The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered updates Bethesda's classic RPG with new visuals, but the core experience still plays by its original rules.
The way you shape your character and the world's reaction to your choices makes it a game that rewards careful planning and punishes recklessness.
Whether you're already accustomed to Skyrim's streamlined systems or new to Tamriel, this Oblivion remaster dives right into the thick of things.
That's why it helps to start with a few solid tips—things that'll actually make the early game easier without spoiling the fun of figuring things out yourself. With that said, here are our Oblivion Remastered beginner tips.
Oblivion Remastered Beginner Tips
Deep down, Oblivion Remastered continues to be the title that reshaped open-world fantasy back in 2006.
The key difference is the improved accessibility in its look, not its mechanics. Under the upgraded lighting, reworked character models, and cleaner menus, the game still focuses on experimentation, exploration, and a surprising amount of freedom—both good and bad.
You're free to play however you want—there's no fixed path or right way and no safety nets to catch you. You could end up in the wrong cave, develop the wrong skill, or cause world-altering events earlier than intended.
This is what gives Oblivion its unique charm, yet also what makes it so daunting. We're not here to micromanage your gameplay.
This guide is to help you get started with the right tools before you branch out and discover the rest on your own.
You're Not Ready for Kvatch Yet
Once you escape the prison and get the Amulet of Kings, the game directs you to take it to Jauffre.
click to enlarge
+ 10If you take that lead without hesitation, it will trigger a chain reaction that opens the Oblivion gates globally. These gates do more than decorate the environment.
They summon stronger enemies and raise the chaos in multiple regions. Here's the secret: by holding onto the amulet and avoiding Kvatch, the gates won't show up yet.
That gives you space to breathe, and you can focus on exploring, collecting better gear, and leveling up on your own terms without the pressure of the world burning down around you.
The Smartest Save Happens Right Before the Light
Just before you exit the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered tutorial area, the Imperial Sewers, the game offers one final opportunity to adjust your character's race, class, and birthsign.
click to enlarge+ 10This is the ideal spot to make a manual save, which can then be used as a flexible base for new characters.
You can skip replaying the entire prison section by simply reloading it and customizing a new build from that point.
For players who like experimenting with various setups, this is both an innovative and time-efficient choice.
Pre-Built Classes Are Mid, Make Your Own
The character leveling system in Oblivion Remastered is based on the development of your major skills.
click to enlarge+ 10That means every time you improve those specific skills, you edge closer to leveling up.
But here's the catch: if you're not actively using those skills, you'll level inefficiently and face stronger enemies with underdeveloped combat stats.
To avoid running into this, build a custom class and choose the major skills you intend to use.
For example, if you're going to fight with swords, pick Blade. If you find yourself sneaking often, focus on putting points into Sneak.
Don't be tempted by the coolness of Acrobatics or Speechcraft—choose them only if you're into jumping or convincing others.
You're Missing Out If You Don't Join a Guild
If you're looking to access Oblivion's side content quickly, guilds are your best bet.
click to enlarge+ 10No matter if you sign up for the Fighters Guild, Mages Guild, or Dark Brotherhood, you'll find yourself with quests, free gear, a decent amount of gold, and, importantly, somewhere to sleep.
For instance, the Mages Guild allows you to pick up alchemy tools and ingredients scattered throughout its halls.
With the Thieves Guild, you can sell stolen goods through fences and earn a profit. You don't have to focus on stealth or magic to benefit from the resources and quests these factions have to offer.
Find a Place to Sleep Before You Burn Out
You can't level up in Oblivion by just playing—you must sleep in a bed after collecting enough skill points.
click to enlarge+ 10That's why finding a place to crash is essential. One option is the abandoned shack in the Waterfront District of the Imperial City. The bed might not be luxurious, but it's available and empty.
A great alternative is in Aleswell, a quaint town to the north of the city. Help the invisible residents with a quick quest, and they'll hook you up with a free room at the inn, plus a storage chest to keep your items safe.
Lockpicks Are Non-Negotiable
Locked chests can be found all over Oblivion.
click to enlarge+ 10Whether or not your character excels in stealth, you'll want to get your hands on the loot inside.
The lockpicking system revolves around timing and finesse, yet with practice or a strong Security skill, it soon becomes second nature.
Don't forget to carry lockpicks and consider putting some points into Security from the start.
As you progress, you can obtain the Skeleton Key from a Daedric quest, which works as an unbreakable lockpick and simplifies things considerably.
Level the Skills You Actually Use
Your level goes up as your major skills progress, which means you can accidentally level up if you're not focused.
click to enlarge+ 10If you keep jumping, you'll improve your Acrobatics, and if you're always sneaking, your Sneak will get better.
If those aren't your combat skills, you'll find yourself facing more formidable enemies while having weaker damage and defenses.
Focus on the skills you actually need in combat—Blade, Destruction, Heavy Armor, or whatever suits your build.
Use training services or regular in-game practice to level up, ensuring your power curve stays on par with your enemies.
Alchemy Pays Off Way Earlier Than You Think
Alchemy is one of the most profitable skills early in the game.
click to enlarge+ 10You'll get a mortar and pestle early on in the tutorial, which will be enough to begin mixing ingredients into potions.
From healing brews to stat buffs and poisons for stealth, Alchemy gives you fast results. You'll find ingredients scattered across barrels, crates, and bushes, with the Mages Guild offering a fair share to take.
You can turn extra potions into gold, which gives you more space to buy gear or spells. And the more tools you find (like alembics or calcinators), the stronger your potions get.
Your First Enchanted Weapon Changes Everything
Enemies like ghosts and wraiths in Oblivion don't take damage from standard weapons.
click to enlarge+ 10You'll need something with magical abilities to harm them. Mages can attack with spells, while melee fighters and archers rely on enchanted gear or silver weapons.
You can acquire enchanted weapons by exploring dungeons, completing side quests, or joining select guilds.
A good early quest to mention is "Unfriendly Competition" in the Imperial City, which gives you access to two powerful weapons: the Debaser and Calliben's Grim Retort.
These will help you get through the early levels and handle supernatural threats you might not be able to damage otherwise.
Explore on Foot to Make the World Feel Bigger
Fast travel in Oblivion Remastered makes getting around so much easier.
click to enlarge+ 10Once you've been to a location, you can teleport back to it from anywhere outside.
It's all too easy to fall back on this, but don't let it stop you from taking to the roads. Some of the game's most intriguing moments take place in transit.
You could stumble upon traveling merchants, roadside shrines, or hidden dungeons that remain off your map until you're close.
Walking enhances immersion, uncovers more of the map, and lets you stumble upon side quests and hidden secrets.
Save fast travel for when it's necessary, like unloading loot or returning to a questgiver, and explore the rest of the time.
Oblivion Remastered might be more polished now, but the heart of the game is still as intricate as ever. The game's at its best when you just let Cyrodiil pull you into its world, one strange quest and forgotten ruin at a time.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Guides and Elder Scrolls page.