Where To Buy Lockpicks In Oblivion Remastered: Your Guide to Unlocking Adventure

Introduction

The world of Cyrodiil, especially in the beautifully rendered Oblivion Remastered, holds countless secrets behind locked doors and chests. Treasures, valuable items, hidden quests, and even pathways to secret areas are often guarded by intricate lock mechanisms. To truly experience everything Oblivion has to offer, becoming proficient in lockpicking is essential. And, of course, proficiency starts with having the right tools: lockpicks. This guide is designed to be your comprehensive resource, directing you to the best places to purchase lockpicks in Oblivion Remastered. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to the world of Tamriel, knowing where to find these essential tools will save you time, frustration, and unlock a whole new level of gameplay. This guide will focus on how to find lockpicks in the base game. While some changes may have been implemented in the remastered edition, this guide will help you find reliable sources to start your lockpicking journey. So, get ready to boost your Lockpicking skill!

General Merchants and Vendors

Your initial forays into Cyrodiil will likely lead you to the major cities and their bustling marketplaces. These locations are your first, and often most convenient, points of contact for acquiring basic supplies, including lockpicks. While the stock may be limited and subject to change, several general merchants consistently offer lockpicks for sale.

One such merchant is Belethor, the owner of Belethor’s General Goods in the Imperial City’s Market District. Belethor is relatively easy to locate, situated in a prominent position within the central marketplace. His shop is generally well-stocked with a variety of everyday items, and lockpicks are often among his wares. It’s important to note, however, that Belethor’s inventory isn’t static. He may only carry a handful of lockpicks at any given time, and his stock replenishes periodically. So, if you find him lacking, revisit his shop after a few in-game days. This is a great starting point for new players.

Venturing beyond the Imperial City, you’ll find similar opportunities in other towns. In Bravil, Luciana Galena is an easily accessible vendor who often has lockpicks for sale. Luciana Galena can be found within Bravil and has a variety of goods to offer, including lockpicks.

Checking with these merchants is a good way to start your adventure with a good amount of lockpicks at your disposal.

Accessing Lockpicks Through the Thieves Guild

For those seeking a more specialized and potentially more plentiful supply of lockpicks, consider delving into the shadowy world of the Thieves Guild. Joining this clandestine organization unlocks access to unique vendors and resources unavailable to the general public. However, joining the Thieves Guild isn’t as simple as walking up and asking to join. You’ll need to demonstrate your aptitude for, well, thievery. A common starting point involves performing a small act of petty theft and then seeking out a specific contact within a city’s underworld.

Once you’ve successfully joined the Thieves Guild, you’ll gain access to specialized vendors who cater to the needs of those operating outside the law. These vendors often carry a significantly larger stock of lockpicks than their more reputable counterparts. Furthermore, they may offer higher-quality lockpicks that are more resistant to breakage. The types of lockpicks available and the quantity sold may depend on your rank within the guild. As you complete jobs and rise through the ranks, you’ll unlock access to better resources and more reliable suppliers. This is because, as your reputation grows, you earn the trust of the vendors, which in turn unlocks access to more exclusive resources. Be sure to take on as many contracts as possible.

The Wandering Merchants: Khajiit Caravans

Another reliable source of lockpicks in Oblivion Remastered can be found in the nomadic Khajiit Caravans that traverse the roads of Cyrodiil. These caravans offer a diverse array of goods and services, often including items that are difficult to find elsewhere. Khajiit caravans are especially valuable because they’re mobile, meaning they can be encountered in various locations throughout the province. They also tend to have rarer items in their inventories.

However, tracking down Khajiit Caravans can require patience and observation. They generally follow established routes, stopping at major cities and towns along the way. Common locations to find them include the roads leading to and from the Imperial City, Bruma, Cheydinhal, and Skingrad. Their schedules can be somewhat unpredictable, so it’s best to check known locations regularly rather than relying on a fixed timetable. Specific merchants within the caravans are more likely to carry lockpicks than others. Take the time to browse their inventories and ask about their wares. Many vendors also offer quest lines, this will help your character grow as well.

Strategies to Maximize Lockpick Acquisition

Beyond simply knowing where to buy lockpicks, employing certain strategies can significantly improve your ability to acquire and maintain a steady supply. One of the most effective methods is to regularly check vendor inventories. As mentioned earlier, merchants’ stocks replenish over time, so revisiting them periodically can yield fresh supplies of lockpicks.

Another important strategy is to invest in your Mercantile skill. A higher Mercantile skill not only allows you to buy items at lower prices but also unlocks access to better vendors and a wider selection of goods. This can make it easier to find lockpicks in the first place and allow you to purchase them in larger quantities without breaking the bank. Additionally, remember the art of bartering. Haggling with merchants can often result in lower prices, especially if you have a high Mercantile skill.

While it might seem a bit unorthodox, some players employ a strategy known as “save scumming” to ensure they get the lockpicks they need. This involves saving the game before interacting with a vendor and then reloading the save if the vendor doesn’t have any lockpicks in stock. While this method can be time-consuming, it can be effective in the long run.

Farming Lockpicks: An Alternative Approach

While purchasing lockpicks is the most straightforward method of acquisition, it’s also possible to find them scattered throughout the world of Oblivion Remastered. Keep an eye out for lockpicks in various containers, such as chests, barrels, and even discarded sacks. Dungeons, ruins, and abandoned buildings are particularly good places to search.

Additionally, some enemies may carry lockpicks as part of their inventory. Bandits, thieves, and other unscrupulous characters are more likely to have lockpicks on their person. Defeating these enemies and looting their bodies can provide a steady stream of lockpicks, especially in the early game. However, relying solely on farming lockpicks can be unreliable, so it’s best to supplement this method with regular purchases from vendors.

Embracing the Lockpicking Skill

Learning how to pick locks is a very important skill in Oblivion. You can practice your skill by finding a low level lock, like an easy chest, and try to pick the lock without breaking a pick. Then you can move on to harder locks as your skill increases. Also, you will see your character develop into a stealthier character as you unlock the secrets Cyrodiil has to offer!

Conclusion

Lockpicks are an indispensable tool for any aspiring adventurer in Oblivion Remastered. By utilizing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can ensure a steady supply of these essential items and unlock the many secrets that await you in the world of Cyrodiil. Remember to regularly check vendor inventories, join the Thieves Guild for access to specialized vendors, and keep an eye out for Khajiit Caravans traveling the roads. And don’t forget to level up your Mercantile skill to improve your bargaining power and unlock better vendor options. Most importantly, embrace the spirit of exploration and discovery. The world of Oblivion Remastered is vast and full of surprises, and you never know where you might find your next supply of lockpicks. So, venture forth, unlock those doors, and uncover the hidden treasures that await you!