With the Oblivion remaster finally on the horizon, it’s time to revisit one of the most iconic open-world RPGs of all time. Whether you’re storming Oblivion gates, climbing the ranks of the Mages Guild, or just getting arrested for stealing sweetrolls, your class build can make or break your Cyrodiil experience. Here’s a breakdown of the best class builds to maximize your power (and fun) in the remastered version.
1. The Battlemage (Spell-Slinging Bruiser) Major Skills: Destruction, Heavy Armor, Blade, Conjuration, Alteration, Restoration, Mysticism
Birthsign: The Mage or The Atronach
Why It Slaps: Oblivion’s spell system is as chaotic as ever, and with a battlemage, you can blast your way through enemies and tank the hits. Conjure a skeleton, summon fireballs, then smash things with a Daedric sword — it’s like a fantasy buffet.
Pro Tip: Use Alteration early to boost defense and utility — Feather and Shield spells are your friends.
2. The Stealth Archer (Yes, It Works Here Too) Major Skills: Sneak, Marksman, Security, Light Armor, Acrobatics, Illusion, Alchemy
Birthsign: The Thief
Why It Slaps: Just like in Skyrim, being sneaky with a bow is overpowered. Shoot from the shadows, clear dungeons without ever being seen, and use poisons to make your enemies cry (and die). Illusion gives you Invisibility and Chameleon for full ghost mode.
Pro Tip: Stack Chameleon enchantments for near-invisibility and cheese your way through tough fights.
3. The Pure Mage (Because Magic Is Still Busted) Major Skills: Destruction, Alteration, Illusion, Mysticism, Restoration, Conjuration, Alchemy
Birthsign: The Apprentice (for pure magic power) or The Atronach (for big risk/reward)
Why It Slaps: Oblivion lets you craft your own spells, and a full mage can abuse the system in glorious ways. Turn invisible, explode enemies, and teleport across the map. You’re squishy, but powerful.
Pro Tip: Conjure meat shields (zombies, skeletons) and then unload your magical death from behind.
4. The Assassin (The Dark Brotherhood’s Favorite) Major Skills: Sneak, Blade, Security, Marksman, Illusion, Acrobatics, Light Armor
Birthsign: The Shadow (free invisibility power)
Why It Slaps: Silent kills, poison-tipped daggers, and stylish contracts from Sithis himself. If you want to embrace Oblivion’s darker side, this is the way. Bonus: The Dark Brotherhood questline is still one of the best in RPG history.
Pro Tip: Mix Illusion and Sneak to stay unseen forever — it’s ridiculously strong.
5. The Paladin (For Glory and Gold) Major Skills: Blade, Block, Heavy Armor, Restoration, Armorer, Alteration, Speechcraft
Birthsign: The Warrior or The Crusader
Why It Slaps: You’re the hero Cyrodiil deserves. Tanky, holy, and good at convincing people to hand over gold or secrets. This is a fun roleplay build if you’re planning to do all the “good guy” questlines like the Fighters Guild and Knights of the Nine.
Pro Tip: Restoration keeps you alive longer than any potion — use it liberally.
Final Thoughts Oblivion’s remaster is the perfect excuse to experiment with class builds again. Whether you’re returning for nostalgia or playing it for the first time, customizing your hero is still half the fun. Now go forth, hero — Cyrodiil needs saving (again).
