The Best Lockpicking aka Better Lockpicking [B42]

Uploaded · April 9, 2025

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Author: NickFleim

Last revision: 26 Mar, 2025 at 12:09 UTC

File size: 3.48 MB

On Steam Workshop

Description:

The Best Lockpicking

An Old Mod with New Possibilities!

"The Best Lockpicking" is a mod for Project Zomboid that introduces a realistic lockpicking and vehicle management mechanic, expanding survival options in the zombie apocalypse world. Forget simply finding keys — now you’ll need to use your skills, tools, and a bit of luck to unlock doors, windows, and cars, or even break locks at the risk of damaging them permanently.

TIP:

I recommend disabling "UI Offscreen Rendering" in the UI settings for smooth mini-game windows!

WARNING!

For 1.2:

To avoid errors, it is advisable to re-subscribe.

Description:

Adds a lockpicking mechanic for doors, windows, and vehicles using Bobby Pins or a Crowbar. Lockpicking is done through engaging mini-games!
Introduces a hotwiring mini-game using wires — feel like a car thief.
Allows checking alarms on houses and vehicles to avoid unwanted noise.
Adds the "Lockpicking" skill, influencing success and speed.
Introduces the "Burglar" perk and expands the "Burglar" profession for deeper role immersion.

Key Features:

Lockpicking System:
- Use Bobby Pins and Screwdrivers for careful lockpicking of doors and windows with a mini-game based on the "Lockpicking" skill.
- Apply a Crowbar for brute force — break locks with a chance of damaging them.
- Lock difficulty depends on the building type (from simple sheds to military warehouses) and your character’s skill level.
Vehicle Lockpicking:
- Unlock cars using a crowbar or lockpicks, facing mini-games that vary by vehicle type.
- Feel like an electrician with the new Hotwiring feature — an interactive wire-connecting system where a wrong move might trigger the alarm or headlights! (Not entirely realistic, I know.)
Alarm Checks:
- Inspect buildings and vehicles for active alarms before breaking in to avoid attracting zombies.
Realistic Interaction:
- The "Strength" and "Lockpicking" skills affect success rates and lockpicking speed.
- Fatigue (Endurance) reduces efficiency — be cautious when working at your limit!
For more details, check out the updates.

How It Works:

Lockpicking Instructions:
- To start lockpicking, read the "Lockpicking for Dummies" magazine.
- For doors/windows: right-click them and select "Lockpick". For pins, you need a Bobby Pin and a Screwdriver; for crowbar, just a Crowbar.
- Your "Lockpicking" skill level must match the lock’s difficulty. I recommend leveling up on easier locks (starting with very easy ones).
- For vehicles: approach a locked door and select the option from the radial menu (appears only if the door is locked).
- With pins, you can attempt to force the lock if you’re in a hurry, but the success chance is low.
- Pin lockpicking mini-game: Similar to Fallout/Skyrim — find the right pin angle and turn the lock.
- Crowbar mini-game: Press Space at the right time to open the door faster.
Hotwiring:
- Mini-game: Find the correct wire pairs and connect them. Easy/Medium/Hard difficulty — 1 pair (2 wires). Very Hard — 2 pairs (4 wires). Clues come from the effects of wrong connections.
Alarm Checking:
- To check alarms, read the "Alarms for Dummies" magazine.
- For houses: right-click a window/door and select the menu option.
- For vehicles: select the option in the radial menu while standing near the hood.

Items:

Lockpicking Magazine — Teaches lockpicking basics.
Alarm Magazine — Enables alarm checking.
Bobby Pin — Used for lockpicking with a screwdriver.
Homemade Bobby Pin — Crafted from paperclips (requires a screwdriver!).

Guide to the New Lockpicking Mini-Game

Game Overview

You’ll need to adjust the tension and lift the pins to unlock the lock. Each lock features a unique combination of pins.

Controls

Mouse: Hover under a pin to interact. Lift the pin by moving the mouse upward.
Tension Control Keys:
- A: Decrease tension.
- D: Increase tension.
- Hold to adjust smoothly.

Game Mechanics

Pins: Lift a pin to the green zone (fixation point).
Tension: Adjust tension (shown in the top bar) within the specified ranges (e.g., 3–5). Exceeding the range increases the chance of breaking the lockpick or lock.
Hand Trembling: Your "Lockpicking" skill level and tension affect random trembling (chance increases with high tension and low skill). This can disrupt your progress!

Risks

Break Lockpick: Chance 0–60%, depends on skill, tension, and number of set pins.
Break Lock: Chance 0–40%, increases when tension is exceeded.
Force Unlock: Chance 0–20%, possible with high tension but damages the screwdriver.

Tips

Improve your "Lockpicking" and "Strength" skills to reduce risks.
Start with low tension and gradually increase, watching the ranges.
Beware of false pins!

Compatibility:

Tested on Project Zomboid version 42+.
Currently has issues with some mods (exits lockpicking mode when movement or action keys are pressed):
- True Crawl — compatible (patch integrated).
- Common Sense — compatible (disable "Crowbar Mechanic" in sandbox options).

Want to thank me? Buy me a coffee.

[ko-fi.com]