Lockpicking in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered might look simple at first, but it's a game of rhythm, reflexes, and, most importantly—patience.
The minigame returns in the remaster almost precisely as it was in the original, meaning you're dealing with tumblers that behave unpredictably unless you learn to read them.
Whether you're aiming to break into a noble's chest or sneak through a locked door in a dungeon, knowing how to handle a lockpick properly is the difference between treasure and frustration.
How To Lockpick In Oblivion Remastered
When you approach a locked container or door, the lockpicking interface will take over.
This shows a series of vertical tumblers—ranging from one to five—based on how hard the lock is. Your task is to lift and secure each tumbler at the precise moment.
To achieve this, slide your lockpick under the tumbler and push it upwards (using the left stick on a controller or the mouse on a PC).
As the tumbler pops up and drops back down, press the action button (Spacebar, A, or X, based on your platform) the moment it pauses briefly at the top before falling again.
The tiny pause is your chance, but if you click at the wrong time, the tumbler resets, and your pick might snap.
The downside is that if you fail on one Tumbler, all of them reset unless your Security skill can preserve a few. There's a pattern in every tumbler, though it might not be easy to spot.
Some fall quickly, some take their time, and some fake you out in the middle. The top tip is to tap the tumbler and pay attention to its rhythm gently.
If it springs up and crashes down fast, don't waste time setting it up; wait for a gradual rise instead. The slow rise causes the tumbler to stay at the top just long enough for you to secure it.
Sound cues are said to assist some players. You might hear a higher-pitched or more metallic "click" when the tumbler is primed for success. But if audio cues don't work for you, watching the visual movement closely will still get the job done.
To make lockpicking less of a headache, developing some habits can really help.
First off, don't rush it—trying to catch a fast-moving tumbler is almost guaranteed to snap your pick, so always wait for a slow rise before attempting to set it.
Make sure to save your game before trying tougher locks, especially early on when your success rate is low and every pick counts.
Only use the auto-attempt feature if you're hoping for a lucky break; it usually empties your stash without much to show for it.
The higher your Security skill, the easier the process gets, as you can keep some tumblers in position even when you make a mistake. If you're fortunate enough to acquire the Skeleton Key during the Nocturnal quest, keep it.
Having an unbreakable lockpick makes the whole system much more forgiving. If you keep running out of lockpicks, don't stress. There are plenty of ways to stock up on Oblivion Remastered.
The simplest and most dependable option is to head over to Shady Sam, a hooded merchant who can be found just outside the northwest walls of the Imperial City.
He stocks up to 30 lockpicks at a time and replenishes his inventory daily, making him a top choice for thieves starting out.
As a member of the Thieves Guild, you'll have access to several fences across Cyrodiil that also sell lockpicks, including Ongar in Bruma and Luciana in Bravil.
You may come across lockpicks by looting bandits and goblins or discovering them hidden in barrels, crates, and chests inside caves and forts.
If you're looking to restock, dungeons with hostile NPCs are a good bet. Some players stick to merchants, but mixing in some exploration and looting keeps your inventory full and your pockets ready for those locked treasures.
You might find it frustrating initially, but once you get the hang of it, lockpicking becomes a truly satisfying part of the game.