In Path of Exile (PoE), the "Contract: Stolen Lockpicks" quest is a personal mission from Karst, the Lockpick, a master thief who has been wronged in the past. This contract takes you on a journey to recover Karst’s prized lockpicks, which were stolen by former associates who betrayed him. As part of the Heist mechanic, this quest involves breaking into a secure facility, retrieving the stolen lockpicks, and escaping before the place goes into lockdown. This guide will walk you through each step of the quest, providing tips for a successful run.
The quest begins with a conversation with Karst in the Rogue Harbour. Karst, a skilled lockpicker with a grudge, reveals his past dealings with a group of criminals in Oriath. These former comrades betrayed him, stealing his prized lockpicks just before he was exiled. Karst has spent a considerable amount of markers to track down the location of his stolen tools, and now he needs your help to get them back.
Objective:
Karst’s Dialogue:
Well, I’m not. I want those picks back, and I spent a lot of markers to find out where they went. Now I know, and you’re gonna help me get ’em."
After speaking with Karst, your next step is to initiate the contract by talking to Adiyah. She will open a portal that leads to the facility where the stolen lockpicks are being kept. Ensure you’re ready before starting the mission, as Heists can be challenging, and you’ll need to be prepared for any threats.
Objective:
Once Adiyah opens the portal, enter it to begin the Heist. This will transport you to the location where Karst’s lockpicks are stored. Inside, you’ll need to be quick and stealthy to retrieve the lockpicks and escape before the facility goes into lockdown.
Objective:
Upon entering the facility, your first task is to break in. The facility will be guarded and may have various traps and security systems in place. Karst’s skills as a lockpicker will be crucial here, so make sure he stays alive to handle any locks or barriers in your way.
Objective:
Your primary objective is to locate and steal back Karst’s lockpicks. These prized tools are likely kept in a secure area, so you’ll need to navigate the facility carefully to reach them. Once you find the lockpicks, take them quickly, as their theft will trigger the facility’s security system.
Objective:
After obtaining the lockpicks, you’ll need to escape before the facility goes into lockdown. Lockdown is triggered when the alarm goes off, usually giving you a limited time to get out. If you’re too slow, the facility will seal itself, and you’ll fail the contract. Move swiftly and avoid unnecessary confrontations to ensure a successful escape.
Objective:
If you fail to escape before lockdown, the contract will fail. In this case, you’ll need to return to the Rogue Harbour and wait for another opportunity to complete the mission. Failing a Heist can be frustrating, but it also gives you a chance to reassess your strategy and come back stronger.
Objective:
If you manage to avoid lockdown, your final task is to escape the facility with Karst’s lockpicks. The guards will be on high alert, so be prepared for a challenging exit. Use the environment to your advantage, and keep Karst close as you make your way to the exit.
Objective:
Successfully escaping the facility with the lockpicks marks the completion of the Heist. Return to the Rogue Harbour through Adiyah’s portal to finalize the contract and receive your rewards.
Objective:
After successfully completing the Heist, return to Karst in the Rogue Harbour. He’ll have some final words for you about the lockpicks and the mission. While retrieving the lockpicks might have been satisfying, Karst’s reflection on the experience hints at a deeper sense of loss and betrayal that goes beyond the simple retrieval of his tools.
Objective:
Karst’s Dialogue:
The "Contract: Stolen Lockpicks" quest is a mix of personal revenge and professional skill, offering insight into Karst’s backstory while testing your abilities in a Heist scenario. Successfully completing the mission not only helps Karst recover his prized lockpicks but also solidifies your role as a reliable member of the Rogue Harbour’s crew.
As you continue to undertake Heists, remember that each mission brings its own challenges and rewards. Stay sharp, be quick, and always be ready for the unexpected. Good luck, Exile, and may your Heists be as smooth as Karst’s lockpicking skills!