This Oblivion guide covers everything players need to master The Elder Scrolls IV. Released in 2006, Oblivion remains one of the most beloved RPGs ever made. Its open world, deep character systems, and hundreds of quests still attract new players today. But, the game’s leveling mechanics and class system can confuse newcomers. Poor choices early on can create weak characters that struggle in late-game content. This guide breaks down character creation, efficient leveling, must-do quests, combat tactics, and travel tips. Whether someone is playing Oblivion for the first time or returning after years away, these strategies will help them conquer Cyrodiil.
Key Takeaways
- Create a custom class with major skills you won’t use constantly to control when level-ups happen and optimize attribute bonuses.
- Prioritize Endurance early since it affects health gained per level, giving you more total HP by end-game.
- Complete the Shrine of Nocturnal quest at level 10 to obtain the Skeleton Key, an unbreakable lockpick that trivializes lockpicking for the rest of the game.
- Use blocking and poisoned weapons in combat—well-timed blocks stagger enemies, and alchemy-crafted poisons add significant damage against tough foes.
- Discover fast travel locations early by walking or riding between cities, and use the Wayshrine network for additional travel points outside towns.
- This Oblivion guide recommends hybrid builds that combine buff spells, summoned creatures, and melee combat for maximum effectiveness in Cyrodiil.
Character Creation and Class Selection
Character creation in Oblivion determines how the entire game plays out. Players choose a race, birthsign, and class, each decision affects stats, abilities, and leveling potential.
Picking the Right Race
Each race offers unique bonuses. Bretons get magic resistance and bonus Intelligence. Redguards excel at combat with Adrenaline Rush. Dark Elves balance magic and melee well. For a first playthrough, Bretons or Dark Elves provide flexibility.
Understanding the Class System
The class system trips up many new players. Oblivion ties leveling to major skills, level those skills, and the character levels up. Here’s the catch: attribute bonuses at level-up depend on which minor skills were also raised.
Many experienced players recommend creating a custom class. They pick major skills they won’t use constantly. This gives control over when level-ups happen. A warrior might choose Alchemy, Conjuration, and Illusion as major skills while actually fighting with Blade and Heavy Armor.
Birthsign Selection
The Atronach birthsign grants 150 extra Magicka but removes natural magic regeneration. The Warrior adds 10 points to Strength and Endurance. The Thief boosts Agility, Speed, and Luck. For combat-focused builds, The Warrior or The Lady work well. Mage builds benefit from The Apprentice or The Mage.
Leveling Efficiently Without Breaking Your Character
Oblivion’s leveling system rewards careful planning. Enemies scale with the player’s level, so gaining levels without improving attributes creates a weaker character over time.
The +5 Attribute Bonus Method
At each level-up, players can raise three attributes. The bonus for each attribute (ranging from +1 to +5) depends on how many skill points were gained in related skills. To get +5 in Strength, a player needs to gain 10 points across Blade, Blunt, and Hand to Hand combined.
Tracking this manually gets tedious. Some players use mods or keep notes. Others simply play naturally and accept lower bonuses, the game is still beatable without perfect leveling.
Prioritize Endurance Early
Endurance affects health gained per level. Higher Endurance early means more total health by end-game. Many Oblivion guide veterans suggest maxing Endurance first, then focusing on primary combat or magic attributes.
Avoid Over-Leveling
Rushing through levels without good gear leaves players vulnerable. The game’s scaling means a level 25 character faces much tougher enemies than a level 10 character. Take time between levels to acquire better equipment and complete dungeons.
Essential Quests to Prioritize Early
Oblivion offers hundreds of quests. Some provide exceptional rewards that help throughout the entire game.
The Shrine of Nocturnal
This Daedric quest rewards the Skeleton Key, an unbreakable lockpick. Players can attempt it at level 10. The quest involves clearing a dungeon in Leyawiin. With the Skeleton Key, lockpicking becomes trivial for the rest of the game.
The Mages Guild Recommendation Quests
Joining the Mages Guild grants access to Arcane University. Players can create custom spells and enchant items there. The recommendation quests across Cyrodiil also introduce useful NPCs and locations.
A Brush with Death
This quest in Cheydinhal rewards a unique house. Players enter a painting to rescue an artist. The painted trolls inside drop Turpentine, which sells for good gold early on.
The Arena
The Imperial City Arena offers quick gold and fame. Fights scale to player level, so starting early keeps them manageable. Completing all ranks nets decent gold and a useful follower.
Combat and Magic Strategies
Combat in Oblivion rewards preparation and smart tactics. Button-mashing works early but fails against tougher enemies.
Melee Combat Tips
Blocking matters more than many players realize. A well-timed block staggers enemies, opening them for counterattacks. Power attacks deal more damage but leave the player vulnerable. Use them when enemies are staggered or recovering from their own attacks.
Poison your weapons before tough fights. Alchemy-crafted poisons add significant damage. Even basic damage health poisons help against leveled enemies.
Magic Strategies
Spell efficiency improves with skill level. A Destruction spell costs less Magicka as the skill increases. Invest in one or two magic schools rather than spreading points thin.
Conjuration provides excellent support. Summoned creatures distract enemies and deal damage. A summoned Dremora Lord can handle most fights alone at higher levels.
Mixed Builds
Hybrid characters work well in this Oblivion guide’s recommended approach. Buff with Alteration spells, summon a creature, then engage in melee. Restoration magic keeps health topped off between fights.
Navigating the World and Fast Travel Tips
Cyrodiil is massive. Smart travel saves hours of playtime.
Discover Locations First
Fast travel only works to discovered locations. Early in the game, walk or ride between cities to unlock them. The main quest sends players to most major cities anyway.
Buy a Horse
Horses speed up overland travel significantly. The cheapest horse costs 500 gold at various stables. Players can also acquire Shadowmere, a powerful, immortal horse, through the Dark Brotherhood questline.
Use the Wayshrine Network
Wayshrines dedicated to the Nine Divines dot the landscape. Praying at them grants blessings. More importantly, discovering them adds fast travel points outside of cities and towns.
Don’t Skip Walking Entirely
Random encounters and hidden dungeons appear while traveling on foot. Some of Oblivion’s best content sits off the beaten path. Balance fast travel with actual exploration.
Carry Capacity Management
Feather spells and potions increase carrying capacity. The Armorer skill lets players repair gear in the field, avoiding trips back to town. Stash excess loot in purchased houses rather than hauling everything constantly.
