Lockpicking in Oblivion Remastered is a timing-based minigame where you must set multiple tumblers inside a lock by pushing them up with a lockpick and locking them in place at the correct moment.
How Lockpicking Works
- When you start lockpicking, you see a cross-section of a lock with several tumblers (pins) inside chambers.
- You use the controls (thumbstick or keys) to push a tumbler upward.
- The goal is to "set" each tumbler by pressing the interaction button (e.g., spacebar on PC) exactly when the tumbler reaches the very top of its movement.
- Tumblers move up and down at varying speeds; some rise quickly and others slowly.
- You want to wait for the tumbler to move up slowly and press the button at the peak to set it without breaking your lockpick.
- If you mistime it or press when the tumbler is falling or moving too fast, the lockpick breaks, and previously set tumblers may reset depending on your Security skill level.
- Higher Security skill reduces the penalty for breaking lockpicks and makes the minigame easier.
Tips for Successful Lockpicking
- Tap the tumbler repeatedly to get a feel for its movement and identify the slow rising speed.
- Only press the button to set the tumbler when it rises slowly and reaches the top.
- Be patient and avoid rushing; trying to set tumblers when they move fast leads to breaking lockpicks.
- Some players find it helpful to mute background music to concentrate on the visual cues.
- You can practice and improve your Security skill, which makes lockpicking easier over time.
- There is an "auto-attempt" feature that sometimes unlocks easier locks automatically, but it can waste lockpicks and is less reliable on harder locks.
Additional Notes
- Some players exploit a bug by spamming the interaction button on inactive pins to quickly level their Security skill without breaking lockpicks.
- The lockpicking minigame can be mastered with practice and patience, even for difficult locks with many tumblers.
In summary, lockpicking in Oblivion Remastered is about carefully timing your button press to set each tumbler when it moves slowly and reaches the top, avoiding breaking your lockpicks, and gradually improving your Security skill to make the process easier
