General Merchants & Early Game Locations
Oblivion, the sprawling world of Cyrodiil, is teeming with secrets, treasures, and opportunities. Mastering the art of lockpicking is absolutely vital for any adventurer who wants to truly experience everything the game has to offer. Whether you’re aiming to uncover hidden loot in forgotten dungeons, sneak into guarded buildings to complete daring quests, or simply bypass a stubborn gate, lockpicks are your constant companions. Finding those lockpicks, however, can be a little trickier than the actual lockpicking process, especially if you’re relying on chance encounters in dungeons to find them. While you can certainly stumble upon them while exploring, this guide focuses on the places you can visit where you will consistently find lockpicks for purchase. This is your comprehensive guide on where to buy lockpicks in Oblivion, so you’ll never be caught without the tools you need.
General Merchants & Early Game Locations
As you begin your adventures in Cyrodiil, your immediate need might be to acquire a set of lockpicks to get started. Luckily, several general merchants across Cyrodiil often stock lockpicks as part of their everyday goods. These vendors provide an easily accessible supply, especially during the initial stages of the game. It’s important to know that some of the locations are more reliable than others, and checking back regularly can make all the difference.
One of the first places you might want to check, especially as you explore the Imperial City, is within the Market District. In the sprawling Market District you’ll find numerous shops and vendors that sell a variety of goods, from weaponry and armor to potions and miscellaneous supplies. While not every shop consistently stocks lockpicks, it is worth visiting them regularly. Checking multiple stores at once in the market district is a good way to maximize your chances of finding lockpicks early on. If you have some gold, consider making frequent trips back here to replenish your supply.
Focusing on these early-game locations will ensure you are always prepared to try your hand at any lock you find. Remember to check the inventories often, since most vendors restock their supplies regularly.
Guilds & Faction Vendors
For more specialized and consistent sources of lockpicks, particularly as you progress further into the game, consider aligning yourself with certain guilds and factions. These organizations often provide access to vendors who cater specifically to their members’ needs, including the ever-important lockpicks.
The Thieves Guild is your most obvious choice for obtaining lockpicks. Before you can purchase anything from these vendors, you will have to join the Thieves Guild. This can be done in a number of ways, often by performing crimes and paying off your blood price to a Gray Fox. Once you’re a full member, you’ll gain access to fences and other vendors within the guild who sell lockpicks and other essential tools for your trade. These vendors are typically found in the Thieves Guild headquarters in various cities, such as the Waterfront District of the Imperial City. Their inventories usually include a plentiful supply of lockpicks, and often at competitive prices.
Becoming a member of the Thieves Guild is more than just gaining access to lockpicks, you can become embroiled in exciting missions, uncover secrets, and grow richer than you thought possible. However, if you are more inclined towards lawful play, it might not be the right choice for you.
Specific & Unique Merchants
Beyond the general merchants and guild vendors, there are several specific and unique merchants scattered across Cyrodiil who are known to stock lockpicks. These merchants may not always be readily accessible, but they often offer a larger or more reliable supply than their more common counterparts.
As you become more experienced and explore deeper into the game, you’ll discover merchants who specialize in more advanced or illicit goods. These merchants can be found in cities with a strong criminal element, such as Bravil. Bravil is one of the poorest cities in Cyrodiil, and the surrounding areas are rife with banditry. As such, vendors in this region tend to supply items that cater to this lifestyle. Whether you’re aiding or fighting against the criminal element, Bravil is a good place to visit to obtain lockpicks.
Searching for these specific vendors can be a rewarding experience, and will often bring you to parts of Cyrodiil you may not have seen otherwise. Remember to keep an eye out for rumors and hints, as they often lead to unique encounters and valuable resources.
Tips for Finding and Buying Lockpicks
Acquiring lockpicks in Oblivion is not simply about knowing where to go, it is also about optimizing your search and purchase strategies. By following these tips, you can ensure that you always have an ample supply of lockpicks without breaking the bank or wasting valuable time.
It is important to check merchant inventories regularly. Merchant inventories in Oblivion are not static, they refresh periodically. This means that a merchant who didn’t have any lockpicks yesterday might have a full stock today. Make it a habit to revisit your favorite vendors every few days to see what new items they have available.
Consider investing in Mercantile skill, as this will allow you to buy items for a lower price. As you invest in your Mercantile skill, you’ll find yourself getting much better deals on lockpicks. By raising your Mercantile skill, you’ll be able to purchase lockpicks at a lower price, saving you valuable gold that can be used for other essential items. This is a smart investment for any aspiring thief or adventurer.
Fast travel strategically. Fast travel allows you to quickly move between locations, saving you valuable time and allowing you to visit multiple merchants in a single day. Use fast travel to your advantage by planning your routes to hit several vendors in quick succession, maximizing your chances of finding lockpicks. This is especially useful if you’re on a tight schedule or need to replenish your supplies quickly.
Finally, consider stealing lockpicks, but do so with caution. While purchasing lockpicks is the safest and most reliable way to obtain them, you can also steal them from merchants or other NPCs. However, be aware that stealing comes with risks, including getting caught by guards and incurring a bounty. Only resort to stealing if you’re confident in your Sneak skill and willing to face the potential consequences. If you are caught, you will be fined or jailed, and your relationship with the victim could be damaged.
Alternative Methods of Acquiring Lockpicks
While this guide primarily focuses on buying lockpicks, it’s worth mentioning other ways to acquire them in Oblivion.
Looting is a common way to find lockpicks. Lockpicks can be found in dungeons, chests, and on enemies, so always search thoroughly when exploring.
Quest rewards can also sometimes include lockpicks, so pay attention to the rewards offered for completing quests. Keep in mind, though, that these methods are less reliable than buying lockpicks from merchants.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of lockpicking is an essential skill for any adventurer in Oblivion, and knowing where to buy lockpicks is crucial for ensuring you always have the tools you need. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to find reliable sources of lockpicks throughout Cyrodiil, from the general merchants in the Imperial City to the specialized vendors in the Thieves Guild. Remember to check merchant inventories regularly, invest in your Mercantile skill, and fast travel strategically to maximize your chances of finding lockpicks at the best prices. With a little bit of effort and planning, you’ll never have to worry about running out of lockpicks again, and you’ll be able to unlock all the secrets and treasures that Oblivion has to offer. So, go forth and explore, and happy lockpicking! Share your own favorite places to buy lockpicks in the comments below!
