Prisoners in SCUM are in a fight for survival, and they must loot to live. However, some items and locations require you to pick locks to gain access to the prizes hidden within. So, learn to become a lockpicking master in SCUM by reading this guide!

SCUM Lockpicking Guide

Lockpicking in SCUM generally requires practice, as players must find a “sweet spot” during a minigame. The requirements are also stricter in SCUM, as a timer appears with each lockpicking attempt.

The Basics of Lockpicking

Unlike other games wherein you only need a lockpicking set to pick locks, SCUM lets players use a range of other items to utilize this mechanic. These items include the following:

• Gloves
• Screwdrivers
• Bobby pins
• Safety pins
• Lockpicks
• Advanced Lockpicks

Note that you can use a Bobby or Safety pin to pick a lock, but you can craft an Improvised Lockpick using 1x Bobby Pin and 1x Safety Pin. Also, your Thievery skill directly impacts lockpicking by increasing the time per attempt and the “sweet spot” size.

Lock Protection

Some locks in SCUM have Zappers to prevent other players from accessing the contents within. Each unsuccessful attempt at lockpicking will reduce the lockpicker’s life, and the amount of health lost depends on the Lock Zapper’s tier or quality. However, you can bypass Lock Zappers by using gloves. If you need some and are willing to use console commands, you can learn more about how to spawn them here. Note that each pair of gloves also has durability, and each unsuccessful lockpicking attempt will increase the item’s wear. Additionally, the higher the level of lock protection, the more damage the gloves will suffer if you fail to pick the lock.

How to Lockpick in SCUM

The goal of lockpicking in SCUM is to find that “sweet spot,” which generally requires practice. Low-level locks are relatively easier to pick than their higher-level counterparts. So, it's best to start with a Lockpicking Board, as using it doesn’t use items, especially those precious lockpick sets, or reduce your health if you fail. Craft a Lockpicking Board at the Workbench using the following ingredients:

• 1x Wooden Plank
• 1x Rubber Band
• 1x Nails
• 3x Padlock

Remember, time is of the essence when lockpicking in SCUM, as a timer appears with each attempt. The attempt fails if the lockpicking item breaks or the timer runs out. So, ensure you're making the most out of each lockpicking attempt by ensuring your client runs as smoothly as possible. Play at the highest frame rate when using this mechanic, and one way to improve it is by crouching or proning near the lockpick. Doing so will make the in-game camera zoom closer, reducing on-screen elements and boosting FPS. Next, don’t jiggle the lockpick, as you'll have a higher chance of failing. Instead, choose a side and stick to it. Then, practice feathering, which is lightly yet frequently tapping the key for your chosen lockpicking direction. Holding the key in a particular direction typically increases the risk of breaking the lockpick, resulting in failure.