Lockpicking Guide and How to Pick Locks

You can lockpick in Starfield by slotting the correct Digipick keys into the gaps of the puzzle. Read on for a full digipick guide on how to pick locks and where to get more Digipicks.

How to Lockpick in Starfield

1. Quicksave Before Lockpicking
2. Choose the Right Key Shape
3. Slot Key into Correct Spaces
4. Use Undo to Restart the Puzzle
5. Repeat Process Until Lock is Picked

1. Quicksave Before Lockpicking

Whenever you exit the lockpicking minigame, the digipick will get used up and disappear from your inventory. Due to this, it is recommended for players to do a quicksave before attempting to lockpick so that they don't waste Digipicks.

2. Choose the Right Key Shape

You have to choose between the given key shapes. One of these key shapes should fit into the slots of the lock, represented by a large circle with gaps.

3. Slot Key into Correct Spaces

Once you have selected a key, rotate it so that it perfectly fits into the gaps. Once the key aligns with the gaps, hit A to slot the key in.

4. Use Undo to Restart the Puzzle

It is possible for a key shape to fit into different gaps in the same puzzle. If you place it in the wrong gap, the other key shapes will not be able to fit in the remaining slots. Use the Undo button to restart the puzzle. Do note that using Undo will consume another Digipick, and you can only use Undo based on how many Digipicks you have.

5. Repeat Process Until Lock is Picked

Depending on the difficulty of the lock, you will have to repeat this process a few more times: Choose a key shape, then slot it into the appropriate gaps.

Auto-Slot to Instantly Solve

You will be able to save auto-slot attempts that will help you solve the puzzle quickly. Use these auto-attempts for more difficult locks, or when you're nearly out of Digipicks.

You can earn and bank an auto slot by successfully picking locks, though there is a limit to how many auto slots you can bank. You can bank two auto slots in Rank 1 of the Security Skill, three auto slots in Rank 2, four auto slots in Rank 3, and five auto slots in Rank 4.

How to Unlock Advanced, Expert, and Master Locks in Starfield

Level Up Security Skill

The Security skill in the Tech skill branch allows you to pick more difficult locks. By investing skill points into this one skill, you will be able to open Advanced, Expert, and Master locks.

All Security Skill Ranks

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Each rank of the security skill allows you to pick more difficult locks. Rank 1 lets you open Advanced locks, rank 2 lets you open Expert locks, and rank 3 lets you open Master locks. Rank 4 simply lets you remove keys that aren't needed to solve the puzzle.

Lockpick Galbank ATMs to Rank Up

Players can quickly complete the challenges for the Security Skill by lockpicking the GalBank ATM booths. Each booth has four ATM terminals and they are all Advanced difficulty. This lets you pick 4 locks per booth, making it the fastest way to complete the challenges. You can find GalBank ATMs at New Atlantis and other urban city areas.

Security Skill Rank Up Guide

Choose a Background with a Security Skill

If you want to unlock the Security Skill from the get-go, the backgrounds listed above have it as one of their starting skills!

List of All Backgrounds

How to Get More Digipicks or Lockpicks in Starfield

Purchase from Vendors

Players will be able to purchase Digipicks from vendors and shops in the major cities. We recommend buying as many as you are able, as you may have to pick more than a few locks out there.

How to Get More Digipicks

Loot from Containers or Dead Bodies

Digipicks might also be found by looting containers or dead bodies. You may even not have to buy more Digipicks if you keep a sharp eye and loot everything you see. Make sure to use the Scanner to highlight and spot any Digipicks you come across.

How to Use the Hand Scanner

Starfield Related Guides

Tips and Tricks

All Tips and Tricks