Delving into the Races of Tamriel
Embarking on a grand adventure in the world of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is a truly captivating experience. From the rolling hills of Cyrodiil to the dark, imposing dungeons beneath, the game offers a vast landscape to explore, teeming with quests, characters, and dangers. But before you can begin your journey, you must make a crucial decision: which race will you choose? This choice goes beyond mere aesthetics; it significantly shapes your gameplay, influencing your starting attributes, skills, special abilities, and ultimately, your experience in the game. Choosing the “best race” in Oblivion is a highly subjective matter, varying greatly depending on your preferred playstyle and how you envision your character progressing. This article will delve into the various races available, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, and helping you determine which one is the perfect fit for your adventure in the province of Cyrodiil. We’ll explore the best options for different character archetypes, taking into account not just the raw stats, but also the roleplaying and thematic elements that make Oblivion such a rich and immersive game.
Altmer (High Elf)
The Altmer (High Elf), known for their inherent magical prowess, begin with a significant boost to their Magicka, the magical energy pool. They excel in skills like Destruction, Mysticism, and Illusion. Their special ability, Highborn, allows them to regenerate Magicka rapidly once per day, making them formidable spellcasters.
Argonian
The Argonian, adapted to the marshlands of Black Marsh, possess unique advantages. They are resistant to disease and poison and can breathe underwater. Their preferred skills include Restoration, Alchemy, and Security, offering a unique playstyle that blends survival with a touch of lockpicking.
Bosmer (Wood Elf)
The Bosmer (Wood Elf), masters of archery and stealth, are skilled in skills such as Marksman, Sneak, and Light Armor. Their special ability, Command Animals, allows them to calm nearby creatures once per day, creating opportunities for stealthy approaches.
Breton
The Breton, hailing from High Rock, are natural magic-users, possessing inherent resistance to magic. They have proficiency in skills such as Conjuration, Alchemy, and Mysticism, making them excellent mages with enhanced defenses.
Dunmer (Dark Elf)
The Dunmer (Dark Elf), renowned for their tenacity and skill, have a natural affinity for fire magic and combat. They excel in skills like Destruction, Athletics, and Blade. Their special ability, Ancestor’s Wrath, allows them to deal fire damage to nearby enemies once per day.
Imperial
The Imperial, citizens of the vast Empire, are well-rounded and skilled in various fields. Their proficiency lies in skills like Blade, Blunt, and Mercantile, making them ideal for diplomatic characters or those who enjoy bartering. Their special ability, Star of the West, allows them to restore their health once per day.
Khajiit
The Khajiit, cat-like humanoids, are renowned for their agility and stealth. They excel in skills like Acrobatics, Sneak, and Hand to Hand. Their special ability, Night Eye, allows them to see in the dark, making them perfect for nighttime missions.
Nord
The Nord, hailing from Skyrim, are tough and resilient warriors, excelling in combat. They favor skills like Blade, Block, and Athletics. Their special ability, Battle Cry, allows them to demoralize nearby enemies once per day.
Orc
The Orc, fierce and powerful warriors, are known for their brute strength and tenacity. They excel in skills like Heavy Armor, Armorer, and Axe. Their special ability, Berserk, allows them to increase their strength and fatigue for a limited time once per day, making them devastating in combat.
Redguard
The Redguard, skilled swordsmen and athletes, are proficient in combat and exploration. They favor skills like Blade, Athletics, and Block. Their special ability, Adrenaline Rush, allows them to quickly regenerate fatigue once per day, vital for endurance.
Finding the Perfect Fit: Races for Specific Roles
Casting Spells: A Mage’s Delight
For those who want to wield the power of magic, the Altmer (High Elf) is a popular and powerful choice. Their massive starting Magicka pool and the ability to rapidly regenerate it with Highborn give them a significant advantage. However, this comes at the cost of being vulnerable to magic. The Breton, with their inherent Magic Resistance, are also excellent choices for mages, offering excellent defense against magical attacks. Their skill bonuses in Conjuration and Mysticism support building powerful spellcasters.
Wielding Steel: The Warrior’s Path
If you prefer a more direct approach, charging into combat with sword and shield, consider the Orc. Their high starting Strength and Endurance, along with their Berserk ability, make them incredibly powerful melee combatants. They are also naturally adept at Heavy Armor and Armorer, enhancing their survivability. The Nord is another strong contender, known for their strength and resistance to frost magic. Their Battle Cry ability can be incredibly helpful in combat to demoralize enemies, giving you a moment to breath.
Shadows and Deceit: The Master of Stealth
For those who prefer to move in the shadows, the Khajiit is a natural choice. Their Night Eye ability is invaluable for navigating dark areas and their inherent skills in Acrobatics and Sneak are ideal for stealthy gameplay. The Bosmer (Wood Elf) is another excellent option, with their Command Animals ability. This gives you a tactical advantage in many situations, allowing you to control the battlefield in certain areas. Their bonuses in Marksman and Sneak make them a good option for ranged stealth builds.
Bluring the Lines: Versatile Builds
Many players do not want to restrict themselves to one specific archetype and the great thing about Oblivion is how flexible the skill system is. If you want to become the ultimate jack-of-all-trades, the Dunmer (Dark Elf), Breton, and Redguard can offer versatility. The Dunmer, with their bonuses to Destruction, Blade, and Athletics, can effectively transition between magic and combat. The Breton offers a good mix of magic and defense. The Redguard, with their Adrenaline Rush, excel in both melee combat and a more general adventuring style.
More Than Just Stats: Considering the Game’s Deeper Aspects
Embracing the Roleplaying Aspect
Oblivion’s rich lore and diverse factions encourage roleplaying. Consider how your chosen race’s background, culture, and inherent biases will shape your character’s personality and interactions with the world. Will you embrace your racial stereotypes or defy them? Are you more inclined to join the Mages Guild as an Altmer, or will your Dunmer character have conflict with the factions due to the history of the races?
The Importance of Looks
Character appearance plays a vital role in enjoying any role-playing game. Take some time to customize your character’s appearance to truly connect to your character. Oblivion has a good selection of character models, and ensuring your character design appeals to you enhances your overall experience.
Navigating the World’s Political Landscape
While the world is your oyster, some races will find certain areas of Cyrodiil easier or more challenging. Some races have pre-built alliances. Some races are viewed more suspiciously by others. Consider these political nuances as you decide your race, especially if you are choosing a character based on its roleplay and story capabilities.
Concluding Thoughts: Finding Your Best Race
Ultimately, the “best race” in Oblivion is the one that resonates most with your individual playstyle and your vision for your character. There is no objectively superior choice. Carefully consider the strengths and weaknesses of each race, the character role you intend to play, and the kind of experience you desire. Are you a mage, warrior, thief, or something in between? Do you value raw power, strategic advantage, or immersive roleplaying? The answers to these questions will guide you to the perfect race to begin your adventure.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Oblivion offers the freedom to shape your character as you see fit. Try different races, explore various skill sets, and most importantly, have fun. The world of Oblivion awaits, and with the right race, you can conquer its challenges and create a legend that will last for ages!
