Open and Lock Spells
⚪ Last updated 2012⚠️ Install Order · 3 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview

🔍 Analysis
- 👍 5.9% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #18 of 110 Magic - Spells & Enchantments mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
Tired of having to mess around trying to pick locks unsuccessfully?? Sick of wasting level gains on lockpicking just to yield blah/mediocre treasures? ? This mod is meant for you... As a veteran of the Elder scrolls games, I was frustrated having to unlock chests and doors only with lockpicks, knowing that tried-and-true, superior arcane methods have long been available in the Alteration school of magic. Description This Mod adds Open & Lock Spells to the Alteration school of magic. Previous Elder Scrolls titles have recognized the ability to open locks based on magical prowess in the school of Alteration. This mod extends that to Skyrim. The Open spells correspond to the various lock levels from Novice to Master and will open locks their level and lower. The lock spells applies a novice level lock. How the Spells Work The Spell works like the ability from \'The Tower\' standing stone. 1) Cast the appropriate spell (grants caster the ability to magically open corresponding level or lower lock for 10 seconds). 2) Click a locked chest/door. 3) Options will appear to open it magically, or to use a lockpick. 4) Choose the magical option (on the left). 5) Chest or door should open. By Request, a Lock spell is also available from Tolfdir. It works like the Open spells in that you cast it then click the door or container and select Lock from the pop-up. Where to find the Spell Tomes Novice Open from Lucan, Riverwood Trader Apprentice & Novice Open from Farengar, Whiterun Court Wizard Adept, Expert & Master Open from Tolfdir, Winterhold College Alteration Trainer Added to the alteration leveled lists so various spell merchants should have them also Lock spell only available from Tolfdir Compatibility This mod imbues the caster with the ability to unlock certain level locks (based on \'The Tower\' ability) in an independent manner. As such, it should not conflict with other mods because it does not affect other aspects of the world (such as doors, containers, etc.). It is compatible with Midas Magic despite the redundant open spells. If there are any conflicts, please let me know and I will address if possible. Change Log Version 1. 2 Added correct scripts to download package. Added Lock spell by request. Version 1. 1 Corrected issue with Apprentice Opening. Version 1. 0 Added Open Spells for Novice, Apprentice, Adept, Expert & Master levels. Distributed spells to alteration leveled lists Distributed spells to vendors and alteration leveled lists. Thanks Bethesda for making awesome games zirize for Korean translation Shadowmann for Russian translation My other mod... Race Revamp Comments, Feedback and Suggestions are welcome. Thanks, Enlil
Adds Open and Lock spells to the Alteration school in Skyrim, letting players unlock doors and chests or lock them without needing a key. A simple, classic utility mod with 3,280 endorsements and 55,667 downloads, last updated in 2012.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community favorite with 3,280 endorsements and 55,667 downloads—clearly a go-to for mage builds.
- Fills a niche that vanilla Skyrim lacks: a magical way to deal with locks without lockpicks.
- Simple, lightweight mod that does exactly what it says—no bloat or extra features to fiddle with.
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2012—might be outdated for the Special Edition or Anniversary Edition, so check compatibility.
- No detailed instructions or compatibility notes from the author, so you're on your own for load order.
- Lock spell might be situational—most players just want to open locks, so the lock feature could feel like a gimmick.
For Skyrim mages who want to skip lockpicking and role-play as a true Alteration master. Also great for players who hate the lockpicking minigame. Skip if you're a stealth archer who enjoys picking locks or if you're on a newer Skyrim version without compatibility patches.
💡 Beginner Tips
- If you're playing Skyrim Special Edition, this mod might need a conversion or a compatible version—check the mod page for updates.
- Make sure to place this mod in your load order after any mods that alter the Alteration skill tree to avoid conflicts.
- Test the spells on a low-level lock first to see how they work—they might have a skill requirement or cost that you need to manage.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim LE Mods
- Author
- EnlilBel
- Version
- 1.2
- Downloads
- 55,667
- Endorsements
- 3,280
- Category
- Magic - Spells & Enchantments
- Created
- 4/6/2012
- Updated
- 4/7/2012
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