The Ultimate Oblivion Lockpicking Guide – Tips, Skeleton Key, & Best Methods

Lockpicking in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is one of the trickiest yet most rewarding mechanics in the game. Whether you’re a stealthy thief or just tired of missing out on treasure chests, this guide will teach you everything from mechanics to shortcuts to become a lockpicking master in both the original and Remastered versions.

How Lockpicking Works in Oblivion

The lockpicking system in Oblivion revolves around a minigame that simulates picking a physical lock with tumblers. The difficulty of the lock determines how many tumblers you’ll face. To successfully pick a lock, you must set each tumbler in place without breaking your lockpick, relying on visual and audio cues to perfect your timing.

You’ll encounter 5 types of locks: Very Easy, Easy, Average, Hard, and Very Hard—each defined by the number of tumblers (1 to 5) you need to set.

Basic Controls

To help you navigate the lockpicking interface across different platforms, here’s how to control your pick and set tumblers:

Step-by-Step:

Follow these steps to master the minigame:

1. Choose a Tumbler: Use the stick or mouse to select.
2. Push It Up: Flick the pick to raise the tumbler.
3. Watch for Slow Rise: If it rises slowly and holds at the top, that’s your cue.
4. Set It: Click when the tumbler lingers at the top.
5. Repeat until all tumblers are set.

Mistime it and your pick breaks. If your Security skill is low, all progress may reset.

Security Skill & Its Impact

Your character’s Security skill governs your overall effectiveness in lockpicking. A higher skill level provides forgiveness for mistakes, reducing the number of tumblers that reset when a pick breaks. This allows for faster and more consistent lockpicking as your skill improves.

Raise this skill through practice, trainers, or by breaking picks (yes, even failing gives XP).

Lockpicking Tips & Pro Techniques

To improve your success rate and conserve lockpicks, apply the following strategies. These tips are based on pattern recognition and careful observation of tumbler behavior.

• Watch the Spring: Only click when it’s fully compressed and the tumbler is slow.
• Listen for the Click: Some claim a higher-pitched “click” signals optimal timing.
• Spam Until Slow: Keep tapping until you recognize the slow rise cycle.
• Save Before You Pick: Always quicksave before a hard lock.
• Set One, Then Auto-Attempt: Improves success rate.

The Auto-Attempt Button

Auto-Attempt is a built-in feature that allows you to bypass manual picking with a single click. It simulates a skill check based on your current Security level. While it’s a convenient shortcut, it’s also riskier at low levels.

• Works best with Skeleton Key (unbreakable pick).
• Not ideal at low levels—expect lots of broken picks.

Read More: Oblivion Remastered Fatal Error: How to Fix Crashes (2025)

How to Get Lockpicks in Oblivion

Running out of lockpicks is a common frustration. Fortunately, there are several reliable ways to restock. These include looting enemies, purchasing from shady vendors, or using console commands.

Looting

• Found on bandits, goblins, and in dungeon containers.

Vendors

Below is a list of notable NPCs who sell lockpicks:

Console Command

If you’re on PC, you can spawn lockpicks with this command: player.additem 0000000A X ← Replace X with number of lockpicks.

Skeleton Key – The Ultimate Cheat Code

The Skeleton Key is a Daedric artifact that functions as an unbreakable lockpick. It also grants a significant +40 bonus to your Security skill, making lockpicking trivial. Acquiring this item early can save you hours of frustration.

How to Get It:

1. Reach Level 10.
2. Visit Nocturnal’s Shrine (north of Leyawiin).
3. Complete the quest: Retrieve the Eye of Nocturnal.

Use it to spam Auto-Attempt forever—no more fear of breaking picks.

Alternatives to Lockpicking

If you’d rather avoid the minigame entirely, Oblivion provides alternate methods to access locked containers. These include magical spells, birthsigns, hidden powers, and even console cheats.

Open Lock Spells (Alteration)

• No breakage.
• Doesn’t count as crime.
• Slower (takes in-game time).

Tower Birthsign

• Once per day: auto-opens an Average lock.

Warden Key (Hidden)

• Found outside Imperial City Waterfront—gives Open Lock power once acquired.

Console Unlock

Use ~ → click door → type unlock → enter. (Disables achievements.)

Skill Grinding Tips

If you’re looking to boost your Security skill quickly, there are efficient methods to farm XP. These involve partial tumbler setting and special training objects in DLC content.

• Set all but the last tumbler, then exit → repeat.
• Use Thieves Den Training Chest (DLC) for endless resets.

Debunked Myths

Not all advice you hear in-game or online works as expected. Here’s one notable example:

• Torch Makes Pins Fall Evenly? False—“Advances in Lockpicking” suggests it, but it doesn’t work.

Final Thoughts – Lockpicking Made Easy

To wrap it all up, here’s what you need to keep in mind when picking locks in Oblivion:

• Learn to identify slow-rise tumblers.
• Practice timing—not button mashing.
• Use the Skeleton Key ASAP.
• Raise your Security skill naturally by trying.
• Backup saves before each lock.