When starting The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, here are the key things to do first for an effective and enjoyable beginning:
- Save at the Sewers : Right after completing the tutorial and escaping through the sewers, create a save file. This is your chance to adjust your character’s appearance, stats, and name before fully entering the game world
- Deliver the Amulet of Kings : The first main quest is to take the Amulet of Kings to Jauffre at Weynon Priory near Chorrol. This starts the main storyline and gives you access to a free chest for storing items
- Consider delaying Oblivion Gates : Avoid rushing into the main questline that opens Oblivion Gates early. Skipping this initially lets you explore the world with fewer tough enemies, making side quests and exploration easier and safer
- Join Guilds : Early on, join guilds like the Mages Guild for access to spells and equipment, the Thieves Guild for fences to sell stolen goods, and the Dark Brotherhood for strong starting armor and unique quests
- Score a Free Place to Sleep : Find a safe place to sleep and store your items early to avoid losing gear and to rest, which helps with leveling
- Clear Early Dungeons and Make Potions : Tackle some early dungeons to gain experience and loot, and start making potions to aid your survival and combat effectiveness
- Get a Free Horse : Acquiring a horse early improves travel speed across Cyrodiil
- Explore and Do Side Quests : Talk to NPCs to discover side quests and secrets, which helps you level up and gather gold and equipment before tackling harder challenges
- Join the Thieves Guild for a Fence and Gold : Stealing items and selling them through a fence is a good way to make gold early on, especially if you want to improve sneaking skills
- Prepare for Fighting Magical and Ghostly Enemies : Acquire enchanted or silver weapons and potions to handle tougher foes like ghosts or vampires you may encounter early in the game
In summary, start by saving your game at the sewer exit, deliver the amulet to begin the main quest but delay progressing too far, join key guilds for benefits, find safe storage, explore side quests and dungeons to level up, and prepare your character with good equipment and potions before tackling the more challenging parts of the game
