Lockpicks are essential tools for adventurers in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, allowing players to open locked chests, doors, and display cases across Cyrodiil. Finding a reliable supply of lockpicks early in the game can be tricky since traditional general merchants rarely keep them in stock. Fortunately, several specific vendors and factions provide consistent access to lockpicks for resourceful players.

Buying Lockpicks from Shady Sam Outside the Imperial City

The most convenient independent vendor for lockpicks is Shady Sam, a unique NPC located outside the walls of the Imperial City. Players can easily reach him by fast traveling to the Chestnut Handy Stables and following the outer northern walls of the city. He stays in position around the clock and carries a standard stock of 30 lockpicks available for purchase.

Shady Sam is especially valuable for low-level players because he requires no guild membership or prerequisites to deal with. If you purchase his entire inventory, his stock refreshes every few days, making him a reliable recurring source.

Purchasing Lockpicks through the Thieves Guild

Joining the Thieves Guild provides access to the best long-term lockpick merchants in Cyrodiil. Early in the guild line, players meet Armand Christophe, who sells an endless supply of lockpicks for five gold each. This initial opportunity allows players to stockpile hundreds of picks before advancing further into the questline.

As you progress, various guild fences like Ongar the World-Weary in Bruma become available as full-time lockpick suppliers. These fences also purchase stolen items, making them dual-purpose assets for stealth-focused builds.

Dark Brotherhood Merchants and Alternative Sources

Members of the Dark Brotherhood can also purchase lockpicks directly from merchants within the sanctuary. While their inventories are somewhat smaller than those of the Thieves Guild fences, they offer a steady supply for assassin characters. Furthermore, exploring bandit camps and goblin caves frequently yields extra picks as loot from slain enemies or dungeon chests.

Permanent Solution: Obtaining the Unbreakable Skeleton Key

Players who grow tired of buying lockpicks can secure a permanent solution by reaching character level 10. At level 10, players can visit the Shrine of Nocturnal located in the Blackwood region northeast of Leyawiin. Completing Nocturnal's quest rewards the player with the Skeleton Key, an unbreakable lockpick that eliminates the need to ever buy lockpicks again.