Lockpicking in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is both an essential skill and a challenging mini-game. Whether you’re breaking into locked houses or treasure chests, you’ll need both lockpicks and skill. This short guide will show you where to find lockpicks and how to master the lockpicking system quickly.

Where to Find Lockpicks
1. Join the Thieves Guild
The Thieves Guild is a reliable source for lockpicks. To join:
- Go to the Imperial City Waterfront.
- Meet Armand Christophe at night.
- Complete a simple task to become a member.
After joining, you’ll have access to fences who sell lockpicks regularly.
2. Shady Sam
Shady Sam is located just outside the Imperial City walls to the northwest. He’s always available and sells lockpicks for 6 gold each. This is a quick and easy way to stock up.

3. Loot and Explore
You can find lockpicks on:
- Bandits
- In chests
- Around dungeons and ruins
Exploring and fighting enemies often leads to a decent supply over time.
How to Master the Lockpicking Minigame
The mini-game involves lifting tumblers and locking them in place. Each lock has 1 to 5 tumblers based on its difficulty.
Tips for Success:
- Wait for a slow drop before pressing the “Set” button.
- Practice on easier locks to learn the rhythm.
- Save before picking hard or very hard locks.
- Use the Skeleton Key, a Daedric artifact that never breaks and gives +40 Security.
As your Security skill increases, the minigame becomes easier. You can also use “Auto Attempt,” but it’s risky at lower skill levels.
Alternative Methods
If you’re not into manual picking:
- Use Open Lock spells available in the Mages Guild.
- Find scrolls or enchanted items that open locks automatically.
Conclusion
With a bit of practice and the right tools, lockpicking in Oblivion becomes a fun and rewarding skill. Get lockpicks from the right sources, master the timing of the tumblers, and don’t forget about magical alternatives if you’re in a hurry. Happy thieving
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