In the gaming industry, some secondary mechanics have managed to catch on and proliferate into multiple titles and genres throughout the years.
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Certain elements like parries, double-jumps, and gliding have become concepts that add notorious value to their respective games and have been implemented into countless titles to great success.
Among all of these,one of the most commonly shared ideas is lockpicking, a mechanic seen primarily in stealth games that transcended the genre and now appears in many more titles across multiple genres.
From RPGs to shooters, even the most unexpected experiences can feature this sneaky action these days. Let’s take a closer look at the 10 best lockpicking mini-games in the history of gaming.
10Alpha Protocol
Simple But Effective
Alpha Protocol
I acknowledgeAlpha Protocolisn’t a highly regarded game, but many of its ideas were genuinely interesting for its time.
Among the most prominent was its lockpicking,which really brought out the vibes of being a spy in the modern world.
The mini-game itself is entertaining enough to be decently amusing, but what stands out is its aesthetic and presentation,with colors and interfaces that give the impression of having an advanced technological arsenal at your disposal.
Often, mechanics work more because of their context rather than execution, andAlpha Protocoldisplays this competently.
9Wolfenstein: The New Order
A Change of Pace
Wolfenstein: The New Order
Wolfenstein: The New Orderis one of the last decade’sbest reboots, bringing the classic franchise into the modern era with great quality overall.
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One of its oddest elements is its lockpicking mechanic, which changes the game’s rhythm unexpectedly, but pleasantly.
Although it’s a straightforward mini-game,it trains your precision and works as a transition between areas and firefights, which is much better than a loading screen.
At first, it may seem like something out of another title, but once you get used to it, it’s fun to practice your accuracy without a weapon in hand in this hectic shooter.
8Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Frustratingly Realistic
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
I was shocked to findKingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s lockpicking system was the same as its predecessor, and not in a good way. Known for its realism and difficulty, it can be a tough one to wrap your head around at first.
However, I gave it another chance, and it’s a much better approach when you interpret your gaming peripherals as a lockpicking tool rather than a mouse or controller.
It’s quite immersive,accurately reflecting how difficult it is to open a door without its corresponding key. It doesn’t eliminate the frustration, but that feeling fits perfectly with the game’s world that consistently asks a lot from you.
This may be an unpopular opinion, but despite having a high difficulty, I appreciateKingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s boldness in staying true to itsoriginal visionfor lockpicking.
Thematically Correct
I’m always fascinated by games that strive to make each mechanic fit their universe’s context thematically, which is whyMafia 2appears on this list.
From acquiring the skill to executing it,2K Czech worked hard to make lockpicking immersive, making unusual design decisions that break some standards in lockpicking mechanics.
Between Vito’s sounds of frustration when he fails the mini-game, the mechanic’s real-time performance, and the natural third-person animations,the studio nails the feeling of committing a felony.
It’s just about knowing how to move the pins and use the wrench at the right moment, but it’s the setting that really gives value toMafia 2’s lockpicking and sets it apart from others.
6Hogwarts Legacy
Sneaky Magic
Hogwarts Legacy
I’m not passionate aboutHogwarts Legacy, but I must admit Avalanche Software did great work with itssecondary content.
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Exploring its universe is fascinating, as is its approach to lockpicking whichreplaces the typical mechanic’s tools with the iconic Alohomora spell.
Moving both sparks simultaneously to match the rings and gears so that the lock opens can be more demanding than it seems, presenting a significant level of challenge.
Considering that it’s extremely unusual to do lockpicking without pins,the novelty ofHogwarts Legacy’s method alone is worthy of a mention here.
5Sleeping Dogs
A Realistic Mini-Game
Sleeping Dogs
Sleeping Dogsis remarkable in countless ways, though it stands out for its ability to highlight even the most minor details.
Its lockpicking mechanics are a perfect example of this,matching just the right balance of challenge and presentationto make it satisfying and appropriate to the vibe of the game.
Overlaying the mini-game onto the main scene, allowing us to see Wei Shen’s animations in the background while we concentrate on executing the action,is a subtle but superb detail.
Once again, the system comes down to the player’s precision and reflexes, but everything is so opportunely placed that it’s hard not to praiseSleeping Dogs' technique.
4Starfield
Futuristic Locks
Innovating on a concept as simple as lockpicking is definitely a titanic task, butStarfieldmanaged to revamp it with great success.
With its system of digipicks used on rings with gaps we have to fill,it becomes a puzzlethat’s more than just precision, reflexes, and timing.
Unlike the usual procedures,Starfieldprioritizesefficiency and intelligence, especially since some locks demand an incredibly high level of dedication despite ultimately being a mini-game.
As a result, performing an effective lockpicking operation is extremely satisfying, which is even more valuable considering it’s a unique approach within the mechanic.
3Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
Sam Fisher’s Daily Bread
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
Splinter Cellis a pioneer in lockpicking mechanics, with the great Chaos Theory entry in the series as its finest symbol.
The system is simple and lays the foundation that many spiritual successors use, butit stands out for the cinematic immersion it adds to the adventure.
Making use of Sam Fisher’s gadgets to overcome his obstacles has always been incredible. Being among thebest stealth games, bypassing locks in Chaos Theory adds wonderfully to Sam’s repertoire of skills.
Between the camera perspective, sound effects, and scenarios,you feel like you’re in an action movie.Splinter Cell: Chaos Theorydoes lockpicking so well that other titles had no choice but to follow it.
2The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Lockpicking As A Lifestyle
It’s practically impossible not to think ofThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrimwhen lockpicking is mentioned, as it’s possibly the game that presents the most opportunities to do so.
The number of chests, doors, and other objects that have locks is endless, soyou end up developing an indescribable fondness for the mechanic as you progress through the game.
Its approach is among the simplest because you only have to rotate the lockpick until you find the right space to turn the lock, but it demands such precision that it becomes addictive.
Watching the pick shake after each attempted turn, slowly circling it to see if you discover the right spot, hearing it break when you miss, and trying againis a loop that has no right to be so entertaining.But it is.
Even withoutmods,Skyrimis one of thebest RPGsout there, and it’s impossible not to enjoy the Lockpicking level bar increasing after a successfully picked lock.
God Of Lockpicks
Thiefis another game responsible for lockpicking being so interesting and popular, as its wonderful stealth gameplay has influenced other genres for many years.
While its latest installment is not the franchise’s most beloved entry,it features the series' most immersive animation,style,and difficulty, taking the fantasy of being a master thief to another level.
The delicate hand movements, the lack of a HUD to interfere with the experience, the concentration to detect the sounds that allow us to locate the pins…It all combines into the perfection of lockpicking mechanics.
Lockpicking inThieftakes place in real-time in the game, so the tension of being discovered in the act is always present.It’s easy to rankThiefas the undisputed king of lockpicking in gaming history.
