Getting Started with The Shivering Isles DLC in Oblivion Remastered

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has officially launched, and it brings back both of the original game’s story expansions: Knights of the Nine and The Shivering Isles. Though both expansions are noteworthy, I find myself leaning towards The Shivering Isles. This adventure takes you into the realm of Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness, where you need to confront the looming Greymarch to save the Isles from a tyrannical order. It’s bizarre, whimsical, chaotic, and incredibly enjoyable. While it may not be essential to the core Oblivion experience, I highly recommend that you don’t overlook it.

That said, the remastered version of Oblivion doesn’t do a great job of prompting you to play The Shivering Isles, especially during the initial phases of the game. Here’s a guide to help you kick off The Shivering Isles and what to anticipate from one of Oblivion‘s most exciting expansions.

Where to Locate The Shivering Isles

Location of Niben Bay Entrance

To begin The Shivering Isles, you’ll need to head toward the location indicated on the map above—it’s a small island situated in the heart of Niben Bay, closest to Bravil and southeast of the Imperial City.

The quickest way to reach The Shivering Isles is to fast travel to the Bay Roan Stables, which is located just north of Bravil. Since you can fast travel to major locations, like cities, without actually discovering them on the Oblivion map, I suggest you do this as soon as you’re ready to dive into the DLC. Head east from the stables until you hit water, and you should spot a small island topped with a giant, two-faced statue. Swim over to it; there’s a ramp on the side that you’ll want to approach.

How to Start The Shivering Isles

Entering the Portal

Contrary to what some people believe, there are no specific level or time requirements to access The Shivering Isles DLC. You can start this part of the game right after you complete the tutorial. Occasionally, Oblivion will prompt you with a quest notification to check out the peculiar door in Niben Bay after 24 in-game hours have elapsed. However, even if this doesn’t happen, you can initiate the quest by simply swimming up to the island—this is what I did during my latest playthrough.

Once you reach the island, pay attention to two things: the head statue seems to function as a portal, and there’s a guard stationed in front of it. Speak to the guard, and he’ll warn you about the door. Shortly after, a dark elf NPC will emerge, ranting angrily until he becomes aggressive. You can either assist the guard in dealing with him or wait until he’s defeated, then talk to the guard again and express your intention to enter.

As you converse, you’ll hear a voice on the other side of the door monologuing about the dark elf’s unworthiness and seeking a new champion. Let him finish; you won’t be able to enter the portal until he concludes his lines. When he says, “Really, do come in. It’s lovely in the Isles right now. Perfect time for a visit,” you’ll find that you can interact with the portal and step through it like any other door.

Once inside, have a seat and chat with Haskill until you agree to enter when prompted. Then, the walls will dissolve, revealing The Fringe, which is the first area of The Shivering Isles.

And just like that, you’ll find yourself in the Shivering Isles. Take your time to investigate, explore, and interact just like in any other part of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered—this DLC is packed with fantastic side quests and hidden gems, making it well worth your time.