Introduction
The whispers have turned into rumblings, and the anticipation is palpable. The rumors of an Oblivion Remake have set the gaming world ablaze. For those who braved the gates of Oblivion the first time around, a return to Cyrodiil represents a nostalgic homecoming. For a new generation of gamers, it’s a chance to experience a legendary RPG that defined a genre. The original Oblivion carved its name into the history of gaming with its expansive world, deep lore, and unparalleled freedom. With the remake, we hope to see that same experience taken to new heights. This article is your essential guide to mastering the Oblivion Remake, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a fresh-faced adventurer about to take your first steps in Tamriel. We’ll dive into the essential tips and tricks that will ensure you thrive in this sprawling world, from character creation to quest completion. Prepare to sharpen your blades, conjure your spells, and embark on an unforgettable journey.
Character Creation & Early Game
Creating your character is the first step in your Oblivion Remake adventure, and it’s a crucial one. Your race, class, and skills will shape your entire experience.
Race Selection
Oblivion offers a diverse selection of races, each with unique abilities and stat boosts. Nords are hardy warriors with resistance to frost, perfect for a melee-focused build. High Elves are gifted mages with increased magicka, ideal for those who want to master the arcane arts. Redguards are skilled swordsmen with increased agility, great for a fast-paced combat style. The choice is yours, and it should align with the type of character you envision playing. Think about whether you want to be a stealthy assassin, a powerful spellcaster, or a heavily armored knight. Your race will influence your strengths and weaknesses, so choose wisely. While any race can ultimately become proficient in any skill, certain races have an inherent advantage that can make the early game easier.
Class & Skills
You have the option of choosing a premade class or creating a custom one. Premade classes offer a balanced starting point, providing a set of skills that complement each other. However, creating a custom class allows you to tailor your character to your specific playstyle. Consider carefully which skills you want to focus on. The Oblivion Remake uses a skill-based leveling system, meaning you level up by improving your skills. Focus on your major skills, as these will contribute to your overall level progression. However, don’t neglect your minor skills, as they can provide valuable support and versatility. Remember that you only level up when you increase your major skills by a certain amount. This means if you choose a build based on multiple skill sets, you may want to focus on a singular skill set initially to get past the initial level thresholds to get better skills.
Tutorial Dungeon
The tutorial dungeon is designed to introduce you to the game’s mechanics and lore. Pay attention to the instructions and take your time to explore each area. Use this opportunity to experiment with different weapons, spells, and abilities. The tutorial dungeon also provides a chance to acquire some early-game gear and supplies. Search every nook and cranny for hidden chests and items. The equipment you find here will give you a significant advantage when you finally emerge into the open world. Don’t rush through it; instead, learn how to navigate efficiently, manage your inventory, and engage in combat effectively.
Early Gold
Gold is essential for purchasing equipment, training skills, and upgrading your gear. In the early game, finding reliable sources of income can be challenging. One of the easiest ways to earn gold is by looting dungeons and selling the items you find. Look for valuable items like jewelry, weapons, and armor. Another option is to complete simple quests for the townsfolk. These quests often involve fetching items, delivering messages, or clearing out nearby monster dens. These quests may seem insignificant, but they can provide a steady stream of income and help you build your reputation. As you level up and become more powerful, you’ll be able to tackle more lucrative quests and challenges.
Combat & Exploration
Combat Tips
Combat in the Oblivion Remake can be challenging, especially in the early game. Mastering the combat system is essential for survival. Learn to use different weapon types effectively. Swords are versatile and offer a good balance of speed and damage. Axes are powerful but slow, ideal for dealing heavy blows. Maces are effective against armored opponents. Experiment with different weapons to find what suits your playstyle. Blocking and dodging are crucial for avoiding damage. Learn to time your blocks and dodges to evade enemy attacks. This will help you conserve health and stamina, allowing you to stay in the fight longer. Pay attention to your enemies’ attack patterns. Different enemies have different strengths and weaknesses. Some enemies are vulnerable to magic, while others are resistant to it. Adapt your tactics accordingly. For example, skeletons are vulnerable to blunt weapons, while trolls are weak to fire.
