Cyberpunk RED skill
Pick Lock
Key facts
- Stat
- TECH
- Category
- technique
- Linked Stat
- TECH
- Resolution
- 1d10 plus TECH plus skill level against a DV set by the situation. A natural 10 lets you roll again and add, a natural 1 makes you roll again and subtract.
- Typical use
- opening a mechanical lock quietly, getting through a padlock, or bypassing a door without breaking it.
Overview
Pick Lock is the craft of defeating mechanical locks: pins, tumblers, padlocks, and the cheap hardware that still guards most of the city's doors. It takes patience, a good set of picks, and a quiet moment. Electronic locks fall to Electronics/Security Tech, but plenty of places still rely on steel and brass, and a runner who can open them silently has a way in that does not trip an alarm.
How it works
Category: Technique
Tips and playstyle
Best for: Fixers, Techs, Solos on infiltration jobs, and any character who works in the shadows. Character concepts: Locksmith turned burglar, tech with a pick set in every pocket, thief who never kicks a door, retired cop who knows every lock. Synergies: Electronics/Security Tech handles the electronic lock beside it, Stealth keeps you unseen while you work, and Pick Pocket takes what is inside.
Frequently asked questions
Can Pick Lock open electronic locks?
No. Electronic locks use Electronics/Security Tech. Pick Lock is for mechanical hardware.
Is it fast?
Quality picks and a calm hand help, but a hard lock takes time. Rushing raises the DV.
How high should I take it at creation?
Skills cap at 6 during character creation and 10 afterwards. Take it high if it defines your role, and around 2 to 3 if it is a supporting talent.