The Importance of Lockpicks
Why Lockpicking Matters
The clang of steel on metal, the anticipation of a hidden treasure, the thrill of discovering something others can’t – these are the hallmarks of a skilled lockpicker in the vibrant world of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Have you ever found yourself staring at a locked chest, tantalizingly close to riches or a quest-critical item, only to be stymied by a lack of lockpicks? We’ve all been there! The desire to unlock secrets and access hidden treasures is a fundamental part of the Oblivion experience. This guide aims to be your ultimate companion in the quest for these essential tools, showing you the best places to acquire them and how to make your precious lockpicks last longer, ensuring you can master the art of lockpicking without constant frustration.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion presents a vast landscape filled with opportunities for adventure, from sprawling forests and ancient ruins to bustling cities and treacherous dungeons. Integral to your exploration is the ability to unlock doors, chests, and containers that stand between you and untold wealth, powerful artifacts, and essential quest items. The lockpicking mechanic adds a strategic layer to the game, forcing you to consider the security of your target and the fragility of your tools. Mastering the skill, and understanding where to find lockpicks, separates the casual adventurer from the true treasure hunter.
Why You Need Lockpicks
Beyond the simple pleasure of gaining access to restricted areas, lockpicking in Oblivion provides a multitude of benefits that significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Locked chests and containers often hold valuable loot, including gold, weapons, armor, potions, and rare ingredients. These resources can be used to upgrade your equipment, fund your adventures, and give you a competitive edge in combat.
Furthermore, lockpicking allows you to uncover secrets and hidden pathways that can lead to new quests, unique encounters, and shortcuts through dungeons. Discovering these hidden elements can dramatically alter your gameplay and deepen your understanding of the rich lore of Oblivion.
Crucially, lockpicking is also the foundation for leveling your Security skill. As you successfully pick locks, you gain experience that contributes to skill advancement. A higher Security skill not only makes lockpicking easier but also allows you to attempt more complex locks.
Perhaps the most important thing, you constantly need these picks. Without them, you are not going anywhere, you can not progress, and you will be stuck! This is what makes knowing where to buy lockpicks such a valuable skill to the novice or experienced player.
Navigating the Marketplace for Lockpicks
Finding lockpicks in Oblivion is generally a straightforward process. However, knowing the best places to look and how to maximize your acquisitions can significantly improve your gameplay experience. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you’re on the hunt:
Check every merchant’s inventory, every time. Merchants have different inventory slots, which refresh at different times. Lockpicks are not a core item, but are generally available from vendors. Always do a quick check! This is one of the most fundamental aspects of resource management in Oblivion. You can’t afford to pass up a chance to replenish your stock.
Use the rest function to refresh inventories. The world of Oblivion operates on a cycle, and most merchants restock their goods at the beginning of each day. You can manipulate this cycle by resting for twenty-four hours or more in a safe area. This is a great way to ensure the best selection of lockpicks and other useful items.
Consider the type of store you are searching. General store merchants are your best bet but are not the only option. Fighters Guilds will sometimes have a couple on hand, but Thieves Guild members will almost always sell them.
Knowing which stores to check increases your effectiveness.
Specific Merchants and Prime Locations
The following locations are consistently reliable sources for lockpicks in Oblivion.
General Goods Stores: Your First Port of Call
General goods stores are the cornerstone of acquiring lockpicks in Oblivion. These establishments typically carry a wide variety of wares, including basic tools, weapons, armor, potions, and, of course, lockpicks. They are designed to supply the adventurer, and in the early game, they are your best friend.
Some recommended locations for finding lockpicks in general goods stores include:
The Best Defense in the Imperial City Market District. This store offers a decent selection of general goods and is usually a good place to start your search. Plus, the Imperial City provides easy access to a variety of vendors.
All Things Alchemical in Cheydinhal. This store is more focused on potions, but it is still a general store. The shop also provides a great location to purchase ingredients, and potions.
The Merchants of Bravil. Bravil’s marketplace, with its several vendors, is a reliable source.
Remember, inventory can be randomized. It’s always worth checking even if you don’t see lockpicks the first time.
Fighters Guild Merchants: For the Adventurous Soul
While not as plentiful as at general goods stores, Fighters Guild halls also provide a source for lockpicks. Members of the Fighters Guild often have supplies for sale, which may include lockpicks. These halls typically provide a wide array of goods for the adventuring life.
Some recommended locations:
Fighters Guild Hall in Bravil
Any Fighters Guild Hall
Thieves Guild Fence Locations: For the Discreet Buyer
If you have become a member of the Thieves Guild, you gain access to fences. Fences are specialized merchants who buy stolen goods, and, crucially, they also sell lockpicks. These merchants are not always the most honest, but they offer goods not always found from other merchants. This can be a valuable, reliable, supply of lockpicks.
Some recommended locations:
Armand Christophe in the Imperial City Waterfront District. Becoming a member of the Thieves Guild gives you access to a fence.
S’krivva’s Secret Shop, in the Imperial City Waterfront District.
To find these locations, you must join the Thieves Guild first.
Other Merchant Options: Exploring Every Avenue
Beyond the main merchant categories, it’s worthwhile to explore other establishments, such as armorers and even magic shops. While less common, these stores may occasionally have lockpicks in stock. This is especially true if the shops are in areas associated with thievery or general adventuring. Always keep an open eye.
Optimizing Your Lockpick Usage and Preventing Breakage
Acquiring lockpicks is just the first step. Learning how to use them effectively and avoiding breakage is crucial for long-term success in Oblivion.
Skills That Help
Security is the skill you must level for lockpicking to work. Improving your Security skill makes lockpicking easier. This is because the higher your skill, the wider the range of “sweet spots” you’ll find on each lock.
Tips to Avoid Breaking Lockpicks
The key to efficient lockpicking lies in understanding the mechanics and preventing breakage. Here’s how:
Feel the Sweet Spot: The most important skill to learn is to feel the sweet spot. The lockpick will jiggle when it hits the lock, at this moment rotate it. When done correctly, it will click, and the lock will move.
Quick Reset: When you are in the process of lockpicking, if you start to feel the lockpick shake too much, let go immediately. This helps minimize the chance of a break.
Recognize the Limits: Every lock has a range of motion before breaking. Learn what this feels like to avoid breakage.
With practice, you’ll become a master of the lockpicking minigame.
Early Game Strategy
Early in the game, your lockpicks are more valuable. Because of this, focus on finding every chest, safe, and door you can find. Loot everything, and consider purchasing lockpicks at any cost. Later on, your lockpicking ability will improve, and you can start to focus on building your security skill.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of Oblivion requires skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck. Knowing where to buy lockpicks is a fundamental part of becoming a successful adventurer. From general goods stores to the Thieves Guild fences, several reliable locations can keep your inventory stocked. By utilizing these locations and mastering the tips for effective lockpick usage, you can fully unlock the potential of Oblivion. This knowledge opens doors to a world of riches, adventure, and secrets. So, equip your lockpicks, embrace the challenge, and dive into the ever-intriguing world of Oblivion.
