Oblivion Remastered: 8 Combat Tips

Almost two decades on from its original release, Oblivion was been brought to the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles thanks to Oblivion Remastered.Whether you're a newcomer to Cyrodiil or returning after years away, it can take a while to get comfortable with the unique combat system found in Oblivion.

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Oblivion's tutorial level at the beginning of the game does a good job of introducing you to the basics, but there's a lot more to master in this expansive open-world RPG. Here are eight combat tips that really come in handy as you progress through Oblivion.

Sustainable Archery

Ensuring you have enough consumable items to complete a tough quest or an area with a large number of enemies waiting for you isn't easy, particularly early on in Oblivion Remastered's story. Melee weapons are the most common to be found in chests or dropped by enemies, but the condition of these wear down quickly. While you can use items like the Repair Hammer to repair them, there is a handy alternative.

Ranged Weapons such as Bows and Arrows are excellent for defeating enemies, not least because you don't have to get up close and personal to land an attack. While their condition wears down as well, they don't do so as quickly as melee weapons and you can also recover any arrows you shoot by searching the bodies of the enemies you defeat. It is a tad tedious to do so, but it's worth it in the long run as it makes it tough to run out of arrows when you effectively recycle them.

Changing Views

While first-person view is what the vast majority of players prefer to use when playing Oblivion, there is the option to change to a third-person view. Pressing down on the right analogue stick will change your view to a close-up third-person viewpoint. Doing so a second time will give you a wide third-person view.

First-person is the preferable camera angle for most situations, but third-person can come in handy for when you're facing larger groups of enemies or when you're looking for an enemy that's engaged in combat with you that you haven't located yet.

Changing Birthsigns

While some things from the original Elder Scrolls IV have remained unchanged for Oblivion Remaster, that can't be applied to all of the Birthsigns in the game. During the tutorial level, you'll be asked to create your character's backstory, class and their Birthsign. Birthsigns are the Elder Scrolls equivalent of Starsigns and give your character a boost to certain attributes.

There are 13 to choose from and knowing which one to opt for, particularly as a newcomer to Oblivion isn't an easy choice so early in the game. Even returning players from the original Oblivion may overlook what was one of the worst Birthsigns in that version. The Lord originally gave players the ability to cast a health resoration spell, but had the downside of an increased 25 percent Weakness to Fire.

However, in Oblivion Remastered, The Lord provides an additional 15 percent resistance to magic and a 15 boost to your armour rating.

In general, passive stat boosts are best for newer players, as they're easier to manage and The Lord having no downsides is a big bonus in itself. Other good Birthsigns for improving your combat capabilities include The Warrior, The Mage, The Atronach, and The Lady.

Leveling Up

Leveling up has altered significantly since the original game for Oblivion Remastered. When your character goes up a level now, you can use 12 Virtues to increase three attributes. If you're struggling to defeat enemies or want to boost the effectiveness of your character, you're best off increasing the following attributes when you level up.

• Strength - Increases maximum Fatigue as well as melee weapon damage. Also increases your maximum capacity of items allowed in your inventory.
• Willpower - Increases the rate of regeneration of Fatigue and Magicka.
• Agility - Increases your maximum Fatigue, lowers your chances of being staggered in combat and increases ranged weapon damage.

While other attributes such as Intelligence, Luck and Endurance have benefits during combat, Strength, Willpower and Agility are the trio you should focus on most to create a character that is strong during combat.

Practice Makes Perfect

Once you complete the tutorial level, one of the first places you should check out is Oblivion's Arena. If you head straight to the main quest marker to deliver the amulet, this can be easily missed and it'd be foolish to miss out if you're new to The Elder Scrolls IV. Go to the Imperial City's Arena, which is displayed using its own map marker.

Head down to the Bloodworks, which is found in the basement of the Arena and speak to Owyn. You'll get the opportunity to sign up for Arena as a contestant and this will earn you the Pit Dog, Arena trophy. The fights themselves aren't particularly difficult and they'll earn you between 50 and 1,000 Gold from the first and last fights.

These fights will earn you a lot of Gold for this early in the game while also increasing your player's combat stats, meaning you'll be ready for whatever the world of Oblivion throws at you next.

Enchanting Your Weapons

Ensuring you have the best gear available is always important, but another way to increase the effectiveness of your items it to enchant them. Enchanting is an ability that you'll unlock by either completing the Mage's Guild quest line or by claiming Frostcrag Spire.

Once either has been done, you'll gain access to an Altar of Enchanting, where you'll be able to enchant your weapons and armour. This can make your gear many times more effective than before, and it really makes a huge difference on higher difficulties.

Know Your Enemy

Even if you've got the best weapons and armour in the game, knowing when and how to use them is crucial in successfully combating enemies, especially on higher difficulty levels. Certain enemies don't take damage from specific types of weapons, e.g. ghosts don't take damage from normal, physical weapons. Some require certain types of magic or weapons instead. So, be sure to know which weapon types enemies are immune to before you go deep into the story mode.

Similarly, you should always take advantage of your enemy's weakness and don't allow them use their strengths against you. For example, if you're agile enough, using ranged weapons like bows and arrows against strong melee enemies (like orcs) and keeping your distance is advisable. As the saying goes, work smart, not hard.

Magicka Master

It's easy to get caught up in believing that Melee Weapons and Ranged Weapons are the best way to navigate combat in Oblivion Remastered and that viewpoint isn't without merit. However, Magicka isn't something to be overlooked, especially when you have a Birthsign like The Mage, which boosts your Magicka capabilities hugely.

Be sure to check your Magicka tab in the pause menu if you're unsure which ones you have available to you. Early on, using the Flare spell can deal a decent amount of damage to enemies, while the Heal Minor Wounds spell does what it says on the tin. Unlocking new spells is easy, as it requires you to go to Magic Shops or Mage's Guilds, which can be found at most large settlements across the map.

Oblivion Remastered: Complete Arena Guide

Only the best can challenge the Gray Prince in the Imperial City Arena!