oblivion lockpicking can be tricky without practice.
Locks come in five difficulty levels: Very Easy, Easy, Average, Hard, and Very Hard. The number of tumblers (one to five) corresponds to the difficulty, with Very Easy locks having just one tumbler and Very Hard ones having five. Your Security skill level influences how smoothly the tumblers move, making oblivion lockpicking easier as you level up. GameOblivion recommends starting with low-level locks to hone your skills before tackling tougher challenges like those found in high-security dungeons.
How the Lockpicking Minigame Works
When you approach a locked object, select “Lockpick” to enter the oblivion lockpicking minigame. You’ll see a cross-section of the lock with tumblers and a lockpick in hand. Here’s how it works:
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Move the Lockpick: Use your mouse or controller to push a tumbler upward.
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Time the Click: Each tumbler moves at different speeds. When it reaches the top, click to set it in place. If you mistime it, the tumbler falls, and you risk breaking your lockpick.
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Repeat: Set all tumblers in sequence to unlock the door or chest.
Timing is everything in lockpicking Oblivion Remastered. Tumblers move faster or slower depending on your Security skill and the lock’s difficulty. A low Security skill makes tumblers jittery, while a high skill slows their movement, giving you more control. GameOblivion suggests listening to the distinct “click” sound when a tumbler is at its peak—it’s a subtle cue that can improve your oblivion lockpick success rate.
Tips to Master Oblivion Lockpicking
🔑 Practice on Easy Locks First
Start with Very Easy or Easy locks, like those on crates in starter towns such as the Imperial City. These locks have fewer tumblers, letting you get a feel for the oblivion lockpicking rhythm without wasting lockpicks. As you improve, move to Average locks in places like bandit camps.
🔑 Invest in Security Perks
As you level up your Security skill, you unlock perks that make oblivion lockpicking explained simpler. At Apprentice (25 Security), tumblers fall slower. At Journeyman (50), they’re even more stable. By Expert (75) and Master (100), you can auto-attempt locks or reduce tumbler resets. Check GameOblivion for character build guides to boost your Security efficiently.
🔑 Stock Up on Lockpicks
Lockpicks break if you mistime a tumbler, and running out mid-dungeon is a headache. Buy lockpicks from merchants like Shady Sam near the Imperial City or fences in the Thieves Guild. Carry at least 10-15 for long quests. Oblivion remastered lockpick durability hasn’t changed, so stock up early.
🔑 Use the Auto-Attempt Option Sparingly
The auto-attempt feature lets the game try oblivion lockpicking for you, but it’s based on your Security skill and often wastes lockpicks. Reserve it for Very Easy locks or emergencies. Manual lockpicking is more reliable and helps you improve.
🔑 Boost with Spells or Items
Spells like “Open Lock” from the Alteration school can bypass oblivion lockpicking entirely for certain locks. Items like the Skeleton Key, a reward from the Nocturnal Daedric quest, make lockpicking in Oblivion Remastered a cakewalk by boosting your Security skill and preventing lockpick breaks. GameOblivion has quest guides to help you snag this legendary item.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned players slip up with oblivion lockpicking. One common error is rushing the minigame. Clicking too fast often breaks lockpicks, especially on Hard or Very Hard locks. Take your time to observe tumbler patterns. Another mistake is neglecting your Security skill early on. If you’re not a stealth-focused character, you might ignore Security, only to struggle with locked chests later. GameOblivion advises putting at least a few points into Security for any playstyle to ensure oblivion lockpick versatility.
Don’t ignore environmental cues, either. Some locks are trapped, triggering alarms or damaging you if mishandled. Check for nearby guards or traps before starting the oblivion lockpicking minigame. Lastly, avoid relying solely on auto-attempt—it’s tempting but inefficient for tougher locks.
Advanced Strategies for Lockpicking Oblivion Remastered
For veteran players, oblivion lockpicking can be optimized further. At higher Security levels, you can “read” tumbler speeds to predict their movement. Each tumbler has a unique rhythm, and mastering this lets you set them faster. Try practicing on the same lock repeatedly (like a chest in your home) to memorize patterns.
If you’re role-playing a master thief, pair oblivion lockpicking with Sneak and Illusion skills. Sneak lets you pick locks undetected, while Illusion spells like Invisibility keep you hidden. The Thieves Guild questline offers plenty of opportunities to practice lockpicking in Oblivion Remastered, with high-value targets in noble houses. GameOblivion’s guild guides can steer you toward these missions.
Why Oblivion Lockpicking Matters
Oblivion lockpicking isn’t just a mechanic—it’s a gateway to the game’s richest rewards. Locked chests often hide powerful weapons, rare ingredients, or quest items that can’t be found elsewhere. Unlocking doors can reveal shortcuts or secret areas, like hidden rooms in Ayleid ruins. For stealth players, oblivion lockpicking is the backbone of heists and infiltrations, making every mission more thrilling.
By mastering lockpicking in Oblivion Remastered, you’ll feel like a true rogue, slipping past obstacles with ease. Whether you’re cracking a bandit’s stash or infiltrating a castle, the skills you build with oblivion lockpick will carry you far. Keep exploring GameOblivion for more guides, from combat tips to quest walkthroughs, to dominate every corner of Cyrodiil.