The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has arrived, bringing the iconic open-world RPG into a new era with updated visuals and modern enhancements. For newcomers and returning adventurers alike, the sprawling province of Cyrodiil is a treasure trove of quests, secrets, and adventures waiting to be explored. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed in this vast fantasy world. Whether you’re stepping out of the Imperial Prison for the first time or revisiting the game with a nostalgic gleam in your eye, knowing where to start can make all the difference. From mastering early quests to uncovering hidden gems, here are 20 essential things you should do first in Oblivion Remastered to kickstart your journey and make every moment in Cyrodiil unforgettable.
1. Customize Your Character Thoughtfully
Your adventure begins in the sewers beneath the Imperial City, where you’ll create your character. Take time to choose your race, birthsign, and class carefully, as these decisions shape your playstyle. For beginners, a versatile build like a Breton mage or an Orc warrior offers flexibility. Veterans might experiment with hybrid classes to challenge themselves. Oblivion Remastered retains the original’s deep character system, so invest in attributes like Strength or Intelligence that align with your goals.
2. Complete the Tutorial and Grab the Amulet
The opening tutorial introduces you to the game’s mechanics and sets the stage for the main quest. Follow the Emperor’s escape through the sewers, paying attention to combat and stealth tutorials. Before leaving, pick up the Amulet of Kings—it’s your ticket to the main storyline. Don’t rush out; explore the sewers for early loot like lockpicks and potions.
3. Explore the Imperial City First
Once you emerge into Cyrodiil, head to the Imperial City. It’s the game’s central hub, offering shops, guilds, and quests. Visit the Market District to sell loot, buy spells, or repair gear. The city’s vibrant streets, now enhanced with remastered textures, are a perfect introduction to Oblivion’s world.
4. Join a Guild for Early Rewards
Oblivion features several guilds, each with unique questlines. The Fighters Guild and Mages Guild are beginner-friendly, offering early access to training, gear, and safe beds. The Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood are ideal for stealth players but require specific triggers to join. Guild quests provide structure and rewards, making them a great starting point.
5. Pick Up the “Fingers of the Mountain” Quest
Head to Chorrol and visit the Mages Guild to start the “Fingers of the Mountain” quest. This early mission rewards you with a powerful shock spell, perfect for magic users. The remastered visuals make the stormy hilltop battle even more dramatic, so don’t miss it.
6. Level Up Your Major Skills Strategically
Oblivion’s leveling system is unique but tricky. Focus on improving your major skills (chosen during character creation) to level up efficiently. Avoid spamming minor skills, as this can lead to underpowered stats. For example, practice Blade or Destruction in combat to boost Strength or Intelligence.
7. Grab a Horse for Fast Travel
Horses make exploration faster and safer. Visit the stables outside the Imperial City to buy a horse or “borrow” one for free (watch out for guards!). In Oblivion Remastered, horses benefit from smoother animations, making them a stylish way to traverse Cyrodiil.
8. Clear Out Vilverin for Early Loot
Vilverin, a ruin near the tutorial exit, is packed with enemies and treasure. This Ayleid dungeon is manageable for low-level players and offers gold, weapons, and magical items. The remastered lighting enhances its eerie atmosphere, making it a must-visit.
9. Learn to Lockpick and Save Lockpicks
Lockpicking is essential for accessing chests and doors. Practice the mini-game to master the timing, and always carry extra lockpicks. Visit fences in the Thieves Guild or general stores to stock up, as locked treasures are everywhere in Cyrodiil.
10. Visit Weynon Priory to Advance the Main Quest
After exploring the Imperial City, head to Weynon Priory near Chorrol to deliver the Amulet of Kings. This advances the main quest and unlocks new story beats. Don’t rush the main storyline, but completing this step early sets up future objectives.
11. Collect Nirnroot for a Unique Quest
Nirnroot, glowing plants found near water, are tied to the “Seeking Your Roots” quest. Start collecting them early, as they’re scattered across Cyrodiil. The remastered flora visuals make spotting Nirnroot easier, and the quest rewards powerful potions.
12. Experiment with Alchemy
Alchemy is a versatile skill for crafting potions. Gather ingredients like mushrooms and flowers, then visit an alchemy station in the Mages Guild or a shop. Early potions can boost health, stamina, or invisibility, giving you an edge in combat.
13. Explore the Arena for Fame and Gold
The Imperial City’s Arena offers thrilling combat challenges and quick rewards. Join as a combatant, bet on matches, or fight for glory. Winning early matches earns gold and fame, and the remastered crowd animations make the experience immersive.
14. Find a Safe House for Storage
Storage is crucial for hoarding loot. Join a guild to access a free bed and chest, or buy a cheap house in the Imperial City Waterfront. Store valuable items like soul gems or rare weapons to declutter your inventory.
15. Hunt for Ayleid Statues
Ayleid Statues, found in ruins like Vilverin, are part of the “Collector” quest. Selling these to Umbacano in the Imperial City earns significant gold. Start this quest early, as statues are scattered across dungeons you’ll explore naturally.
16. Train with NPCs to Boost Skills
Training is a fast way to improve skills. Visit trainers in guilds or towns to pay for lessons in skills like Blade, Sneak, or Restoration. Each trainer has a level cap, so seek out higher-level trainers as you progress.
17. Discover Hidden Caves and Forts
Cyrodiil is dotted with caves, forts, and ruins filled with enemies and loot. Explore places like Fort Ash or Crayfish Cave near the Imperial City for early challenges. The remastered environments make these locations visually spectacular.
18. Complete “The Killing Field” for Companions
In Chorrol, the “The Killing Field” quest involves helping a family defend their farm. It’s a straightforward mission that rewards you with temporary companions, useful for early dungeon crawling. The quest’s updated textures enhance its rural charm.
19. Invest in Repair Hammers
Weapons and armor degrade with use, so stock up on repair hammers from blacksmiths. Repairing gear yourself saves gold and keeps you combat-ready. This is especially important in(=20) in Oblivion, as damaged gear reduces effectiveness.
20. Save Often and Experiment
Oblivion Remastered is about freedom, so save frequently to experiment with quests, builds, and choices. Try different playstyles, explore side quests, and embrace the game’s depth. With remastered visuals, every moment in Cyrodiil feels fresh and vibrant.
Why These Steps Matter
These 20 activities provide a balanced start, blending exploration, combat, and progression. They introduce you to Oblivion’s core systems—quests, skills, and exploration—while maximizing early rewards. Whether you’re a stealthy thief, a spell-slinging mage, or a battle-hardened warrior, these steps ensure you’re ready to conquer Cyrodiil.
Tips for Success
Balance Exploration and Quests: Mix main story missions with side quests to keep leveling manageable.
Use Fast Travel: Save time by fast-traveling to discovered locations, but explore on foot for immersion.
Join the Community: Engage with Oblivion’s modding and fan communities for tips, mods, and texture fixes (especially given recent texture controversies).
Final Thoughts
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is a timeless adventure, and these 20 essential activities will set you on the path to greatness. From joining guilds to collecting Nirnroot, each step builds your skills, wealth, and connection to Cyrodiil’s world. The remaster’s enhanced visuals bring new life to this classic, making now the perfect time to dive in. Whether you’re closing Oblivion Gates or exploring hidden ruins, these early actions ensure your journey is epic from the start. Grab your sword, ready your spells, and step into a world of endless possibilities.
