Armor in Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is more than just protection from enemy blows. It defines your playstyle, enhances your character’s abilities, and can even contribute to your aesthetic as an adventurer exploring Cyrodiil. Whether you’re charging into battle as a heavily-armored warrior or sneaking through shadows with lightweight gear, making the right armor choices can drastically improve your gameplay experience. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Oblivion armor, from the differences between Light and Heavy Armor to the best sets, unique gear, and how to upgrade your equipment. Let’s get started and make sure your character, as well as their gear, is ready for anything this world throws at them!
- Oblivion offers you deep character customization, hundreds of quests, and a living world influenced by player choices.
Oblivion Armor Types: Light Armor vs Heavy Armor
In Oblivion, armor is divided into two primary categories: Light Armor and Heavy Armor, each designed for different playstyles. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, shaping how your character handles combat, movement, and stamina.
Light Armor
Light Armor is the choice for players who prioritize mobility and stealth. It’s lighter, offers faster movement, and drains less stamina compared to its heavier counterpart. Assassins, thieves, and light-footed adventurers will find this type of armor perfect for their agile and sneaky approaches.
Common Light Armor sets include:
– Leather Armor (early game)
– Mithril Armor
– Glass Armor (late game, highly sought after due to its unique green aesthetic).
- As the skill improves, wearing heavy armor becomes less tiring, making characters tougher
Heavy Armor
Heavy Armor, as the name suggests, offers far more protection at the cost of mobility. It’s a great choice for warriors, knights, or anyone looking to wade into battle and soak up damage without breaking a sweat. However, its downside is its weight, which slows your movement and depletes your stamina more quickly.
Popular Heavy Armor sets include:
– Iron Armor (starter set)
– Ebony Armor
– Daedric Armor (end-game, extremely durable and highly prized).
Light vs Heavy Armor in Gameplay
The choice between Light and Heavy Oblivion Armor comes down to your character build. If you prefer sneaking past enemies or engaging them at range, Light Armor is your best bet. Meanwhile, melee-centric builds, where defense and survivability matter most, perform far better with Heavy Armor.
Additionally, corresponding skills (Light Armor and Heavy Armor) improve as you wear and take hits in either type, granting bonuses at higher levels.
Oblivion Armor Sets and Where to Find Them
One unique feature of Oblivion is how armor availability scales as your character levels up. Many of the best armor sets only appear after significant progression, and some require you to complete quests or join factions. Below, we’ll cover the most notable armor sets and where you can obtain them.
Light Armor Sets
- Leather Armor improves quickly with use, eventually offering strong defense
1. Leather Armor
– Where to Find: Commonly found on low-level bandits and sold by general merchants early in the game.
– Why It’s Good: A great lightweight starter set until better options unlock.
- It becomes available around level 10 and is prized for combining strong defense with minimal speed penalties.
2. Mithril Armor
– Where to Find: Mithril starts appearing in loot chests and on higher-level enemies at level 10 and above(vendors may not offer it until the player reaches level 15).
– Why It’s Good: A big defensive upgrade for Light Armor users in the midgame.
- Glass Armor offers top-notch defense for light armor users who want strong protection without sacrificing speed or stealth.
3. Glass Armor
– Where to Find: Drops from enemies and loot chests at level 20+. It can also be purchased from high-level shops (some players have reported finding it slightly earlier, around level 19, depending on game conditions).
– Why It’s Good: Offers superb defense for Light Armor users and is considered one of the most iconic sets among Oblivion armors.
Heavy Armor Sets
- These armors are perfect for beginner warriors looking for affordable defense
1. Iron and Steel Armor
– Where to Find: Worn by guards and low-level enemy warriors. Iron is available at the start, with Steel appearing around level 5 (It can be found as early as level 1 in various shops and on some characters, though it becomes more common around level 3).
– Why It’s Good: Reliable, easily accessible starter sets for warriors.
- Ebony Armor is heavy but extremely durable, making it ideal for players focused on maximum defense.
2. Ebony Armor
– Where to Find: Appears in loot chests and on enemies after level 15. It can also be found in certain shops.
– Why It’s Good: High-level Heavy Armor with a sleek, dark design. Ideal for durable warriors.
