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How to pick a lock
- Interact with the locked object. On PC, Bethesda lists E as the default Interact key; remapped bindings and other platforms may differ, so follow the prompt shown in your game. See Bethesda’s control information.
- Position the pick under a tumbler and raise it. The lock interface shows the tumblers you need to set.
- Set the tumbler at its set point. Watch its movement and act when it reaches the right position. The original Oblivion PC manual specifies Spacebar or Left Click to attempt to lodge a tumbler; use the remaster’s current on-screen prompt if its controls differ.
- Repeat for the remaining tumblers. A lock opens once all of them are set.
A mistimed attempt may send the tumbler back down and break a pick. An error can also cause tumblers you already set to fall, so you may have to redo part of the lock. The Bethesda support page confirms Security governs lockpicking in the remaster; the original manual says higher Security makes setting tumblers easier.
What lock difficulty changes
The original Oblivion manual describes five lock grades and assigns each a tumbler count. The sources reviewed do not confirm whether the remaster changes these original rules.
| Original lock grade | Tumblers |
|---|---|
| Very Easy | 1 |
| Easy | 2 |
| Average | 3 |
| Hard | 4 |
| Very Hard | 5 |
Some locks marked “Lock Requires a Key” cannot be picked, according to the original manual; you need the key instead. Security also covers disarming traps, as Bethesda explains on its support page.
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- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered brings the game of the year 2006 up to date with all-new stunning graphics and enhanced gameplay.
- Explore the vast landscape of Cyrodiil like never before in one of the greatest RPGs of all time from award-winning Bethesda Game Studios, preventing the powers from the realm of forgetting from conquering the land.
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered - Physical Deluxe Edition includes the main game, unique digital Akatosh and Mehrunes Dagon armor, weapons and horse armor sets, Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine story expansions, access to the digital artbook and soundtrack app, plus additional content to download. en: Fighter's Stronghold, Spell Tomes, Vile Lair, Mehrune's Razor, The Thieves Den, Wizard's Tower, Orrery and Horse Armor Pack.
- Travels through the magnificent world of Tamriel and struggles on the plains of the realm of oblivion. The hand-crafted details have been meticulously recreated so that your exploration becomes an unforgettable experience.
- Create your own way from the noble warrior to the sinister assassin to the wrinkled wizard or funny blacksmith and play in your way.
Manual picking or Auto Attempt?
The original manual describes Auto Attempt as a skill-based alternative: the game compares lock difficulty with your Security and calculates the chance of opening the lock or breaking a pick. The remaster’s official support page confirms the role of Security but does not document Auto Attempt specifically, so treat the manual’s description as the original game’s instructions rather than a confirmed remaster update.
| Method | What it offers | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Manual picking | You time each tumbler yourself. | Mistiming can break a pick and set tumblers may fall. |
| Auto Attempt | The original manual describes a chance-based attempt affected by lock difficulty and Security. | The attempt can break a pick; remaster-specific behavior is not established by the cited official support information. |
How to get more lockpicks
Remaster guides identify several possible sources for in-game picks:
- Loot found during play.
- Shady Sam, outside the Imperial City.
- Thieves Guild vendors or progression.
PowerPyx’s lockpick guide reports that Shady Sam sells 30 picks and that his stock refreshes every 72 in-game hours. Those specific counts and restock timing are guide-reported details, not official Bethesda-confirmed inventory rules.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Reduce the cost of failed attempts
- Keep spare lockpicks available before attempting locks where a broken pick would leave you stuck.
- Consider improving Security: Bethesda identifies it as the skill governing lockpicking, and the original manual says higher Security makes setting tumblers easier.
- Save before a difficult attempt if you want a recovery point. Bethesda advises saving often and keeping multiple save files; saving specifically before lockpicking is a practical application of that general advice.
For its general save guidance, see Bethesda Support. A separate remaster guide also recommends saving before difficult locks: PowerPyx’s lockpicking guide.
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Best Value
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered modernizes the 2006 Game of the Year with all new stunning visuals and refined gameplay.
- Explore the vast landscape of Cyrodiil like never before and stop the forces of Oblivion from overtaking the land in one of the greatest RPGs ever from the award-winning Bethesda Game Studios.
- Rediscover Cyrodiil Journey through the rich world of Tamriel and battle across the planes of Oblivion where handcrafted details have been meticulously recreated to ensure each moment of exploration is awe-inspiring.
- Navigate Your Own Story. From the noble warrior to the sinister assassin, wizened sorcerer, or scrappy blacksmith, forge your path and play the way you want.
- An Epic Adventure. Step inside a universe bursting with captivating stories and encounter an unforgettable cast of characters. Master swordcraft and wield powerful magic as you fight to save Tamriel from the Daedric invasion.
Rank #3
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered modernizes the 2006 Game of the Year with all new stunning visuals and refined gameplay.
- Explore the vast landscape of Cyrodiil like never before and stop the forces of Oblivion from overtaking the land in one of the greatest RPGs ever from the award-winning Bethesda Game Studios.
- Rediscover Cyrodiil Journey through the rich world of Tamriel and battle across the planes of Oblivion where handcrafted details have been meticulously recreated to ensure each moment of exploration is awe-inspiring.
- Navigate Your Own Story. From the noble warrior to the sinister assassin, wizened sorcerer, or scrappy blacksmith, forge your path and play the way you want.
- An Epic Adventure. Step inside a universe bursting with captivating stories and encounter an unforgettable cast of characters. Master swordcraft and wield powerful magic as you fight to save Tamriel from the Daedric invasion.
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