best horses in oblivion remastered

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, particularly in its remastered form, presents a world of profound beauty and peril. Within this sprawling landscape, a reliable steed is not merely a luxury but a vital companion for traversing the verdant forests of the West Weald, the craggy peaks of the Jerall Mountains, and the desolate plains of the Great Forest. While many horses can be purchased or acquired, a select few stand above the rest, offering unparalleled speed, resilience, and a unique connection to the world of Cyrodiil. Identifying the best horses in Oblivion Remastered involves examining their stats, availability, and the distinct advantages they offer to the player.

Table of Contents

Understanding Horse Attributes
The Unmatched Shadowmere
The Stalwart Imperial Legion Horses
Purchasable Excellence: City Stable Steeds
Unique and Quest-Bound Mounts
Strategic Considerations for the Rider

Understanding Horse Attributes

Horses in Oblivion possess three primary attributes that define their performance. Speed determines how fast the horse travels. Health indicates its durability in combat and its ability to survive falls or enemy attacks. Finally, a hidden but crucial factor is aggression. Most horses will flee from danger, but a more aggressive mount may stand its ground or even attack foes, a trait of immense tactical value. The remastered version, with its improved graphics and stability, makes appreciating these steeds' visual details and smooth animations a consistent pleasure, but the core mechanics governing their prowess remain unchanged from the original.

The Unmatched Shadowmere

No discussion of the best horses in Oblivion is complete without Shadowmere. This iconic mount is a gift from the Dark Brotherhood upon reaching the rank of Silencer. Shadowmere is, by a significant margin, the most powerful horse in the game. Its speed surpasses all other steeds, making cross-country travel remarkably efficient. More importantly, Shadowmere boasts an exceptionally high health pool and a rapid health regeneration rate. This combination makes it virtually immortal in most encounters; it can withstand tremendous punishment and recover almost instantly. Furthermore, Shadowmere is highly aggressive, fearlessly engaging enemies that threaten its rider. If "killed," it will respawn after a short period near the Dark Brotherhood sanctuary, ensuring the player never truly loses this exceptional companion. For pure, unadulterated power and reliability, Shadowmere stands alone.

The Stalwart Imperial Legion Horses

For players aligned with law and order, the horses provided by the Imperial Legion offer a compelling alternative. Upon joining the Legion and progressing through its ranks, the player gains access to the Imperial City Horse Armor. This quest unlocks unique, armored horses at the Imperial City stable. These steeds are not a single breed but are visually distinct, clad in gleaming Imperial barding. Their statistics are superior to nearly all purchasable horses, featuring robust health and commendable speed. They represent a badge of honor and a practical reward for military service. While they may not match Shadowmere's raw stats or regeneration, their combination of above-average performance, imposing appearance, and role-playing significance secures their position among the best mounts available, especially for characters who shun the dark path of the Brotherhood.

Purchasable Excellence: City Stable Steeds

For the citizen who prefers a straightforward transaction, Cyrodiil's city stables offer several high-quality horses. The two most notable are the Black Horse from the Chorrol stable and the Bay Horse from the Cheydinhal stable. The Chorrol Black Horse is renowned for having the highest speed of any regularly purchasable mount, making it a favorite for players who prioritize swift travel early in the game. The Cheydinhal Bay Horse, meanwhile, is celebrated for its exceptional health, allowing it to endure more damage than its stable-purchased peers. These horses provide specialized excellence; one chooses the Black Horse for velocity and the Bay Horse for endurance. Their availability for a simple gold payment makes them accessible and reliable cornerstones for any adventurer's journey.

Unique and Quest-Bound Mounts

Beyond the conventional, Oblivion hosts unique steeds tied to specific quests or conditions. Frost, a pale white horse, is acquired during the "Mazoga the Orc" quest in the Imperial City. While Frost's base statistics are solid, its true value lies in its unique status; it is one of the few named horses in the game. The "Paint Horse" from the Bruma stable, often called the "Spotted Horse," is another visually distinct option with balanced stats. There is also a rare chance to encounter a unicorn in the wilds of the Great Forest during the relevant quest. While fantastical, the unicorn is notoriously difficult to manage, attacking most hostile creatures but also fleeing from the player if they have a low Personality attribute or are in combat. These mounts offer flavor and narrative depth rather than statistical supremacy.

Strategic Considerations for the Rider

Selecting the best horse ultimately depends on the player's goals and character. A stealth-oriented assassin will find Shadowmere's aggressive nature and resilience perfectly complementary. A noble knight serving the Emperor will likely value the prestige and protection of an Imperial Legion mount. A merchant or explorer with ample gold might invest in the Chorrol Black Horse for efficient trade route travel. The remastered experience enhances these choices, as the improved visual fidelity makes appreciating a horse's coat, armor, and animations more rewarding. Regardless of choice, a superior horse transforms the experience of exploring Cyrodiil, turning lengthy treks into swift journeys and providing a formidable ally in unexpected skirmishes. The plains and forests of Oblivion are vast, but with the right steed, they are yours to command.

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