- Extremely heavy but incredibly strong, Daedric Armor appears at higher levels.
3. Daedric Armor
– Where to Find: Begins dropping at level 20+. You can find pieces in Oblivion gates or loot them from Dremora Lords within those gates.
– Why It’s Good: The strongest Heavy Armor in the game, known for its incredible durability and striking red-and-black appearance.
Faction-Specific and Unique Armor
- Its sinister look and powerful enchantments make it perfect for assassins.
1. Shrouded Armor
– Light or Heavy: Light
– Where to Find: Rewarded for joining the Dark Brotherhood.
– Special Effect: Enhances sneak and agility, making it the perfect Oblivion armor for stealth-based character builds.
- Offering strong protection and holy enchantments, the armor is designed for noble warriors.
2. Knights of the Nine Armor (Requires DLC)
– Light or Heavy: Heavy
– Where to Find: Unlocked after completing the Knights of the Nine expansion.
– Special Effect: Grants holy bonuses and excellent defense stats.
- It’s a great choice for characters who need protection against powerful spells without sacrificing mobility.
3. Savior’s Hide
– Light or Heavy: Light
– Where to Find: Obtained from Hircine after completing his Daedric quest.
– Special Effect: Grants 25% magic resistance.
How to Upgrade and Maintain Armor in Oblivion
Armor maintenance is essential to keep your gear effective in battle. In Oblivion, armor loses durability with each hit you take, reducing its effectiveness until it’s repaired.
Repairing Armor
You can repair armor using Repair Hammers, which are lightweight tools found in shops or as loot. Your Armorer Skill determines how much you can repair your gear. At higher levels, you can even repair items beyond 100% durability, increasing their effectiveness.
Alternatively, NPCs can repair your armor for a fee, ideal if you’re still training your Armorer skill or don’t want to risk breaking your Repair Hammers. To optimize your gameplay, aim to reach Expert level in Armorer, as this allows you to fully repair magical and enchanted armor, which are much harder to maintain.
- Anyone can use hammers, but characters with higher Armorer skill can repair gear more efficiently
Enchanting and Upgrading Armor
Upgrading Oblivion armor often revolves around enchanting rather than physically improving its base stats. Enchanting your gear can be done at Altars of Enchantment, found at mage guild halls and certain locations across Cyrodiil.
Enchantments can enhance your resistances, attributes, or even add effects like damage reflection. For example:
– Fire Resistance enchantments are highly valuable in Oblivion Gates.
– Fortify Strength enchantments reduce encumbrance and make Heavy Armor easier to manage.
– Fortify Speed is a favorite for managing mobility in Light Armor builds.
- Repairing armor to its full durability and enchanting it can significantly enhance its effectiveness.
Best Armor for Different Playstyles
Choosing the best armor depends on how you want to play Oblivion. Here are recommended armor sets tailored to various archetypes:
Stealth and Agility Builds
– Best Set: Shrouded Armor (Dark Brotherhood).
– Why: Enhances sneak, agility, and offers lightweight protection.
Pure Melee Warriors
– Best Set: Daedric Armor.
– Why: Exceptional defense and durability, combined with a menacing aesthetic.
Hybrid-Magic Builds
– Best Set: Savior’s Hide or Ebony Armor (with enchantments).
– Why: Savior’s Hide grants magic resistance, while Ebony is durable and great for enchanted upgrades.
Holy Knight Builds
– Best Set: Knights of the Nine Armor (DLC required).
– Why: Offers balanced stats and a unique charm, perfect for roleplaying noble characters.
Rare and Unique Armor: Must-Haves in Oblivion
Some rare and unique Oblivion armor pieces are worth hunting for due to their one-of-a-kind traits. We’ve mentioned some already, but let’s highlight those you shouldn’t miss:
1. Savior’s Hide
Obtained from Hircine’s Daedric quest, this Light Armor offers invaluable magic resistance, making it essential for surviving Oblivion Gates and magical foes.
2. Umbra’s Ebony Armor
While Umbra is better known for her sword, her Ebony Armor is a stellar mid-to-late game option for Heavy Armor users. You’ll have to defeat her in Vindasel, near the Imperial City, but the reward is worth the challenge.
