The Great Gate — The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Walkthrough

The Great Gate

The closing of the Great Gate is a pivotal moment in the main quest of Oblivion, marking the final push against the Daedric invasion. This formidable Oblivion Gate, located just outside the city of Bruma, is the largest and most significant of its kind. Successfully navigating its treacherous landscape and destroying the Sigil Stone within is crucial to pushing back Mehrunes Dagon's forces and ultimately saving Tamriel.

Preparing for the Assault

Before you can even consider entering the Oblivion realm, a significant battle will take place outside Bruma. Emperor Uriel Septim VII's son, Martin Septim, will be present, along with a contingent of allied forces from various Cyrodiilic cities. Your role is to assist in defending them and ensuring their survival.

• Allied Forces: You'll fight alongside soldiers from Bruma, Cheydinhal, Chorrol, and other regions. Their presence is vital for the subsequent assault.
• Objective: Your primary goal during this initial phase is to eliminate the Daedra attacking the allied forces and clear a path for them to advance towards the Great Gate.
• Key NPCs: Martin Septim will be a crucial figure. Ensure his safety, as his survival is paramount to the main quest's progression.

Navigating the Oblivion Realm

Once the initial assault is successful and the path to the Great Gate is clear, you will lead the charge into the Daedric dimension. The Oblivion realm is a hostile and alien landscape, characterized by volcanic terrain, lava flows, and twisted flora. Expect constant enemy presence and environmental hazards.

The Path to the Sigil Keep

The journey through the Oblivion realm is not linear. You will need to navigate a series of interconnected islands and structures, often requiring the use of magical bridges or teleporters to progress. The Sigil Keep, the central structure housing the Sigil Stone, is your ultimate destination.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough:

1. Enter the Gate: After the battle outside Bruma, approach the massive Oblivion Gate and enter.
2. Initial Descent: You will find yourself on a rocky, volcanic landscape. Immediately, you will be attacked by Daedra.
3. Follow the Path: The path is generally linear, leading you through various Daedric structures. Keep moving forward, engaging any enemies you encounter.
4. Daedric Structures: You will encounter several distinct Daedric structures. These often contain enemies, loot, and sometimes levers or mechanisms to open new paths.
5. Sigil Keep Approach: As you get closer to the Sigil Keep, the terrain may become more challenging, with more lava and difficult jumps.
6. The Sigil Keep: This is the largest structure. You will need to ascend it, fighting your way to the top.
7. The Sigil Stone: At the very apex of the Sigil Keep, you will find the Sigil Stone.

Common Enemies in Oblivion

The Oblivion realm is teeming with Daedric creatures. Be prepared for several threats:

• Clannfear: Small, fast, and often attack in groups. Their melee attacks can be surprisingly damaging.
• Scamp: Weak but numerous Daedra that use fire magic.
• Flame Atronach: Ranged attackers that hurl fireballs. They can be dangerous from a distance.
• Frost Atronach: Slower than Flame Atronachs but possess powerful melee attacks and can cast frost spells.
• Daedroth: Larger, more powerful Daedra that can cast spells and are formidable in melee combat.
• Dremora: The most common and dangerous Daedra you'll face. They wield enchanted weapons and can cast several spells. Different ranks of Dremora exist, with higher ranks being significantly more powerful.

Strategy and Loadouts

Successfully closing the Great Gate requires preparation and tactical thinking. The Oblivion realm is a constant drain on your resources, and the enemies are relentless.

• Recommended Spells:
  • Fire Resistance: Essential for mitigating damage from Daedric fire attacks.
  • Frost Resistance: Useful against Frost Atronachs and some Dremora.
  • Absorb Health/Magicka: Can provide sustain during prolonged engagements.
  • Damage Spells: Frost and shock damage are generally effective against Daedra, as they have fewer resistances to these elements compared to fire.
  • Summoning Spells: A summoned creature can act as a distraction and deal additional damage.
• Recommended Gear:
  • High Armor Rating: Essential for surviving melee encounters.
  • Resistances: Enchantments providing fire and frost resistance are invaluable.
  • Weapon Enchantments: Weapons enchanted with shock or frost damage can be very effective.
• Combat Tactics:
  • Prioritize Ranged Threats: Deal with Flame Atronachs and spellcasting Dremora first to reduce incoming damage.
  • Use the Environment: Lava flows can be used to your advantage, forcing enemies into choke points or damaging them if they fall in.
  • Manage Stamina: Sprinting and attacking consume stamina. Ensure you have enough for combat.
  • Heal Proactively: Don't wait until you're critically low on health to use potions or spells.

The Sigil Stone and Its Importance

The Sigil Stone is the heart of the Oblivion Gate. Destroying it will cause the gate to collapse and seal, preventing further Daedric incursions through that specific portal.

• Acquisition: Upon reaching the top of the Sigil Keep, you will interact with the Sigil Stone.
• Reward: The primary reward for closing the gate is the Sigil Stone itself. These are powerful enchanted items that can be used to enchant your own gear.
• Sigil Stone Stats: Sigil Stones come in varying strengths and enchantments. The Sigil Stone obtained from closing the Great Gate is typically one of the most powerful available in the game. Its enchantments can include significant boosts to attributes, skills, resistances, or damage.
• Enchanting: You will need an Arcane Enchanter to apply the Sigil Stone's enchantment to your weapons or armor.

Timed Mission Management

This mission has a subtle timed element. While there isn't a visible countdown timer, the longer you take, the more difficult the situation can become, and the fewer resources you might have for subsequent quests. Moving efficiently through the Oblivion realm is key. Prioritize objectives, avoid unnecessary detours, and engage enemies strategically rather than getting bogged down in prolonged fights.

Common Pitfalls and Missables

• Ignoring Allies: While your primary focus is the Sigil Stone, ensure the allied forces survive the initial assault outside Bruma. Their survival is critical for the main quest.
• Running Out of Resources: Oblivion gates are resource sinks. Ensure you have ample healing potions, magicka potions, and repair materials before entering.
• Environmental Hazards: Lava and treacherous terrain can lead to quick deaths. Be mindful of your footing and avoid falling into lava.
• Looting Everything: While loot is important, don't get sidetracked by every chest. Focus on reaching the Sigil Keep efficiently.