Class selection in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is your first major decision in defining your character's combat style and magical aptitude. While you can eventually develop any skill regardless of your starting class, your chosen class grants sificant starting skill bonuses and determines your primary attributes. This guide will help you understand the different classes and how they influence your early game experience and long-term character build.
Custom vs. Predetermined Classes
Oblivion Remastered offers both pre-made classes and a custom class creation system. Pre-made classes provide a straightforward starting point, while custom classes allow for fine-tuning your character's initial strengths. Regardless of your choice, you'll be prompted to select seven major skills that will receive a +5 bonus each. These skills are crucial for your initial progression.
Understanding Attributes and Skills
Your character has seven primary attributes: Strength, Intelligence, Willpower, Agility, Speed, Endurance, and Personality. Each attribute governs several skills. For example, Strength influences Blade, Blunt, and Hand to Hand, while Intelligence governs Destruction, Mysticism, and Alteration. Your starting class and chosen major skills will determine your initial attribute distribution.
Sample Classes and Their Focus
Here are a few examples of common class archetypes and their typical skill focuses:
- Warrior: Focuses on combat skills like Blade, Blunt, Heavy Armor, and Block. Attributes like Strength and Endurance are paramount.
- Mage: Emphasizes magical schools such as Destruction, Mysticism, Alteration, and Conjuration. Intelligence and Willpower are key.
- Thief: Relies on stealth and agility, with skills like Sneak, Light Armor, Lockpicking, and Speechcraft. Agility and Speed are important.
- Spellsword: A hybrid class combining magic and melee. Skills might include Blade, Destruction, and Light Armor. A balance of Strength and Intelligence is often beneficial.
- Nightblade: A stealthy mage who uses illusion and conjuration alongside daggers or short swords. Agility and Intelligence are crucial.
Choosing Your Major Skills
When creating a custom class, selecting your seven major skills is critical. These skills will level up faster, contributing to your overall character level more quickly. Consider the following:
- Synergy: Choose skills that complement each other. A warrior might pick Blade, Block, Heavy Armor, Smithing, Endurance, Strength, and Athletics.
- Playstyle: Al your skills with how you want to play. If you want to be a powerful mage, focus on the magic schools. If you prefer sneaking, prioritize stealth skills.
- Attribute Bonuses: Your major skills determine your starting attribute bonuses. If you choose many skills governed by Strength, you'll start with a higher Strength.
The Impact of Starting Skills
Your starting skills directly influence your early game effectiveness. A character with high Blade skill will be more proficient with swords from the outset, while a character with high Destruction will cast offensive spells more powerfully. This doesn't mean you're locked into a specific playstyle, but it does provide a sificant advantage in your chosen area.
Example Custom Class: The Arcane Warrior
Major Skills: Blade, Destruction, Alteration, Light Armor, Block, Willpower, Athletics.
Rationale: This build focuses on a melee fighter who can augment their combat with magic. Blade for melee, Destruction for ranged offense, Alteration for defensive buffs (like Shield spells), Light Armor and Block for survivability, Willpower for Magicka, and Athletics for mobility.