Level Up Fast: The Definitive Guide to Maxing Pickpocket in Skyrim
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So, you want to become a master thief in Skyrim, eh? Slipping Septims from Jarls’ pockets and pilfering potions from unsuspecting guards? The fastest way to max out your Pickpocket skill in Skyrim involves a combination of training, perks, and strategic targets. The key is to use trainers to boost your skill to a certain point, then exploit the “reverse pickpocket” technique, all while utilizing specific perks that amplify your success. Couple that with carefully chosen items to steal and you’ll reach level 100 Pickpocket in no time.
The Pickpocket Path: From Novice to Ninja
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
1. Initial Investment: Trainers are Your Friends
First, find a Pickpocket trainer. Silda the Unseen in Windhelm is an excellent choice because she is an expert-level trainer (up to level 75). Visit her, pay for training (remember to invest in Speech to get better prices), and then immediately pickpocket the money back.
- Train your skill five times, then level up your character. This is because you can only train 5 times per character level.
- Repeat this process until your Pickpocket skill is around level 40-50. This method quickly boosts your skill, saving you precious time early on.
- Remember, you can find trainers in many other locations, some may be available for you to train with depending on your race, quest progression, etc.
2. Perk Optimization: Strategic Selections
As you level up, invest perk points into the Pickpocket skill tree strategically. Here are the essential perks:
- Pickpocket (Rank 1-5): These ranks increase your base pickpocketing success rate. Prioritize getting at least two or three ranks early on.
- Light Fingers (Rank 1-5): This increases your chance to pickpocket. Essential to improving your success rate.
- Night Thief: Granting a 25% bonus to pickpocketing while the target is asleep. This perk is a game-changer.
- Poisoned: Allows you to place poisons into people’s pockets. While not directly related to leveling, it can be fun and useful for a stealth character.
- Keymaster: Picking pockets always works on keys.
- Cutpurse: Allows you to pickpocket equipped weapons. Very useful at higher levels.
- Extra Pockets: +100 to carry weight.
- Misdirection: Pickpocket equipped weapons.
- Perfect Touch: Pickpocket equipped armor and remove it.
Important Note: Don’t max out every perk immediately. Focus on the perks that directly increase your success rate, especially the Night Thief perk. This perk makes sleeping targets incredibly easy to pickpocket, opening up a wealth of opportunities.
3. The Reverse Pickpocket Exploit: Infinite Gold
Once you have the Night Thief perk and a decent base skill (50+), the “reverse pickpocket” exploit becomes incredibly efficient. This involves placing valuable items into a target’s inventory and then stealing them back.
- Find Sleeping Targets: Guards in barracks are ideal. Jarls are good too.
- Plant Gold: Place a large amount of gold (a few hundred Septims) into their inventory.
- Steal it Back: Because they’re sleeping and you have the Night Thief perk, your success rate will be very high.
- Repeat: Rinse and repeat this process. Each successful pickpocket increases your skill.
4. High-Value Targets: Jewelry and Gems
To maximize your skill gains, focus on high-value items. Jewelry and gems provide significantly more experience than low-value items like lockpicks or arrows.
- Jarls and Wealthy NPCs: These individuals often carry expensive jewelry.
- Shops: Riften and Whiterun markets are good starting points, as the jewelry vendors will carry various gems and valuable items.
5. The 90% Cap: Managing Expectations
Skyrim’s Pickpocket skill has a hard cap of 90% success rate, regardless of perks or skill level. This means you will occasionally fail, even at level 100. Don’t get discouraged! Simply reload a save (if you’re playing that way) or try again. Save often!
6. Utilizing Fortify Pickpocket Enchantments & Potions
To temporarily increase your chance to pickpocket, enchant clothing with “Fortify Pickpocket” enchantments. Alchemy can also be used to craft “Fortify Pickpocket” potions to increase your chance.
7. Argonian Advantage
Argonians are hands down the best thief race in the game. Their top skill is lockpicking, they are proficient in alteration, light armor, pickpocketing, restoration and of course sneaking. None of these skills are particularly combat-focused, so you better not get caught.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the maximum pickpocket chance in Skyrim?
The maximum pickpocket chance is 90%. Even with maxed-out skills and perks, you’ll never reach 100% due to game mechanics.
2. Can you get 100% pickpocket in Skyrim?
No, you cannot achieve a guaranteed 100% pickpocket chance. The game is designed with a 90% cap. The article is not stating that you can get 100% chance.
3. Can you steal a 0% chance in Skyrim?
Normally, no. But with the Paralyze spell, you can temporarily disable a target, making them vulnerable to pickpocketing even at low skill levels.
4. Where is the best place to pickpocket in Skyrim?
Any location with sleeping NPCs is ideal for the reverse pickpocket exploit. Guards barracks and Jarl’s longhouses are excellent starting points.
5. Why is pickpocketing so hard in Skyrim?
Several factors contribute: low skill level, lack of relevant perks, the value and weight of the item you’re trying to steal, and the target’s skill level.
6. How do I sneak better in Skyrim?
Improve your Sneak skill by sneaking around undetected. Wear light armor, invest in Sneak perks, and use potions or enchantments that boost your Sneak skill.
7. Can hired thugs be sent after me for pickpocketing?
Yes. If you are caught pickpocketing, the victim may send hired thugs after you. Be careful who you steal from!
8. Who has the most coin in Skyrim?
The Riverwood Trader typically has a large amount of gold, making them a good target for selling stolen goods (after you’ve leveled your Speech skill).
9. What is the maximum inventory weight in Skyrim?
By default, your carrying capacity is 300. You can increase it by leveling up Stamina or acquiring the Extra Pockets perk in the Pickpocket skill tree.
10. What’s the best class for pickpocketing in Skyrim?
Argonians have natural bonuses that make them a strong choice for a thief character build. However, any race can excel at pickpocketing with the right skills and perks.
11. What items should I start pickpocketing with?
Start with low-value items like lockpicks, arrows, and food to build your skill. Then, move on to jewelry and gems for greater experience gains.
12. How does the target’s skill level affect pickpocketing?
The higher the target’s skill level (usually their level in general), the harder they are to pickpocket. Targets with high skill levels require a higher Pickpocket skill and better perks.
13. Is there a limit to how much gold I can pickpocket?
Yes, you can never take more than 999 Septims at a time, so if a character you are attempting to pickpocket has more than this, it will fail every time. There isn’t a way of taking a set amount of Septims repeatedly to circumvent this limit.
14. What if I don’t like reloading saves when I fail?
If you prefer not to reload saves, invest heavily in Fortify Pickpocket enchantments and potions. Also, focus on targets that are asleep for the Night Thief perk bonus.
15. Can pickpocketing be used effectively in combat?
Not directly, but the Poisoned perk allows you to place poisons into enemy pockets, giving you a tactical advantage.
By following these tips and strategies, you can rapidly level your Pickpocket skill in Skyrim and become a true master thief. Remember to use trainers wisely, invest in essential perks, exploit the reverse pickpocket technique, and target high-value items. Happy thieving! To further enrich your understanding of gaming mechanics and educational applications, consider exploring the resources available at the Games Learning Society, found online at GamesLearningSociety.org.