Oblivion Remastered – Top 25 Tips I WISH I KNEW Before Playing | Ultimate Beginner Guide

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered breathes new life into the 2006 RPG classic, offering newcomers a dazzling world of adventure in Cyrodiil. With enhanced graphics, smoother controls, and a sprawling open world, this remastered version is the perfect entry point for beginners. However, Oblivion’s depth can be daunting without guidance. To help you avoid common pitfalls and dive into the fun, here are 25 essential tips I wish I knew before playing Oblivion Remastered. This ultimate beginner guide will set you up for success as you explore Tamriel’s wonders.

Getting Started: Building Your Hero

Pick a Race That Fits Your Style
Choose from 10 races, like Bretons for magic or Orcs for combat. Each has unique bonuses—Bretons resist magic, while Khajiit excel at stealth. Read the descriptions during character creation to match your preferred playstyle.

Select a Birthsign for Boosts
Birthsigns grant permanent perks, like the Warrior’s strength bonus or the Mage’s extra magicka. For beginners, the Lady (boosts Endurance and Willpower) offers balanced survivability.

Choose or Customize Your Class
Pick a premade class like Warrior or Thief, or create a custom one. Select major skills (e.g., Blade, Sneak) that you’ll use often, as they level faster and drive your character’s growth.

Save Before Finalizing Your Character
The opening dungeon lets you adjust your race, birthsign, and class before exiting. Save before leaving to test different builds without restarting.

Focus on One Playstyle Early
Oblivion rewards specialization. Decide if you’re a fighter, mage, or thief, and prioritize related skills (e.g., Destruction for mages) to avoid spreading yourself too thin.

Mastering the Basics

Learn to Block in Combat
Hold the block button to reduce damage from enemy attacks. Time your blocks to stagger foes, giving you a chance to counterattack. The remastered combat feels more responsive, making this easier.

Carry Repair Hammers
Weapons and armor wear out with use. Buy repair hammers from blacksmiths, like The Best Defense in the Imperial City, to fix gear and maintain its effectiveness.

Use Healing Spells or Potions
Learn Restore Health spells (Restoration school) or carry health potions, found in dungeons or shops. Use them during fights to stay alive, especially against tough enemies like trolls.

Save Frequently
Oblivion doesn’t autosave often. Save manually before entering dungeons, starting quests, or making big decisions to avoid losing progress if you die or make a mistake.

Understand the Compass
The compass points to quest objectives and nearby locations. Green arrows mark active quests, while red arrows show undiscovered places. Use it to navigate Cyrodiil’s vast world.

Exploration and Quests

Explore Beyond the Main Quest
The main story, involving Emperor Uriel Septim’s death, is gripping, but side quests are where Oblivion shines. Visit cities like Chorrol or join guilds for rich stories and rewards.

Join a Guild for Structure
The Fighters Guild, Mages Guild, Thieves Guild, or Dark Brotherhood offer beginner-friendly quests, free gear, and trainers. Start with the Fighters Guild in Anvil for straightforward combat missions.

Fast Travel for Convenience
Click on discovered locations on the map to fast travel, saving time. The remastered map is clearer, but walk short distances to find hidden caves or loot.

Close Oblivion Gates Carefully
Oblivion Gates are fiery portals with tough enemies. Grab the Sigil Stone at the top for enchantments, but save before entering, as they’re challenging for low-level players.

Talk to NPCs for Clues
NPCs share rumors, quest hints, and lore. Chat with innkeepers or guards in cities like Bravil to uncover side quests or learn about nearby dangers.

Managing Resources

Don’t Overload Your Inventory
Carrying too much weight slows you down. Sell excess items at shops or store them in safe containers, like a chest in a guild hall or your house.

Buy a House for Storage
Purchase a cheap house, like the Imperial City Waterfront shack, to store gear safely. The remastered version adds new decor options to personalize your space.

Haggle with Merchants
Use the Speechcraft minigame to charm merchants for better prices. Higher Disposition lowers costs, so practice in the Market District for early gold savings.

Gather Alchemy Ingredients
Pick plants, mushrooms, and food (e.g., apples, venison) to craft potions. Even beginners can make health or stamina potions with a mortar and pestle, found in shops or dungeons.

Sell High-Value Loot
Enchanted items or gems fetch high prices. Sell to specialty shops, like Rindir’s Staffs for magic gear, to fund better weapons or armor.

Surviving and Thriving

Sneak to Avoid Fights
Crouch to enter sneak mode and avoid detection. Stay in shadows (enhanced by remastered lighting) to bypass enemies or pickpocket NPCs for extra gold.

Adjust the Difficulty Slider
If fights feel too hard, lower the difficulty in the settings menu. This makes enemies deal less damage, helping beginners survive tough encounters like bandit camps.

Train with Skill Experts
Pay trainers, found in guilds or cities, to boost skills like Blade or Restoration. Early trainers, like Eitar in Skingrad for Sneak, are affordable and speed up progress.

Read In-Game Books
Books scattered across Cyrodiil offer lore, skill boosts, or quest hints. Reading “The Argonian Account” in a bookstore can permanently increase your Athletics skill.

Immerse Yourself in the World
Take time to enjoy Cyrodiil’s beauty—lush forests, glowing Ayleid ruins, and bustling cities. The remastered visuals make exploration a joy, so wander off the beaten path to discover hidden stories.

Why Oblivion Remastered Is Perfect for Beginners

Oblivion Remastered is a beginner’s dream, blending accessibility with depth. The updated graphics bring Tamriel to life, from shimmering lakes to fiery Oblivion Gates, while smoother controls make combat and spellcasting intuitive. The game’s open-ended nature lets you play at your own pace—whether storming dungeons, joining guilds, or decorating your first house. These 25 tips address common beginner challenges, like managing inventory or surviving early fights, while encouraging you to explore the world’s richness.

The remastered version includes quality-of-life improvements, like a clearer interface and enhanced NPC interactions, making it easier to dive into quests or learn mechanics. The included DLCs, such as Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles, add even more content for when you’re ready to expand your adventure. With these tips, you’ll avoid frustration and embrace the freedom that makes Oblivion a timeless classic.

Final Thoughts

Starting Oblivion Remastered can feel overwhelming, but these 25 tips equip you with the knowledge to thrive from the start. From crafting your perfect hero to exploring Cyrodiil’s secrets, you’re now ready to forge your own legend. The remastered polish—vibrant visuals, responsive gameplay, and immersive sound—makes every step of your journey unforgettable. Whether you’re battling Daedra, stealing from nobles, or simply admiring the sunset, Oblivion offers endless possibilities.

Grab your sword, charge your magicka, and dive into Tamriel. With these tips, you’re not just playing Oblivion Remastered—you’re living it. Start your adventure today and discover why this RPG remains a beloved masterpiece.