Top Races in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

As you dive into The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, one of your first tasks is picking a race for your character. This choice will significantly shape your gameplay experience, as each race possesses unique strengths and weaknesses that can tailor your journey based on your preferred style of play. To help you with this important decision, I’ve compiled a list of the best races to consider in Oblivion Remastered, depending on your gaming approach.

Understanding the Races in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered

Choosing your race in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered is more than a cosmetic decision; it also influences your character’s starting attributes, skill progression, and unique abilities. Each race comes with a short description, but you can see their strengths and weaknesses more clearly by pressing the right stick to view their stats. Green attributes indicate above-average skills, while red ones signify below-average skills. Skills boosted more than 5% receive an extra advantage.

Unlike the original Oblivion, in this version, your gender choice does not alter your stats. Instead, you select an Origin corresponding to two regions, which affects one attribute positively while decreasing another. However, you still have the option to adjust your character’s gender appearance through the Body tab in the character creator.

Ultimately, there isn’t a single best race; your choice should align with how you want to play the game. The Breton is a great choice for a balanced character, but if you’re leaning toward a specific class like a Mage, Melee fighter, or Stealth expert, I’ve included tailored suggestions for those builds below. Remember to consider your race alongside your Birthsign and Class as you move through the tutorial.

Top Race for an All-Rounder in Oblivion Remastered

• Attributes
  • Intelligence +10, Magicka Bonus +10, Willpower +10
  • Agility -10, Endurance -10, Speed -10
• Skill Bonuses
  • Conjuration +10, Mysticism +10, Restoration +10
  • Alchemy +5, Alteration +5, Illusion +5
• Permanent Traits
  • Fortify Magicka 50 points
  • Resist Magic 50%

If you’re looking for a versatile character and don’t want to lock yourself into a particular build, the Breton (Systres) is often regarded as the best fit. They are the most balanced race, naturally inclined towards magic, and come with a permanent 50% resistance to magic attacks, which is advantageous across all playstyles. While the Breton has some drawbacks, like lower Agility, Speed, and Endurance, these attributes can improve over time as you progress through the game.

Best Race for a Mage in Oblivion Remastered

• Attributes
  • Intelligence +10, Magicka Bonus +100
  • Speed -10, Strength -10
• Skill Bonuses
  • Alteration +10, Destruction +10, Mysticism +10
  • Alchemy +5, Conjuration +5, Illusion +5
• Permanent Traits
  • Fortify Magicka 100 points
  • Resist Disease 75%
  • Weakness to Fire, Frost, and Shock 25%

If you’re dedicated to a Mage build, then the High Elf (Auridon) is the best race to choose. Their significant bonus to Magicka is hard to ignore, and the boosts to Alteration, Destruction, and Mysticism enhance your magical abilities. However, be cautious of their lower Strength and notable weaknesses to fire, frost, and shock, which could make them vulnerable in combat. Using summons can help alleviate some of this risk during battles.

Ideal Race for Melee Combat in Oblivion Remastered

• Attributes
  • Endurance +10, Strength +10
  • Intelligence -10, Personality -10, Willpower -10
• Skill Bonuses
  • Athletics +10, Blade +10, Blunt +10
  • Heavy Armor +5, Light Armor +5, Mercantile +5
• Permanent Traits
  • Resist Disease 75%
  • Resist Poison 75%

If you’re focused on creating a strong melee fighter, the Redguard (Dragontail Mountains) is an excellent choice. Their boosts to Endurance and Strength, coupled with bonuses in Blade and Blunt skills, make them formidable in close-quarter combat. Additionally, their high resistance to disease and poison offers solid protection in battle. Although they may struggle with social interaction due to lower Intelligence, Personality, and Willpower, their physical prowess often speaks for itself.

Best Race for Stealth in Oblivion Remastered

• Attributes
  • Agility +10
  • Endurance -10, Willpower -10
• Skill Bonuses
  • Acrobatics +10, Hand-to-Hand +10
  • Athletics +5, Blade +5, Light Armor +5, Security +5, Sneak +5
• Permanent Traits
  • Can cast Night-Eye for 30 seconds at 0 Magicka cost

If stealth is your preferred style, the Khajiit (Anequina) is a fantastic choice. Their enhanced Agility and Sneak skills make it easy to remain undetected, and their proficiency in Hand-to-Hand and Blade skills enables lethal attacks from the shadows. Additionally, their ability to cast Night-Eye at no Magicka cost is invaluable when navigating dark environments, making them ideal for players wanting to join guilds like the Dark Brotherhood or the Thieves Guild in Oblivion Remastered.