Whether you get caught stealing, attacking an NPC, or casting the wrong spell in the wrong place inOblivion Remastered,guards won’t hesitate to drag you off to jail. One moment you’re enjoying the view from the Market District, the next you’re staring at stone walls and wondering how to escape the place.

Getting out of jail isn’t quite as simple, but it’s definitely possible. There are several ways to break out, depending on your skills, inventory, or creativity. Some are risky, some are clever, and one of them doesn’t even involve escaping at all. Let’s break down each method and help you find your way back to freedom.

The player character shows the jail in Oblivion Remastered.

How To Get Out Of Prison

You can be in jail for all sorts of crimes, such as stealing, assault, trespassing, or simply refusing to pay a fine. Once you’re in a cell,most of your items are confiscated. You’re left with nothing but your fists and asingle lockpick.

If you choose to serve your time,you will lose a random skill level for each day of your sentence. On the other hand, if you escape,you will still carry your bounty, which means more guards will come after you later. Still, if you’re ready to get out of jail, here are thebest ways to escape.

The player character trying to complete the lockpicking minigame in Oblivion Remastered.

Use Your Lockpick

When you go to prison, the only thing you have is alockpick, and that’s your chance for freedom. Use it on the cell door andcomplete the lockpicking minigameby raising each tumbler to the top and locking them in place. If you succeed, you’re free. However, there isno second tryunless you use another way out.

Pickpocket TheGuard

If you’ve failed to open the cell door with a lockpick, your next option is topickpocket theguardwho will patrol near your cell. If you time it right, you cancrouch into sneak modeand attempt topickpocket the keyfrom his belt. If done successfully, you shouldwalk away quietly. If you get caught, theGuardwill open the door, sosprint past him and run to the exit.

Cast An Open Lock Spell

If you have aspell from the Alteration school, you might have an edge. Spells likeOpen Easy LockorOpen Average Lock, can unlock your cell without a lockpick.

It’s worth noting thatyou must have the spell already equipped when arrested, as you won’t be able to access your spellbook in jail.

The player character trying to pickpocket the guard in Oblivion Remastered.

Higher-level spells, likeOpen Very Hard Lock, can’t be purchased directly - you will need tocraft a custom versionat Altar Of Spellmaking. But if you’re a skillful mage, this is one of the smoothest jailbreak methods.

Serve Your Sentence

Sometimes, the simplest option is the best.Lie down on the bedrollin your cell, choose to sleep, andselect the option to serve your sentence. You willlose one skill point for each day based on the size of your bounty, but walk out withno bountyon your head.Your items will be returned, except forstolen goods, which stay in the evidence chest. This is the safest path if you don’t want to risk a fight or further bounty.

The player character shows the Open Hard Lock spell in his inventory in Oblivion Remastered.

The player character shows the bedroll in the jail in Oblivion Remastered.