The Ultimate Guide To Finding Lockpicks In Oblivion: Where To Buy Them And More
Are you struggling to find lockpicks in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion? You're not alone. Many players find themselves frustrated when their lockpicks break and they're left wondering where to buy more. Whether you're a thief trying to pick your way through a heavily guarded mansion or a treasure hunter looking to unlock ancient chests, having a steady supply of lockpicks is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore all the locations where you can purchase lockpicks, alternative methods to obtain them, and tips to make your lockpicking experience in Oblivion much smoother.
Understanding Lockpicks in Oblivion
Before diving into where to buy lockpicks, it's important to understand their role in the game. Lockpicks are consumable items used to unlock locked containers, doors, and chests. Unlike many other RPGs where lockpicking is a mini-game, Oblivion uses a timing-based system where you must carefully manipulate the pick until you hear the correct "click" sound. Each attempt has a chance to break your lockpick, making them a valuable resource that you'll need to replenish regularly.
Lockpicks are particularly crucial for players who focus on the Security skill, which allows you to eventually open locks without breaking picks. However, until you reach higher levels of this skill, you'll find yourself burning through lockpicks at an alarming rate, especially when attempting to open Very Hard or Hard locks.
Where to Buy Lockpicks: Merchants and Vendors
The most reliable way to obtain lockpicks is by purchasing them from merchants throughout Cyrodiil. Here are the best places to buy lockpicks:
The Imperial City Market District
The Imperial City is your best bet for finding lockpicks in bulk. Several merchants in the Market District regularly stock lockpicks:
Avanchnzel (General Goods Merchant): Located near the main market, this merchant typically has 10-20 lockpicks in stock, which refresh every few days.
Novaroma (Food Vendor): While primarily selling food, Novaroma occasionally stocks lockpicks and is conveniently located near the city entrance.
Market Stalls: Various general goods vendors throughout the market area may have lockpicks available.
Thieves Guild Merchants
If you're a member of the Thieves Guild, you gain access to specialized merchants who always have lockpicks in stock:
Ongar the World-Weary: Located in Bruma, Ongar is the first fence you'll meet and always has 30 lockpicks available for purchase.
Other Fences: As you progress through the Thieves Guild storyline, you'll unlock additional fences in different cities, all of whom sell lockpicks.
Specialty Shops
Certain specialty merchants are more likely to carry lockpicks:
Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary Merchants: After joining the Dark Brotherhood, you'll gain access to merchants who stock lockpicks alongside other assassination tools.
Taverns and Inns: Many tavern keepers across Cyrodiil occasionally stock lockpicks, though their inventory is less reliable.
Alternative Methods to Obtain Lockpicks
While buying lockpicks is the most straightforward method, there are several alternative ways to acquire them:
Looting and Scavenging
You can find lockpicks as random loot in various containers throughout the world:
Bandit Camps: Bandits often carry lockpicks, especially those guarding treasure chests.
Dungeons and Ruins: Ancient chests and locked containers sometimes contain lockpicks as loot.
Dead Thieves: NPC thieves you encounter may be carrying lockpicks.
Completing Quests
Certain quests reward you with lockpicks:
Thieves Guild Quests: Many guild missions provide lockpicks as rewards.
Dark Brotherhood Contracts: Assassination missions often include lockpicks among the payment.
Random Encounters: Some random world encounters with thieves or other characters may result in lockpicks as quest rewards.
Crafting and Skill-Based Acquisition
While you cannot craft lockpicks in Oblivion, your Security skill level affects how many you'll need:
Higher Security Skill: As your skill increases, you'll break fewer lockpicks, effectively giving you more for your money.
Training: Investing in Security training can reduce your long-term lockpick expenses.
Tips for Efficient Lockpicking
Now that you know where to buy lockpicks, here are some strategies to make the most of them:
Save Before Attempting Hard Locks
Always save your game before attempting to pick a difficult lock. If you break too many picks, you can reload and try again with a fresh supply.
Use Auto-Attempt Wisely
The Auto-Attempt feature allows your character to try picking the lock automatically, but it uses more lockpicks on average. Use manual picking for expensive locks and save Auto-Attempt for minor ones.
Invest in the Skeleton Key
During the Nocturnal Shrine quest, you can obtain the Skeleton Key, an unbreakable lockpick. This item makes lockpicking much easier, though it's only available until you complete the Thieves Guild questline.
Level Up Your Security Skill
Focus on increasing your Security skill through practice or training. Higher skill levels mean fewer broken lockpicks and access to more difficult locks.
Carry a Balanced Supply
When adventuring, carry 50-100 lockpicks to ensure you're prepared for multiple locked encounters. Merchants' inventories refresh every few days, so plan shopping trips accordingly.
Common Lockpicking Challenges and Solutions
Even with plenty of lockpicks, you might encounter frustrating situations. Here are solutions to common problems:
Running Out of Lockpicks During a Dungeon
Solution: Always check merchant inventories before entering major dungeons. Consider using magical means to open locks (Open spells) as a backup.
Difficulty with Very Hard Locks
Solution: Wait until your Security skill is at least 75 before attempting Very Hard locks, or use the Skeleton Key if available.
Merchants Out of Stock
Solution: Fast travel to different cities and check their merchants, or wait 24-48 hours for inventories to refresh.
Conclusion
Finding lockpicks in Oblivion doesn't have to be a frustrating experience. By knowing where to buy lockpicks—primarily in the Imperial City Market District, from Thieves Guild merchants, and at various specialty shops—you can ensure you always have enough to tackle the game's many locked containers and doors. Remember to explore alternative acquisition methods, invest in your Security skill, and use the tips provided to maximize your lockpicking efficiency.
With this comprehensive guide, you'll never again find yourself staring at a locked chest with empty hands. Happy adventuring in Cyrodiil, and may all your locks yield to your expert touch!