Exploration Tips
The world of Cyrodiil is vast and filled with secrets. Exploring is a key part of the Oblivion Remake experience. Always carry a map with you. The map will help you navigate the world and find your way to your destinations. Pay attention to landmarks. Landmarks like mountains, rivers, and ruins can help you orient yourself and find your way back to familiar locations. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path. Some of the most rewarding experiences in Oblivion come from exploring hidden dungeons, discovering secret locations, and uncovering forgotten lore. Fast travel is the fastest way to navigate the world. This function is available by walking to a main city and discovering it. Once this is complete, you may teleport back to the city.
Managing Infamy
If you engage in criminal activities, such as stealing or murdering, you will gain infamy. Having a high level of infamy can have negative consequences, such as being attacked by guards or being denied service by merchants. If you gain infamy, there are ways to reduce it. You can pay fines to the authorities, serve time in jail, or complete quests for certain factions that specialize in redemption. It is important to keep your infamy in check, especially if you plan to join certain guilds or factions that have strict moral codes. Maintaining a good reputation can open doors to new opportunities and rewards.
Skills & Magic
Skill Leveling
The Oblivion Remake features a skill-based leveling system, where your character’s attributes and abilities improve as you use them. Focus on your major skills to level up quickly. The game focuses on you leveling your major skills so you want to level those up strategically. If you have a strength and endurance based character and set athletics as a major skill, you can focus solely on running around to quickly level up.
Magic System
The Oblivion Remake features a deep and versatile magic system. There are several schools of magic, each with its own unique spells and effects. Destruction magic allows you to damage your enemies with fire, frost, and shock. Restoration magic allows you to heal yourself and others. Illusion magic allows you to manipulate the minds of your enemies. Conjuration magic allows you to summon creatures to fight alongside you. Alteration magic allows you to manipulate the environment. Experiment with different spells and find the ones that suit your playstyle. You can also create custom spells by combining different effects.
Alchemy
Alchemy is a valuable skill in the Oblivion Remake. It allows you to create potions and poisons by combining different ingredients. Potions can be used to heal yourself, restore your magicka, or grant temporary buffs. Poisons can be used to weaken your enemies or inflict damage over time. Experiment with different ingredients to discover new recipes. You can find ingredients throughout the world, growing in gardens, or inside enemies.
Questing & Factions
Main Quest
The main quest in the Oblivion Remake is an epic journey that will take you across Cyrodiil. The main quest can be daunting, so prepare yourself and keep in mind these tips. Prepare for challenging battles and complex puzzles. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of memorable characters and uncover the secrets of the Oblivion Crisis. Completing the main quest will reward you with powerful items and unlock new abilities.
Guilds/Factions
Joining guilds and factions can provide you with access to new quests, items, and training. The Fighters Guild is a group of mercenaries who take on contracts to protect the innocent. The Mages Guild is a group of scholars who study magic. The Thieves Guild is a group of rogues who specialize in stealth and deception. The Dark Brotherhood is a group of assassins who carry out contracts for their clients. Joining these factions can provide you with unique skills and stories to take part in.
Side Quests
In addition to the main quest and faction quests, there are countless side quests to discover in the Oblivion Remake. Talking to non-player characters is a great way to find these side quests. Many of these quests are simple fetch quests or kill quests, but others are complex and rewarding. Completing side quests can reward you with gold, items, and experience. They also provide a deeper understanding of the world and its inhabitants.
Tips for Returning Players
Understanding Changes
If you’re a returning player from the original Oblivion, be prepared for some changes in the remake. Pay attention to the updates to the graphics, gameplay mechanics, and quest design. Some of these changes may require you to adjust your playstyle or strategies.
Quality of Life Mods
One of the great things about Oblivion is its modding community. If you want to enhance your experience, consider installing some quality-of-life mods. These mods can improve the graphics, add new features, and fix bugs.
Conclusion
The Oblivion Remake is poised to be an epic adventure, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new player. By following these essential tips and tricks, you’ll be well-prepared to master Tamriel and conquer the Oblivion Crisis. Remember to explore the world, experiment with different skills and playstyles, and most importantly, have fun! The world of Cyrodiil awaits, filled with danger, opportunity, and endless possibilities. Sharpen your blades, ready your spells, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Oblivion. Good luck, adventurer!
