The Best Way to Buy Lockpicks in Oblivion, But There’s a Big Catch You Need to Know!

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Bethesda has secretly launched the remastered version of “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion”, and everyone seems to be returning to the familiar world they once knew. Similar to its original release, the lock-picking mechanism in the “Oblivion Remaster” remains a formidable test. To open locks, you’ll require lockpicks, but due to its complexity, you’ll find yourself quickly running out of them.

As a fellow enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share some useful advice for those just starting out. There’s a convenient method available, but it does have a condition. If you aspire to become proficient at lockpicking early in the game, you’ll discover that one NPC vendor is your go-to source for a steady stream of lockpicks. However, remember to practice quickly because there’s a restriction – resources can only be acquired up to a certain limit.

This NPC is your best bet at getting lockpicks early in Elder Scrolls IV

In the world of early-game lockpick support, none is more debated than the enigmatic figure known as Shady Sam. Located between the Talos Plaza and Elven Gardens districts beyond Imperial City’s walls, this NPC provides a stockpile of 30 lockpicks each day, making him an essential ally for newcomers to the Oblivion Remaster. It’s highly recommended that you meet and build a relationship with him as you embark on your adventure.

Overjoyed that they chose to stick with the beloved Oblivion lockpicking system instead of swapping it out for the one in Skyrim. As a gamer, the nostalgia of that system makes me feel right at home in this new adventure!

— Synth Potato🥔 (@SynthPotato) April 22, 2025

In my gaming experience, there’s a catch with Shady Sam that I’ve found myself grappling with often. His daily limit of 30 lockpicks can make me feel like a mouse on a treadmill, constantly dashing back to him whenever I find myself running low on picks. This is particularly true in the game Oblivion, where the lockpick system is notoriously difficult, making it easy to burn through those precious picks quickly.

Instead of being primarily based on skill levels as seen in games like Skyrim or Fallout 3, Oblivion’s lockpicking mini-game is a challenge that requires precise timing. If you miss the rhythm, your picks will break consecutively. Additionally, players can obtain lockpicks by exploring the game world, finding them among bandit hideouts, goblin lairs, and treasure chests hidden in dungeons.

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In Cyrodiil, it’s unfortunate that most common vendors don’t carry lockpicks. If you aren’t part of the Thieves Guild or haven’t found any in dungeons or from defeated enemies, your choices are quite restricted. However, joining the Thieves Guild offers more than just a connection to fences who deal in stolen goods; it also grants you access to a substantial amount of lockpicks, up to 100 at once.

There are other ways to make lockpicking easier in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remaster

If lockpicking isn’t something you wish to deal with, the Skeleton Key could be ideal for you. This Daedric Artifact is earned upon completing the quest for Nocturnal’s shrine and functions as an indestructible lockpick. It also boosts your Security skill by 40 points. Essentially, it’s the ultimate tool for thieves, offering a solution to all your lock-related worries once acquired.

Before achieving Level 10 or joining a guild, your primary activities will be either attacking random bandits, goblins, or visiting Sam daily for tasks. Dungeons and caves may offer occasional rewards, but if you aim to significantly improve your lockpicking skills, guild membership and the Skeleton Key are your most effective options.

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2025-04-23 10:05