TL;DR
- Complete the Nocturnal quest at level 10+ to obtain this unbreakable lockpick
- Navigate to Tidewater Cave south of Leyawiin for the Eye of Nocturnal artifact
- Follow specific pathing through the cave to locate the underwater artifact
- The Skeleton Key eliminates lockpicking minigame permanently
- Proper preparation saves 15-20 minutes on this essential side quest
The Skeleton Key represents one of Oblivion Remastered’s most transformative artifacts, providing permanent lockpicking superiority. Unlike fragile standard lockpicks that break under pressure, this Daedric artifact maintains perfect integrity through unlimited usage cycles.

Advanced players particularly benefit from bypassing the lockpicking minigame entirely. With the Skeleton Key equipped, simply selecting the auto-attempt option guarantees success regardless of lock difficulty, saving valuable gameplay time during dungeon exploration and treasure hunting.
Acquiring this game-changing artifact requires meeting specific progression milestones. Your character must reach level 10 before the Nocturnal quest becomes available, ensuring appropriate challenge scaling.

Journey to Leyawiin and proceed northward to locate the distinctive Nocturnal Shrine. The site features an unmistakable goddess statue with outstretched arms, serving as an easily identifiable landmark. Approach the central figure to initiate dialogue with the Daedric Prince, who will assign the artifact recovery mission.
While the original quest design involves investigating through NPC Weebam-Na, experienced players can bypass this reconnaissance phase using precise location data.
The Tidewater Cave presents the primary challenge location, situated directly south of Leyawiin. Prepare adequately before entry, as the cavern houses aggressive wildlife including disease-carrying rats and powerful trolls that can overwhelm unprepared adventurers.

Navigation efficiency proves crucial – upon entering the cave system, consistently choose leftward paths at every intersection. This specific routing leads to a submerged chamber where the objective awaits.

In the final underwater section, face the apparent dead-end then scan rightward to discover the Eye of Nocturnal artifact nestled within a rocky alcove. The glowing orb floats conspicuously, easily visible to attentive explorers.
Strategic preparation can reduce quest completion time by approximately 15-20 minutes. Bring cure disease potions to counter rat-borne illnesses and silver weapons for effective troll disposal. Many players underestimate the cave’s inhabitants and waste resources on unnecessary combat.
Upon successful artifact retrieval, return directly to Nocturnal’s shrine for your reward. The deity bestows the Skeleton Key, permanently revolutionizing your lock interaction capabilities. This artifact proves especially valuable for characters focusing on stealth or thievery archetypes.
The Skeleton Key’s acquisition represents a pivotal moment in character development. Beyond convenience, it enables new gameplay approaches like systematic treasure collection and bypassing previously inaccessible areas. For comprehensive character building strategies, consult our Class Guide covering optimal specialization paths.
Common mistakes include attempting the quest below level 10, inadequate combat preparation, and missing the underwater artifact’s specific placement. Following this optimized route ensures efficient acquisition of Oblivion Remastered’s most valuable utility item.
Action Checklist
- Reach character level 10 minimum requirement
- Travel to Leyawiin and locate Nocturnal Shrine north of city
- Accept quest from Daedric Prince and prepare combat supplies
- Navigate Tidewater Cave using left-turn pattern
- Retrieve Eye of Nocturnal from underwater crevice
- Return to shrine for Skeleton Key reward
No reproduction without permission:Tsp Game Club » How to Get Skeleton Key in Oblivion Remastered Master lockpicking with this essential unbreakable key guide for Oblivion Remastered players
