Lock Picking Tips

ohmwave · April 2014

In order to successfully pick a locked chest, One must first get all the pins set in the position in which a working key would hold them. To do this, start by having the head of the pick hovering over an unset pin. Left click on your mouse to push down the pick which will subsequently push down on the pin under. When the pin STARTS to rattle and you here a rattling sound you are at the point in which it will be set by releasing the left mouse button. Release immediately when this occurs, if the push is continued, the lock pick will break. It is a good idea to plan on using 2 attempts per pin because the pin will set immediately BEFORE it starts to rattle. The point at which the pin will set is often passed by on the first attempt. Time being an issue, the advisable choice would be to start at one end of the row of springs and set them consecutively. For practice listen and watch the pin for one push, Remember the level the top of the pin is at when the rattle begins. Let go Immediately. If it does not remain on that level(set) push again ready to release right before it begins to rattle. Try noticing the spring, It may help indicate the right level as well. Right clicking instead of releasing the left click will also stop the push of the pick. Right clicking seems to have a quicker reaction time and is most likely preferable. I have edited this post based upon below comments, and appreciate the input.

criscg2rwb17_ESO · April 2014

I was finally able to open a chest because of your advice. Thanks.

Syntse · April 2014

I find it way more easier to push down pin with left mouse button and when sound cue/rattle press right mouse button for release.

Veakoth · April 2014

there are set points for pin stops and all the pins share the same set points, there is only 4 places any pin can stop and the height of each stop is the same distance from the one before it. knowing this makes master chests simple

ohmwave · April 2014

Glad to hear this helped

. Did not know about the right click, going to use that. Not sure about the height of each stop being the same distance as the one before, I will have to pay attention to that. Good feedback!

Khazaad · April 2014

Also, you don't have to wait until the pin rattles to lock it in place. if you take it too far on one attempt and get bounced, try and nail the sweet spot just BEFORE it started to shake on your next attempt and it'll lock in with a very satisfying snap.

ohmwave · April 2014

Agreed Khazaad. Before it rattles is important. I have edited the original post based on the above comment. I should have been more clear on that, thank you Khazaad.

robynheraty_ESO · April 2014

I struggled through all the beta testing without being able to successfully open a chest. Could force them to open sometimes, but that was it. It was the most frustrating part of my entire beta experience.

Reading this thread helped tons, and so did watching my husband open several chests. Yesterday, I opened four master chests all by myself and only broke 1 lock pick! Thanks for the help.

FrauPerchta · April 2014

Lockpicking should be a skill that improves with use. Don't care the difficulty factor just being a timer you have to beat. Every picked a lock? Time has little to do with, skill however does.

Etchesketch · April 2014

It's easy once you get used to watching it. I hated it at first and after 10 or so, it started getting easier and easier.

I have no problem with master now.. I only need a second try if I accidentally break a pick and that animation can get me close enough on time to lose it.

I actually watch the cylinder itself, not the bottom. Soon as I see it make any side movements, I release. If you wait for the bottom to start jiggling, it's too late.

For less than master you have plenty of time to reset once you see where the jiggle happens and then bring it back down for the set.

Also, there are a set number of patterns, many times you recognize the patter in the first two picks and just finish it off from memory.

Bazzakrak · April 2014

Also if you need to find chests for practicing, Khenarthi's Roost has lots of chests near the water.

courtney1191 · June 2015

Thanks, this advice worked for me, even on PS4!

I haven't come across a master chest yet but when I do, I hope they're as easy to me as intermediate ones are.

Darkrosesus · June 2015

There's a master chest in Kenarthi's Roost. I spent about an hour wandering about in the wrecked ship area unlocking about 20 chests. I unlocked the master on my first try and I am still only a beginner! Felt so proud of myself ... all my Super Mario skills must have helped as I don't recall there ever being a timed lock picking system in Skyrim or Oblivion.