Lockpicking in D&D 5e

One of the most used actions outside of combat has to be lockpicking. But how does lockpicking in D&D 5e work and what do you roll? And how do those pesky lockpicking tools work anyway? Let’s explore!

There are two main ways of picking locks using Thieves’ Tools or just using an improvised way of picking the lock. There are of course other ways to open locked things but we will not discuss those today.

Using Thieves’ Tools

This set of tools includes a small file, a set of lock picks, a small mirror mounted on a metal handle, a set of narrow-bladed scissors, and a pair of pliers. Proficiency with these tools lets you add your proficiency bonus to any ability checks you make to disarm traps or open locks.

Using Thieves’ Tools there are three scenarios on how to figure out what to roll

1. You are proficient with them. So you roll 1D20 and add your proficiency bonus and your Dexterity bonus.
2. You have expertise with Thieves’ Tools this means you roll 1D20 and add your proficiency bonus twice, and then add your Dexterity bonus.
3. You are not proficient. So you roll 1D20 and just add your Dexterity bonus.

Without using Thieves’ Tools you can use an improvised tool (with your DM’s approval of course)

1. You are proficient with Thieves’ Tools so even when using an improvised tool you roll 1D20 with disadvantage but still add your proficiency bonus and Dexterity modifier.
2. You are not proficient with Thieves’ Tools so you roll 1D20 with disadvantage and add your Dexterity modifier.

Spells

Another way to pick a lock in D&D 5e is using the Knock spell. This spell will open any lock, even locks created by the arcane lock spell. But the big disadvantage of this spell is that it makes a super loud knocking sound that you can hear up to 300 feet from where it happens. So use this as a last resort effort if you want to be sneaky.

Want to learn about more D&D 5e mechanics? Read our post on Pack tactics in D&D 5e