Have you ever picked a lock in a video game and wondered how that compares to the real world? The keyhole of a lock doesn’t show you much about what’s going on inside. In popular games like Skyrim and Fallout, lockpicking is a skill you can develop to open doors and treasure chests. These mini-games range from simple to complex and add an extra challenge and realism to the game. But how close are these digital experiences to real-life lockpicking?
In this blog, we will compare the lockpicking experience in video games to real-life lockpicking. We’ll talk about the biggest differences, from the tools used to the challenges you face.
What is Lockpicking in Video Games?
Some popular games with lockpicking include Skyrim and Fallout 4. In these games, you use a tension wrench and a lockpick to open the lock. Both games are set in very different (fictional) timelines. Skyrim takes place in the 10th century, and Fallout 4 is set in the year 2287. Despite the 1,000-year gap, the lock technology seems to have barely changed. This is probably for the best—most gamers don’t have the patience to spend a game night trying to pick a high-security lock like an Assa Twin.
Lockpicking in Elder Scrolls Skyrim
When picking locks in Skyrim, your lockpicks often break. For a simple lock, you might break around 3 to 6 lockpicks before finally opening it after some trial and error. The pins or plates inside the lock are arranged in a 360-degree circle, which is what you see in the game. 
Some have tried to recreate this lockpicking technique in real life. While it seems impossible, a master lockpicker could probably open these locks.
Lockpicking Tools in Fallout
The big difference in over a thousand years of progress is the use of screwdrivers and bobby pins instead of a knife and a long thin rod. While using a screwdriver and bobby pin to open a simple lock is not impossible, it’s definitely not the best method. 
The biggest difference when picking a lock in Skyrim or Fallout 4 compared to real locks is the arrangement of the pins. In Skyrim and Fallout, the pins are arranged in a circle around the lock, while in real life, the pins are often lined up one behind the other.
The Most Realistic Lockpicking Game
Some games bring lockpicking closer to reality. A good and free example is Lockpick 101 on Google. This game is a completely different genre from Fallout and Skyrim but is much more realistic. Lockpick 101 is a simulation game that teaches you how locks work and how to open them using lockpicking tools. 
The game shows realistic graphics of lockpicking techniques and locks. Players learn how a lock works, the use of a pick and tension wrench, the order of binding pins, and even security pins. You can also test your new skills in challenging simulations. The game’s goal is to teach you responsibly about lockpicking.
While lockpicking in games like Skyrim and Fallout 4 is fun and challenging, it’s very different from real lockpicking. In video games, you use simplified techniques and tools like a tension wrench and lockpick to open fictional locks. These locks are often designed to be easy to break and provide an exciting but less realistic experience. Skyrim is set in a fantasy world similar to medieval times, and Fallout 4 is set in a post-apocalyptic future. Despite the differences in setting, the basic principles of lockpicking in both games are simplified for entertainment.
In the real world, lockpicking requires more precision, patience, and the right tools. Real locks have pins lined up in a row, not arranged in a circle like in games, making the technique more complex and the challenge bigger. Mistakes in real lockpicking can damage tools or even cause legal issues, something you rarely worry about in games.
For those looking for a more realistic lockpicking experience, simulation games like Lockpick 101 provide a better representation of how locks work and how to open them using the right techniques and tools. These simulations focus on education and the responsible use of lockpicking skills.
Understanding the differences between lockpicking in games and in real life can give you a greater appreciation for both. Whether you enjoy picking locks in a digital world or want to take on the challenge of becoming a real lockpicker, there’s a world of opportunities to explore. So, go back to your favorite game and apply your new knowledge, or consider learning the real techniques.
