The Oblivion Remastered Skeleton Key stands as one of the most valuable items in the game. This legendary Daedric artifact eliminates the frustration of broken lockpicks forever. For players who find the lockpicking minigame challenging or tedious, this treasure is a game-changer.
Unlike regular lockpicks, the Skeleton Key never breaks. This means you can repeatedly attempt to unlock any door or chest without worry. Beyond this remarkable feature, carrying the Skeleton Key also grants you a permanent 40-point boost to your Security skill.
Let's explore how to acquire this invaluable tool through Nocturnal's quest or using console commands.
What Makes the Oblivion Remastered Skeleton Key Special?
The Skeleton Key offers two major benefits that make it worth pursuing:
- Unbreakable Design: Unlike standard lockpicks that break after failed attempts, the Skeleton Key lasts forever. This allows you to spam the auto-attempt button until you succeed, regardless of lock difficulty.
- Security Skill Boost: Simply having the key in your inventory provides a permanent Fortify Security effect, adding 40 points to your Security skill.
These advantages make the Skeleton Key essential for any character who regularly deals with locked doors and containers.
How to Get the Oblivion Remastered Skeleton Key: The Nocturnal Quest
Obtaining the Skeleton Key requires completing Nocturnal's Daedric quest, "Night Among Strangers." Here's a step-by-step guide to acquiring this powerful artifact:
Step 1: Reach Level 10
Before starting the quest, you must reach at least Level 10. The shrine won't activate for characters below this level threshold.
Step 2: Find the Shrine of Nocturnal
Travel to the southeastern region of Cyrodiil, north of Leyawiin. Follow the eastern path to locate Nocturnal's shrine. Once there, activate the stone statue by interacting with it.
Nocturnal will speak to you, explaining that her sacred artifact, the Eye of Nocturnal, has been stolen. She'll task you with retrieving it, marking "Night Among Strangers" as your active quest.
Step 3: Investigate in Leyawiin
Head to the city of Leyawiin, where the suspected thieves are hiding. According to Nocturnal, they believe themselves well-concealed within the city.
Step 4:
Locate Weebam-Na's house near the middle of Leyawiin. You're looking for two Argonian suspects: Weebam-Na and Bejeen. Speak with both of them about the stolen Eye.
Initially, they'll deny any knowledge of the theft. Don't be discouraged by this expected response.
Step 5: Eavesdrop on the Suspects
To discover the Eye's location, you need to eavesdrop on a conversation between Weebam-Na and Bejeen. Exit their house and return later to trigger this opportunity.
Use stealth to avoid detection while listening to their conversation. If your Stealth skill is low, consider using invisibility potions or spells to remain hidden.
Through this eavesdropping, you'll learn that the Eye of Nocturnal is hidden inside Tidewater Cave.
Step 6:
Travel to Tidewater Cave, located south of Leyawiin along the coastline by Topal Bay (specifically southeast of the city).
Inside the cave, you may encounter enemies such as a Kalperklan Troll and a Dire Wolf. To find the Eye, follow the left wall at every junction. This path leads to a flooded tunnel or underwater alcove.
The Eye of Nocturnal glows brightly, making it easier to spot. Look for it near a chest underwater or possibly floating above your head in the waterlogged section of the cave.
Step 7: Return to Nocturnal's Shrine
Once you've retrieved the Eye, return to the Shrine of Nocturnal. Interact with the statue again to present the recovered artifact.
Pleased with your success, Nocturnal will reward you with the Skeleton Key. The key will be added to your inventory, ready to use on any lock in the game.
Using the Oblivion Remastered Skeleton Key
Using the Skeleton Key is straightforward. When facing a locked door or container:
- Equip the Skeleton Key as you would a normal lockpick
- Attempt to pick the lock as usual
- If you fail, simply try again—the key won't break
Since the key is unbreakable, you can keep trying until you succeed, regardless of your lockpicking skill or the lock's difficulty.
Console Command Alternative for PC Players
If you prefer to skip the quest entirely, PC players can use console commands to add the Skeleton Key directly to their inventory:
- Press the tilde (~) key to open the command console
- Type
player.additem 0000000b 1and press Enter
This command adds one Skeleton Key to your inventory. Since you only need one (it never breaks), adding more isn't necessary. However, this method can be useful if you somehow lose the key, such as when being arrested.
Conclusion
The Skeleton Key stands as one of Oblivion Remastered's most useful items. Whether obtained through Nocturnal's quest or console commands, this unbreakable lockpick transforms the lockpicking experience.
No longer will you need to carry dozens of fragile lockpicks or worry about your skill level when facing difficult locks. With the Skeleton Key in your possession, every lock in Cyrodiil becomes eventually accessible, allowing you to explore previously inaccessible areas and claim hidden treasures with ease.
For players seeking to maximize their adventuring efficiency, acquiring the Skeleton Key should be a priority once reaching Level 10. The quest isn't particularly difficult, and the reward proves invaluable throughout your journey across Cyrodiil.
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