Exploring the dense jungles and ancient ruins in Shadow of the Tomb Raider often leads players to locked treasure chests containing valuable resources and gold. However, opening these locked containers requires a specialized makeshift tool that Lara Croft does not possess at the start of her journey. Understanding how to obtain this item allows players to backtrack through previous hubs and collect missed rewards efficiently.
Reaching the Hidden City of Paititi
Players must advance through the main storyline until they reach the expansive region known as Paititi, or The Hidden City. This hub serves as the primary location where key side activities and specialized vendors become available to Lara. You cannot accidentally miss arriving at this settlement, as entering it is mandatory for narrative progression.
Once inside Paititi, locate a young boy named Takiy to initiate the side quest titled Dice with the Dead. Completing this straightforward task is essential because it directly leads you to the specific vendor who stocks the gear. The quest requires searching for outcasts scattered across the surrounding village grounds.
Finding the Traveling Merchant Moraekah
To progress the quest, Lara must interact with four marked outcasts across the settlement map. After speaking with the fourth individual, a fifth outcast marker will dynamically appear on your map screen. This final individual is Moraekah, a wandering merchant who offers unique gear items for sale.
Interact with Moraekah during or after the quest to browse her specialized inventory. The lockpick is available for purchase for approximately 2,800 gold pieces, though discounts may apply depending on your active skills. It is wise to save up enough currency beforehand so you can acquire both the lockpick and the rope ascender in one visit.
How to Use the Lockpick on Treasure Chests
Using the lockpick in Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a completely seamless and automatic process. Whenever Lara approaches a locked Conquistador treasure chest, interact with the object using the primary action prompt. If the tool is present in your inventory, Lara will instantly unlock the chest without requiring any manual minigame inputs.
Acquiring this item permanently unlocks access to every locked chest found across all biomes in the game. Players can fast-travel back to earlier regions, such as Kuwaq Yaku or the Peruvian Jungle, to open previously sealed loot spots. Collecting these hidden treasures grants valuable crafting components, rare resources, and substantial amounts of gold.
