Oblivion beginner guide: class choices, repairs and leaving the sewers
Start the original Oblivion with a workable character, a clear first destination and supplies that keep combat manageable.
Original 2006 PC base game with official patches. The 2025 Remastered leveling system, Shivering Isles, Knights of the Nine, other add-ons and mods are outside this guide. Publisher screenshots use the original engine; the title artwork is from the Game of the Year listing.
Review your character at the sewer exit
The tutorial lets you test weapons, spells, blocking and sneaking before the final exit. Use the last character review to check race, birthsign and class. Your class selects seven major skills, and those govern when you level. Make a manual save near the exit if you want to experiment with a different build without repeating every tutorial room.
Follow the Amulet to Weynon Priory
The main quest initially points to Jauffre at Weynon Priory near Chorrol. Following that lead gives a new player a clear destination and explains the next story objective. You can also explore the Imperial City and nearby roads first. Read the journal carefully: selecting a quest changes the active map marker without abandoning other accepted assignments.
Keep weapons repaired and fatigue healthy
Equipment condition affects performance, so inspect weapons and armor after extended fighting. Repair hammers let you maintain ordinary gear, subject to your Armorer ability and its restrictions. Low fatigue weakens combat effectiveness; allow recovery between difficult encounters and carry useful restorative items. Holding attack continuously is less reliable than blocking, watching an opening and making deliberate strikes.
Use towns as practical rest stops
Towns combine merchants, inns, chapels and guild halls. Sell excess loot, replace supplies and find a bed when the level-up icon appears. Ownership still matters: a tempting container may belong to someone else. Avoid carrying every heavy weapon out of a ruin, and do not assume that an unexplored roadside cave will match the difficulty of the tutorial.
Keep one reliable damage skill improving alongside your major skills; gaining levels through unrelated activities alone can make fights feel harder.
Picture details
Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.