Side Quests (General) in Oblivion
Oblivion is a vast world filled with countless opportunities for adventure beyond the main quest. Side quests offer a chance to explore hidden corners of Cyrodiil, interact with its diverse inhabitants, and earn valuable rewards. These quests range from simple fetch tasks to complex investigations and dangerous dungeon crawls.
The majority of side quests are initiated by speaking with NPCs in towns, cities, or even the wilderness. Many are discovered organically through exploration or by reading books and notes. Keeping a keen eye on your journal and actively engaging with the world will reveal a wealth of optional content that can sificantly enrich your gameplay experience.
Types of Side Quests
- Fetch Quests: These involve retrieving a specific item for an NPC. While often simple, they can lead to unexpected discoveries.
- Bounty Quests: Offered by the Fighters Guild or local guards, these tasks involve hunting down bandits, monsters, or other criminals.
- Delivery Quests: Similar to fetch quests, but you are tasked with delivering an item or message to another NPC.
- Exploration Quests: These quests often require you to find a specific location, ruin, or item of interest.
- Puzzle Quests: Some quests involve solving riddles or deciphering clues to progress.
- Daedric Shrine Quests: Unique quests offered by Daedric Princes, often with morally ambiguous choices and powerful artifact rewards.
Finding and Initiating Side Quests
- Talk to Everyone: NPCs in taverns, shops, and on the streets are often sources of quests. Pay attention to dialogue that hints at problems or requests.
- Explore Dungeons: Many dungeons contain NPCs or notes that initiate side quests.
- Read Books and Notes: Sometimes, a book or a discarded note can provide the first step to a new adventure.
- Guild Quests: While major guild questlines are extensive, individual guild members may also offer smaller, standalone tasks.
- Rumors: Asking about rumors in taverns can sometimes point you towards interesting side content.
Tips for Completing Side Quests
- Keep Your Journal Updated: The quest journal is your best friend for tracking objectives and locations.
- Prepare for Dungeons: Always stock up on potions, repair materials, and appropriate gear before venturing into unknown territory.
- Save Often: Side quests can sometimes be challenging or lead to unexpected outcomes.
- Consider Your Skills: Some quests may be easier to complete if you have certain skills, like Lockpicking or Sneak.
The sheer volume of side content in Oblivion ensures that there's always something new to discover. Don't hesitate to deviate from the main path; these optional adventures often provide some of the most memorable moments in the game.