To enchant items in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, you primarily use an Altar of Enchanting, which can be found in locations like Frostcrag Spire or the Arcane University (the latter requires joining the Mages Guild and completing quests)
. There are two main methods to enchant items:
- Using Filled Soul Gems:
- First, capture a soul with the Soul Trap spell by killing a creature while the spell is active.
- The soul is stored in a Soul Gem (sizes range from Petty to Grand, with Grand Souls providing the strongest enchantments).
- At the Altar of Enchanting, select the item you want to enchant (weapon, armor, jewelry, or clothing), the filled Soul Gem, and the magical effect (spell) you want to apply.
- You can apply multiple effects to weapons but only one effect to armor or apparel.
- This method allows for custom enchantments like fire damage, fortify stats, or invisibility.
- Enchanted weapons require soul gems to recharge after use, but constant effect enchantments on apparel do not wear off
- Using Sigil Stones:
- Sigil Stones are obtained by closing Oblivion Gates during the main questline.
- Equip a Sigil Stone and use the Altar of Enchanting; the menu will show the unique effects of that Sigil Stone.
- Apply the effect to your weapon or armor directly.
- Sigil Stones provide powerful, often unique effects such as resist magic or spell absorption that are not available through Soul Gem enchanting.
- This method is simpler but limited to the effects tied to the Sigil Stone, which scale with your character level
Steps to Enchant:
- Obtain an Altar of Enchanting (Frostcrag Spire is easiest to access early).
- Acquire a filled Soul Gem (capture souls with Soul Trap) or a Sigil Stone.
- Choose the item to enchant.
- Select the effect or use the Sigil Stone effect.
- Name your enchanted item.
- Confirm the enchantment.
This process boosts your gear with magical effects that increase your combat effectiveness and survivability, essential for higher difficulty gameplay
