Summary
Bethesda has consistently incorporated various mini-games into itsFalloutandElder Scrollstitles, which generally see players hacking consoles to obtain information or picking the lock on a door hiding valuable treasure on the other side. For the most part, these mini-games have remained consistent, meaning fans of Bethesda games generally know what to expect when playing a newFalloutorElder Scrollssequel. However,Starfieldrecently introduced an evolved form of Bethesda’s lockpicking mini-game, and rightly so, consideringStarfieldis a brand-new IP.
The interesting thing aboutStarfield’s lockpicking mini-game is that Bethesda’s previous iterations didn’t necessarily need to be fixed, and yetStarfieldtook it upon itself to make better what was already good to begin with. That being said, there are a couple of things about thelockpicking system ofSkyrimandFalloutthat always could have been improved, despite the system not being at all broken.
Fallout and Skyrim’s Lockpicking Mini-Game Is Good, but Starfield’s Is Better
Fallout and Skyrim’s Lockpicking Works for What It Is
Before the release ofStarfield, Bethesda featured the same lockpicking system in itsFalloutandElder ScrollsgamessinceFallout 3in 2008. Overall, the lockpicking system is solid, which is likely why Bethesda has included it in so many games. The only issue is that it might be a bit too easy, especially since games likeSkyrimallow players to pick more difficult locks, as the associated skills simply make it easier. However, another issue that presented itself beforeStarfieldis arguably that it grew dull, as the system grew overly familiar. Nevertheless, it’s a solid lockpicking mini-game that didn’t really need fixing, and yetStarfieldimproved upon it.
When picking a lock ingames likeFallout 3,Fallout 4,Fallout 76, andSkyrim, players are required to rotate the lockpick until it’s in a position where rotating the lock won’t break it. Over time, players discovered a surefire way to pick a lock on the first try every time, by rotating the lockpick until it clicks, and then rotating the lock from there. That, and the fact that the game pauses when players begin picking a lock make things far too easy.
Fortunately,Starfieldtook things up a notch with its much more challenging lockpicking mini-game that makes hacking locks more rewarding in the end.
Starfield’s Lockpicking Mini-Game Improves on Fallout and Skyrim’s
AsSkyrimand the past fewFalloutgameshave used the same lockpicking mini-game,Starfield’s is a breath of fresh air for a Bethesda game. Rather than requiring players to simply rotate a lock until they find the “sweet spot,” players use Digipicks inStarfieldto solve a more challenging puzzle and hack, rather than unlock, a locked container, console, or door. To successfully hack a lock, players must match the provided keys within the slots on the rings that appear on the Digipick. Once a ring is filled out, it will disappear, and players will move on to the next ring. The number of rings increases with the lock’s difficulty, as do the keys provided to fill each ring.
Once every ring has been filled out, the lock will open. However, should players fail the mini-game or exit before completing it, they will permanently lose a Digipick. WhereStarfield’s lockpicking mini-gameultimately supersedesFalloutandSkyrim’s is that it requires a bit more thinking and strategizing, as opposed to trial and error. Again, while the previous lockpicking system didn’t necessarily need fixing, Bethesda still “fixed” it inStarfield, proving its ability to evolve and innovate, even when things are already where they need to be. Hopefully, this is a good sign of whereThe Elder Scrolls 6might go with systems like lockpicking, and it would be especially nice to see different mini-games from here on out.
Starfield
WHERE TO PLAY
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery.The year is 2330. Humanity has ventured beyond our solar system, settling new planets, and living as a spacefaring people. From humble beginnings as a space miner, you will join Constellation – the last group of space explorers seeking rare artifacts throughout the galaxy – and navigate the vast expanse of the Settled Systems in Bethesda Game Studios’ biggest and most ambitious game.
