Navigating the sprawling province of Cyrodiil in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion frequently requires players to break into locked chests, doors, and showcases. While the security minigame can be mastered over time, breaking your last lockpick can bring an abrupt end to your thieving adventures. Knowing exactly where to purchase these essential tools ensures you can continue exploring the game's densest dungeons without interruption.
Tracking Down Shady Sam
For players who prefer not to join specific factions immediately, Shady Sam is the most reliable external merchant available in the early game. He can be found standing outside the northeastern walls of the Imperial City, nestled just behind the imperial stables. Shady Sam operates twenty-four hours a day and maintains a steady stock of up to thirty lockpicks at any given time.
Purchasing tools from him is incredibly straightforward because he does not require any special reputation or membership. His pricing is slightly higher than other merchants, but his convenient location makes him a perfect stop before long quests. Adventurers frequently visit him to restock their inventories before heading into ancient Ayleid ruins.
Joining the Ranks of the Thieves Guild
Becoming a member of the local criminal underworld unlocks the most cost-effective methods for acquiring lockpicks. Once you complete the introductory trial and officially join the Thieves Guild, you gain access to dedicated fences scattered across Cyrodiil. The first available fence is Armand Christophe, who can be found in the Imperial City Waterfront district during the midnight hours.
Armand and other higher-tier fences sell lockpicks in bulk at significantly reduced rates compared to standard street vendors. Furthermore, their inventory refreshes regularly, allowing you to stockpile hundreds of security tools as your reputation within the guild increases. Utilizing these underground connections is widely considered the best long-term strategy for active thieves.
Exploring General Merchants and Alternates
While standard shopkeepers in major cities rarely advertise illicit goods, a few general merchants occasionally carry a limited supply. Shops like The Copious Coinpurse in the Imperial City market district or local traders in Bruma might hold one or two picks in their random rotations. However, relying on these legitimate vendors is generally inefficient due to their unpredictable stocking habits.
If you prefer an alternative method that removes the need for buying tools altogether, completing Nocturnal's Daedric quest is highly recommended. Reaching level ten allows you to visit her shrine and earn the Skeleton Key, an unbreakable lockpick that eliminates the merchant economy entirely. Until you reach that milestone, balancing purchases between Shady Sam and the guild fences remains your most reliable option.
