In the sprawling world of Avowed, where untamed wilderness meets ancient ruins and bustling city rooftops, adventurers are constantly on the hunt for treasure. From legendary swords and enchanted armor to mysterious trinkets, much of this coveted loot is secured within chests scattered across the Living Lands. While many containers offer their contents freely, some are protected by sturdy locks that demand a specific tool: the humble lockpick. There's nothing more frustrating than stumbling upon a chest deep in a dungeon or on a precarious ledge, only to realize you're fresh out of lockpicks. This guide, updated for 2026, will ensure that no chest remains unopened on your journey through Obsidian Entertainment's acclaimed action RPG.

Where to Find Lockpicks: The Adventurer's Primer

The primary method for acquiring lockpicks is through exploration. The world of Avowed is designed with a thrilling emphasis on discovery, and lockpicks are a common find for the observant explorer. They can be discovered in various nooks and crannies:

• On enemy corpses after combat encounters.

• Hidden in barrels, crates, and sacks within settlements and dungeons.

• As environmental loot on tables, shelves, and in abandoned camps.

However, relying solely on random finds is a risky game. To maintain a healthy supply, savvy players must turn to the merchants of the Living Lands. It's a golden rule: always check a vendor's stock for lockpicks.

The Merchant's Bounty: Key Vendors to Know

Several established merchants consistently stock lockpicks. Making a mental note of these locations is crucial for efficient adventuring.

In Dawnshore:

Merchant Name	Location	Notes
The Best Offense	Claviger's Landing	A reliable source for adventuring gear.
Second Hand Sundries	Shantytown	Often has miscellaneous goods at good prices.
Grinning Balarok	Paradis	A general goods merchant in the heart of the city.
Desperate Measures	Paradis	Specializes in more... questionable acquisitions.
Extremely Legal Goods	Paradis	The name says it all (probably).

Beyond Dawnshore, it's worth your while to check every merchant you encounter at least once. NPCs in Avowed can sell unique items, and their stock sometimes includes lockpicks. The beauty is that lockpicks are dirt cheap, often selling for a measly 17 gold pieces. Buying them whenever you see them is a no-brainer investment that pays off tenfold when you find that epic chest.

Advanced Strategies: Never Run Dry

If you do hit a scarcity wall, don't panic. Avowed's economy has a few built-in safety nets.

1. Vendor Restocking: Shops in Avowed will eventually restock their goods. The exact trigger isn't crystal clear—it could be tied to in-game time, completing quests, or fast-traveling—but it does happen. If you're running low, a quick trip back to a major hub like Paradis can often solve your problem.

2. Check Previous Zones: Merchants in areas you've already cleared might have refreshed their inventory. It never hurts to backtrack.

3. The Looting Mindset: Make a conscious effort to search everything. You'd be surprised how many lockpicks are just lying around if you take the time to look.

The Modder's Solution: For the Truly Lockpick-Obsessed

For players who want to put scarcity concerns to bed once and for all, the PC modding community has you covered. Since Avowed's lockpicking lacks a dedicated mini-game, some players prefer a more heavy-handed approach. A popular mod on Nexus Mods, created by Caites, directly addresses lockpick availability.

This mod, which remains compatible and updated for the 2026 version of the game, multiplies the number of lockpicks vendors sell by 10x. Installation is straightforward but requires a free Nexus Mods account.

Installation Steps:

1. Download the mod file from Nexus Mods.

2. Extract the file contents.

3. Locate your Avowed game folder:

   • Xbox Game Pass (PC): Typically within an XboxGames folder.

   • Steam: Navigate through Steam > steamapps > common to find the Avowed folder.

4. Place the extracted mod files into the Avowed root directory.

A small note: The mod's effects usually apply after a shop stock reset. You may need to play for a bit or fast-travel to see vendors selling their newly abundant stock of lockpicks. Once active, it's a game-changer, allowing you to explore every off-the-beaten-path ledge and deep dungeon without the nagging fear of an empty lockpick pouch.

Why It Matters: The Heart of Exploration

At its core, Avowed is a game about discovery. Being locked out of content—especially optional, rewarding treasure chests—can put a damper on the adventurous spirit. Whether you choose the purist route of careful vendor management and thorough looting, or opt for the modded convenience of abundant supplies, ensuring a steady stream of lockpicks is key to a seamless experience. It lets you focus on what really matters: unraveling the mysteries of the Living Lands, engaging in its deep lore connected to Pillars of Eternity, and building your legacy. So gear up, stock up, and get ready to crack open every secret the world has to offer. Happy looting!