In BioShock Infinite, lockpicks are essential items used for accessing safes and locked doors throughout the game. Understanding where to find and how to utilize these lockpicks can greatly enhance your gameplay experience by unlocking valuable resources, including weapons and upgrades. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how to effectively manage and collect lockpicks.

Sources of Lockpicks:
1. Defeated Enemies: As you progress through the game, particularly in the later chapters, defeated foes—like Firemen and Crows—can drop lockpicks.
2. Collectibles: Lockpicks can be found scattered throughout the environment, either individually or in groups. They can appear as:
– Lockpicking Kits: Contain two lockpicks.
– Locksmith Bags: Contain three lockpicks.
3. Purchasing: Certain Dollar Bill vending machines sell lockpicks, allowing you to buy them if you’re low on stock.
4. Farming in “Return to the Hall of Heroes”: This chapter is renowned for being the optimal location to farm lockpicks. Both respawning enemies and collectible lockpicks make it possible to accumulate a maximum of 30 lockpicks in your inventory, providing a strategic advantage.

Using Lockpicks:
To use lockpicks effectively, approach any locked safe or door and interact with it. The game will automatically deduct the required number of lockpicks needed to unlock it, which can vary from 1 to 5 lockpicks based on the lock’s complexity.
– Early game safes and doors typically only require 1 lockpick.
– As you progress, particularly with advanced safes, you may encounter locks that require 3 to 5 lockpicks.

Strategic Recommendations:
– Constant Collection: Always prioritize collecting lockpicks as they are one-time-use items. Keeping a healthy supply is crucial for avoiding scenarios where you cannot access important resources.
– Plan Ahead: Be mindful of safes and doors you may encounter in future chapters that might require multiple lockpicks. Proper inventory management and preparation will ensure you’re never caught short.
– Utilize Farming Opportunities: Spend time in the “Return to the Hall of Heroes” to stock up on lockpicks. Since enemies respawn, this chapter allows for repetitive collection of lockpicks without significant downtime.

Conclusion:
By efficiently collecting and using lockpicks throughout your journey in BioShock Infinite, you will ensure better resource management and enhance your overall gameplay experience. Unlocking safes and doors can lead to powerful upgrades and unique items that can turn the tide of battle in your favor. Remember to keep your inventory replenished and explore every nook and cranny to maximize your lockpick count as you progress through the game.