The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is an iconic action role-playing game that has captivated gamers for decades with its richly detailed open world, intricate storyline, and endless character customization options. Developed by Bethesda Game Studios, Oblivion was first released in 2006 for PC and consoles, setting a new standard for the RPG genre. This comprehensive guide is designed to help both newcomers and veteran players navigate the vast world of Cyrodiil, master its intricate mechanics, and uncover its deepest secrets.
Getting Started: Character Creation and Game Mechanics
Upon launching the game, players are introduced to the character creation process, where they can choose from various races, each with unique abilities and starting attributes. The game’s main story begins with the player character being a prisoner, sentenced to death, but fate intervenes as they are freed by the Emperor of Tamriel himself, Uriel Septim VII. The Emperor tasks the player with finding and closing the Oblivion gates, which are portals to the demonic realm of Oblivion that are opening across Cyrodiil, threatening to destroy the world.
Understanding Attributes and Skills
In Oblivion, character development is based on a complex system of attributes (Strength, Intelligence, Willpower, Agility, Speed, Endurance, and Luck) and skills (such as Blade, Blunt, or Magic). Attributes influence how effective a character is at certain activities, while skills determine proficiency in specific areas. Players can allocate points to these during level-ups, allowing for deep customization and a wide range of playstyles, from stealthy assassins to powerful warriors or adept mages.
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Strength | Affects melee damage and ability to carry weight |
| Intelligence | Influences magical abilities and spellcasting |
| Willpower | Affects magical resistance and spell effectiveness |
| Agility | Influences acrobatics, sneaking, and marksmanship |
| Speed | Affects movement speed and attack speed |
| Endurance | Influences health and ability to withstand damage |
| Luck | Affects chance to hit, avoid attacks, and find better loot |
Main Quest and Oblivion Gates
The main quest of Oblivion revolves around the player’s quest to find and close the Oblivion gates, which serve as portals to the plane of Oblivion. Each gate leads to a unique Oblivion world, filled with daedra and treasures. Closing these gates requires the player to journey through these worlds, fight against powerful daedric creatures, and ultimately defeat the gate’s keeper, a powerful daedra lord. Along the way, the player must also navigate the political intrigue of the Imperial Court and the various guilds of Cyrodiil, each with their own agendas and quests.
Joining Guilds and Faction Quests
Beyond the main quest, Oblivion offers a rich array of side quests and faction storylines. Players can join various guilds such as the Fighters Guild, the Mages Guild, and the Thieves Guild, each offering its own set of quests, perks, and challenges. These guilds not only provide additional story content but also offer unique abilities and items that can aid in the player’s journey. The faction quests often involve complex storylines, moral choices, and character development, adding depth to the game’s narrative and replay value.
Key Points
- Character creation allows for deep customization through attributes and skills.
- The main quest involves closing Oblivion gates and saving Cyrodiil from destruction.
- Joining guilds and completing faction quests offers additional story content and benefits.
- Exploration and combat are central to the gameplay experience, with a vast open world to discover.
- Understanding the game's mechanics and experimenting with different playstyles can enhance the gaming experience.
Combat, Magic, and Character Progression
Combat in Oblivion is dynamic, allowing players to switch between melee, ranged, and magical combat styles seamlessly. The game features a complex magic system, with spells that can be used for offense, defense, and utility. As players progress through the game, they can acquire new spells, improve their skills, and enhance their equipment, allowing for a high degree of flexibility in how they approach challenges.
Leveling Up and Attributes
When the player gains enough experience points, they level up, which allows them to increase their attributes and improve their skills. This system encourages players to try out different activities and playstyles, as using certain skills frequently will increase their proficiency in those areas. The game’s leveling system is designed to be flexible, allowing players to mold their character into any role they wish, whether it be a stealthy rogue, a powerful warrior, or a cunning mage.
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
| Blade | Affects proficiency with swords and daggers |
| Blunt | Influences effectiveness with blunt weapons like maces and clubs |
| Heavy Armor | Affects mobility and protection when wearing heavy armor |
| Light Armor | Influences mobility and protection when wearing light armor |
| Magic | Affects spellcasting abilities and magical resistance |
Exploration and Open World
Oblivion boasts a massive open world, set in the province of Cyrodiil, which players can explore freely. The game’s world is filled with hidden caves, ancient ruins, and bustling cities, each with their own stories, quests, and secrets. The open-world design allows players to approach the game in any way they choose, whether that’s following the main quest, exploring the wilderness, or engaging in the game’s many side activities and quests.
Discovering New Locations and Quests
As players explore Cyrodiil, they will stumble upon new locations, characters, and quests. The game’s radiant story system ensures that there are always new things to discover, even after completing the main quest. This encourages players to venture off the beaten path, experiment with different activities, and fully immerse themselves in the world of Oblivion.
How do I join the Fighters Guild in Oblivion?
+To join the Fighters Guild, travel to the city of Anvil and find the Fighters Guildhall. Speak to the guildmaster, and they will guide you through the initiation process, which typically involves completing a quest or proving your worth in combat.
What is the best way to level up quickly in Oblivion?
+Leveling up quickly in Oblivion involves finding a balance between exploring the world, completing quests, and engaging in combat. Focusing on a few key skills and attributes can also help, as increasing these will give you more experience points per level. Additionally, joining guilds and completing their quests can provide a significant amount of experience.
In conclusion, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is a masterpiece of game design, offering a deep, engaging, and highly replayable experience. With its rich storyline, expansive open world, complex character customization, and dynamic combat system, Oblivion continues to captivate gamers to this day. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the Elder Scrolls series or a newcomer to the world of Cyrodiil, Oblivion has something to offer, and this guide has hopefully provided you with the insights and knowledge needed to embark on your epic adventure.
