The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Things to Do First in Oblivion

Learn the best early steps for Oblivion. Prioritize quests, skills, and essential exploration to set up your character for success in Cyrodiil.

Things to Do First in Oblivion

Upon escaping the Imperial Prison and beginning your adventure in Cyrodiil, the sheer freedom of Oblivion can be overwhelming. To make the most of your initial hours, it's wise to focus on a few key activities that will set you up for success. Prioritizing certain quests, skill development, and exploration can sificantly enhance your early gameplay experience and prepare you for the challenges ahead.

Starting strong involves understanding the game's core mechanics and taking advantage of early opportunities. This includes joining guilds, exploring nearby areas for valuable loot and experience, and beginning quests that offer substantial rewards or introduce you to crucial game systems. A well-planned start can make the rest of your journey much smoother.

Early Game Priorities

  1. Character Build: Ensure your character build als with your intended playstyle. Focus on a few key skills and attributes to maximize early effectiveness.
  2. Join the Guilds: The Fighters Guild, Mages Guild, and Thieves Guild offer excellent early quests, training, and access to unique gear. Starting these questlines early provides consistent income and experience.
  3. Explore the Surrounding Area: After leaving the Imperial Prison, explore the immediate vicinity of the Imperial City. You'll find minor dungeons, bandit camps, and potentially your first Oblivion gate.
  4. Complete Mages Guild Recommendations: These quests are vital for gaining access to the Arcane University, where you can create custom spells and enchant items.
  5. Seek Out Wayshrines: Discovering Wayshrines dedicated to the Eight Divines offers blessings and acts as fast travel points, making future travel more efficient.
  6. Gather Alchemy Ingredients: If you plan to use alchemy, start collecting common ingredients early.
  7. Learn about Combat: Practice your chosen combat style against weaker enemies to get a feel for the mechanics.

Recommended Early Quests

  • 'A Minor Concern' (Nirnroot Quest): Initiated by speaking to Sinderion in Skingrad, this quest provides a steady stream of valuable alchemy ingredients and introduces you to a key NPC.
  • Fighters Guild Quests: Start with the introductory quests in Cheydinhal or Bravil to earn gold and improve your combat skills.
  • Mages Guild Quests: Begin the recommendation quests in the nearest major city to start your journey towards the Arcane University.
  • Thieves Guild Initiation: If you favor stealth, seek out the Thieves Guild in Bravil or Anvil early on.

Important Considerations

  • Don't Rush the Main Quest: While important, the main quest can be challenging early on. Building your character and exploring side content first is often beneficial.
  • Save Frequently: Oblivion features a robust autosave system, but manual saves are crucial, especially before important decisions or challenging encounters.
  • Manage Your Inventory: Avoid becoming over-encumbered by selling or storing excess items regularly.