Many games include lockpicking to keep players from accessing high-level areas and rewards too early. Are these lockpicking minigames at all realistic?
Lockpicking is one of those mechanics that adds a layer of excitement and stealth to video games. It’s satisfying to master the virtual art, crack open a door, and see what’s inside. But if you’ve dabbled in real lockpicking—or even heard how it actually works—you might wonder whether lockpicking in video games is realistic. Are these minigames a faithful look at what lockpicking feels like, or is it just dramatic flair? Spoiler alert: it’s a little of both.
Simplified Mechanics for Easier Gameplay
Video games thrive on accessibility, and lockpicking is no exception. Games like Skyrim and Fallout 4 distill the process into straightforward mechanics—turn the pick, find the sweet spot, and profit. This simplicity keeps gameplay fun and fast-paced, but it’s miles away from the precision and patience required in real life.Real locks have complex mechanisms, and even experienced pickers can spend several minutes—or longer—working on certain locks. A game wouldn’t be nearly as fun if you spent 15 minutes listening to pins click in a dusty old lock, right?
The Tools in Games vs. Reality
Donning a lockpick set in your favorite RPG feels pretty empowering, but the tools you use in games are cut down to the basics. A tension wrench and pick are typical, mimicking what real-life enthusiasts use. However, games often skip over the many specialized tools that real locksmiths or hobbyists rely on, like rake picks, hook picks, or even bump keys.More importantly, those two basic tools in Skyrim aren’t magic—real-world skill and hand dexterity go hand-in-hand with these tools. Games tend to downplay the physical finesse involved.
Missing the Sense of Touch
One thing video games can’t yet replicate is the tactile feedback of real lockpicking. Skilled pickers rely on feel—sensing the pins inside the lock and gently manipulating them into place is crucial. Video games use visual or vibration-based cues for this since the real-life “feel” can’t translate through a controller or keyboard. While those cues hint at the lock’s progress, the true sensory interaction isn’t something you’ll experience while raiding a dungeon.Are All Locks Really the Same?
A major shortcut in video games is treating locks as if they’re all pretty similar. Sure, these games throw harder locks at you as you level up, but in the real world, difficulty doesn’t increase uniformly. Some cheap locks can be surprisingly annoying, while others from high-security brands are dizzyingly complex.There are plenty of legal reasons a person might learn to pick locks, and it’s a real skill people can build. Some locks are easy, and some locks are hard, but no matter the lock, skill will still be involved. Lockpicking just doesn’t progress in a neat difficulty curve like it does in games.
The Role of Time and Real-World Stakes
Games portray lockpicking as an elegant process easily mastered in seconds. Real-life lockpicking, however, is often messy and unpredictable. It can take ages even for someone skilled to successfully pick some locks. Plus, in reality, there’s the pressure of being caught if you’re picking something you shouldn’t (a far cry from Lydia just standing there saying, “I’ve got your back”).The time crunch and emotional stakes of real lockpicking aren’t something games really factor in, and who can blame them? Nobody wants a lockpicking minigame that stresses them out for 20 minutes straight.
Is It Realistic? Kind of, but Mostly Fun
The short answer to whether lockpicking in video games is realistic is that it’s an approximation. These games borrow a simplified version of the mechanics to create an engaging experience without frustrating players. While they lack the nuance of real lock mechanics, they still deliver a satisfying sense of accomplishment when you finesse your way into a locked chest or door.Ultimately, lockpicking in video games isn’t about perfect realism—it’s about adding layers of strategy, exploration, and maybe a little mischief. And hey, as long as that treasure chest is yours, what’s a little flair for dramatic effect?
