oblivion which quests to do first

Embarking on an adventure in the vast province of Cyrodiil can be as daunting as it is exciting. With countless caves, ruins, and cities to explore, new players often ask: which quests in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion should I do first? The answer is not merely about sequence, but about crafting a foundational experience that enriches your character, equips you for greater challenges, and immerses you deeply in the world. Prioritizing specific quests early on can transform your journey from a confusing scramble into a legendary tale.

Table of Contents

Laying the Foundation: The Main Quest's Opening Act
Securing a Home and Income: The Fighters Guild and Miscellaneous Tasks
Gaining Unique and Powerful Tools: Early Daedric and Faction Quests
Building Renown and Skill: The Recommendation Quests
Conclusion: Crafting Your Personal Narrative

Laying the Foundation: The Main Quest's Opening Act

While many advocate for ignoring the central story, completing the initial stages of the Main Quest up to "The Weynon Priory" and "The Path of Dawn" is highly advisable. This introductory arc serves as the world's finest tutorial. It naturally guides you from the Imperial City sewer exit to key locations like Chorrol and Kvatch, introducing vital mechanics such as horseback riding, map markers, and the fast-travel system. More importantly, it contextualizes the crisis befalling Cyrodiil, making the random Oblivion Gates you encounter feel part of a larger, urgent narrative. Furthermore, this early segment rewards you with valuable early-game loot and levels your core combat skills through guided exploration. It provides a coherent structure for your first few hours without locking you into a linear path, as you can abandon the quest at any time after these fundamentals are established.

Securing a Home and Income: The Fighters Guild and Miscellaneous Tasks

Stability is a precious commodity for a fledgling adventurer. Therefore, pursuing quests that provide a steady income and a safe place to store belongings should be a primary concern. The Fighters Guild, with chapters in every major city, offers the most straightforward path. Its initial quests in Chorrol and Cheydinhal are designed for low-level characters, focusing on clearing out pests and local threats. The gold earned is substantial for a new character, and the guild halls themselves offer safe containers for storage. Concurrently, engaging in simple miscellaneous tasks in cities like the Imperial City can be incredibly fruitful. Delivering a forged will for "Unfriendly Competition" or retrieving a stolen ring for "Scheduled for Execution" in the Merchant's Inn requires minimal combat but yields crucial early septims. This capital can then be invested in purchasing a permanent home, with the humble shack in the Imperial City's Waterfront district being the most accessible first purchase, granting unparalleled logistical security.

Gaining Unique and Powerful Tools: Early Daedric and Faction Quests

Oblivion's world is filled with unique artifacts that can define a character's playstyle, and several can be obtained at level one. Seeking out specific Daedric Shrine quests should be a calculated early priority. The quest "A Whispered Warning" for the Daedric Prince Clavicus Vile, begun at his shrine near Cheydinhal, culminates in obtaining the Masque of Clavicus Vile, a helmet that significantly boosts Personality and Mercantile skill, making all future transactions more favorable. Similarly, "The Siren's Deception" for Meridia, started from her shrine northeast of the Imperial City, rewards you with the Ring of the Khajiiti, granting constant Night-Eye and Chameleon effects, invaluable for any character. These items scale in power based on the level at which you complete the quest, making them potent tools if acquired immediately. They provide advantages no found or purchased gear can match in the early game.

Building Renown and Skill: The Recommendation Quests

Beyond mere gold and gear, integrating your character into the social fabric of Cyrodiil is key to a rich experience. The "recommendation" quests for the Mages Guild are a perfect early-game objective, even for non-magic-focused characters. This series requires you to travel to every major city except the Imperial City and complete a task for the local guild hall. This design forces you to explore the breadth of the province, interact with diverse cultures, and tackle varied challenges, from alchemical fetch quests to dungeon delves. The process naturally levels a wide range of skills and provides a compelling tour of Cyrodiil. The ultimate reward—access to the Arcane University and its spell-making and enchanting altars—is a game-changer for any build. Likewise, undertaking the initial quest for the Thieves Guild in the Imperial City's Waterfront district opens up a unique avenue for profit and progression that relies on stealth and cunning rather than brute force.

Conclusion: Crafting Your Personal Narrative

The question of which quests to do first in Oblivion has no single answer, but a strategic approach yields the most rewarding experience. By blending the narrative grounding of the Main Quest's opening, the economic stability offered by the Fighters Guild and petty tasks, the power spike from early Daedric artifacts, and the province-wide integration of the Mages Guild recommendations, a player constructs a formidable foundation. This curated start does not restrict freedom; it enhances it. A well-funded, well-equipped, and well-traveled hero is far better prepared to truly choose their own destiny, whether that means championing the Arena, delving into the dark heart of an Oblivion Gate, or simply getting lost in the majestic wilderness. The initial choices shape the legend, making those first forays into Cyrodiil the most important ones you will undertake.

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