- Put on this legendary helmet and relive the memory of the Dragonborn once again, this time in Oblivion.
3. Dragonborn Helmet (Mod Required)
If you’re open to mods, certain community creations unlock rare and lore-friendly pieces like the Dragonhorn Helmet, adding an epic touch to your gear.
- Gray Cowl makes the wearer the new leader of the Thieves Guild.
4. Gray Cowl of Nocturnal (Thieves Guild Questline)
Though technically not armor, the Gray Cowl is a unique item that transforms your identity and grants bonuses to stealth stats; a stealth-lover’s dream.
Armor Tips for Advanced Players
Here are a few tricks and tips that can make your Oblivion armor management seamless as you master the game.
1. Manage Encumbrance Wisely
Heavy Armor users can run into weight issues quickly. Invest in Fortify Strength enchantments or drop less necessary items to ensure you’re not slowed in battle.
2. Oblivion Gates vs Normal Exploration
When entering Oblivion Gates, prioritize gear with enchantments like fire resistance and restore health. Outside of the planes of Oblivion, focus on balanced gear that suits your combat or stealth needs.
3. Leveling Armor Skills Efficiently
To level Light Armor or Heavy Armor, simply wear your chosen set and let enemies hit you in controlled fights. Goblins in caves or rats in dungeons are great for training safely at lower levels.
4. Plan for Enchantment Synergy
Before enchanting your gear, plan ahead. Combine enchantments that strengthen your weaknesses. For example, wear armor with Resist Magic alongside shields with Reflect Damage for ultimate defense.
- Let enemies hit you while wearing the appropriate armor type (Light or Heavy) to gain experience.
Using Mods to Enhance Armor in Oblivion
For players looking to expand their armor options, Oblivion mods can work wonders. Here are a few recommendations:
– Unofficial Oblivion Patch: Fixes bugs, ensuring rare armor sets like Daedric don’t encounter loot issues.
– Armamentarium: A massive mod that upgrades existing armor types and introduces new styles, including weapons and shields.
– Exnem’s Female Armors or Robert’s Male Body: Adds adjusted fits for character models while not sacrificing lore-friendliness.
– Overhaul Mods (like Oscuro’s Oblivion Overhaul): Introduces unique Oblivion armor pieces and changes level scaling for rarer sets.
With mods, the aesthetic, power, and variety of armor in Oblivion can reach new heights.
- Mastering armor reduces movement penalties, increases protection.
Final Words: Mastering Armor in Oblivion
In Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, mastering the armor system requires smart decisions about type, enchantments, and playstyle. Whether you’re a stealthy thief dressed in Shrouded Armor or a bold knight in shining Daedric gear, your armor plays a critical role in defining your gameplay experience. Take time to explore Cyrodiil’s Oblivion armor sets, experiment with enchantments, and even install mods to expand your possibilities. Every piece tells a story, so make the most of it! And now it’s your turn: grab your Repair Hammers, plan your upgrades, and dive into the immersive world of Oblivion. Adventure is waiting; gear up and conquer Cyrodiil! This guide ensures you’ll be well-equipped for any challenge Oblivion throws at you. Now, step into your adventure; heavy or light, stealthy or strong, Cyrodiil is yours!
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FAQs
1. What is the best armor for mages in Oblivion?
The Savior’s Hide is excellent for mages due to its magic resistance, but enchanted Glass armor can also work wonders if you’re looking for lightweight defense. Pair it with robes for aesthetic and functional synergy.
2. Do armor skills level faster if I wear damaged gear?
No, skill level is based on the hits you take while wearing the armor, not its condition. However, wearing damaged gear will reduce its effectiveness, so keep it repaired.
3. Can I wear both Heavy and Light Armor together?
Absolutely. Oblivion lets you mix and match, but remember that your armor skill trains based on the type of armor you wear most often.
4. At what level do Daedric and Glass Armor start appearing?
Daedric Armor starts appearing in loot around level 20, and Glass Armor begins appearing at level 20 for Light Armor users. Keep an eye out for high-level dungeons and merchants.
