Top 5 Elder Scrolls 4 Side Quests That Will Blow Your Mind

In 2006, when “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion” was released, it offered a fresh and unique adventure with one of the early open-world RPG games. For many gamers, like myself, “Oblivion” marked our first immersion into a vibrant world, despite all characters sharing the same potato-like facial structure.

After you dive into the game and complete the initial setup – choosing your race, class, and birthsign following the tutorial – you’ll find yourself leaving the sewers, marking the beginning of your adventure. It becomes apparent that while the main storyline offers significant moments in the lore, it’s the side quests that continue to be discussed even 20 years later. Here are our top 5 favorite side quests from Oblivion.

Listing the best 5 quests in Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion

For beginners, it’s important to understand that side-missions can provide you with valuable items such as powerful weapons, gold, potions, and armor sets. These items can significantly enhance your journey. Here are the top five side-quests in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion that you shouldn’t skip:

1. The Mythic Dawn Conspiracy
2. Knights of the Nine
3. Search for the Vile Laboratory
4. Find the Wandering Vagabond
5. The Shivering Isles – The Oblivion Crisis

1. An Unexpected Voyage

The adventure commences when you unintentionally slumber in a misleading bed, leading you to awaken on a stolen vessel. Soon, you’re caught in the midst of a tumultuous skirmish against pirates during navigation. To successfully complete this mission, both your fighting skills and sharp wit will be essential. The distinctive environment combined with the struggle for survival makes this quest an exceptional, unforgettable journey.

2. Whodunit?

Amongst many Oblivion enthusiasts, “Whodunit?” stands out as a beloved favorite, and for valid reasons! As part of the Dark Brotherhood storyline, this quest presents an intriguing murder mystery in which you are the perpetrator. The setting is a secluded mansion with five suspects, all under one roof and no onlookers (unless your actions betray you). What makes this quest captivating lies in the various strategies it allows. You can manipulate others into accusing each other or eliminate them quietly, one by one. Ultimately, the course of action is entirely in your hands 😉

3. The Siren’s Deception

In this scenario, it seems like something straight out of an old-fashioned mystery series set in the Middle Ages. You find yourself unwittingly walking into a trap laid by a band of deceptive women feigning distress. However, circumstances force you to switch roles and take control. The plot twist is both intriguing and fulfilling. Furthermore, the mission subtly explores the game’s complex moral landscape, causing you to ponder whether your actions are upholding justice or simply perpetuating a cycle of crime.

4. Lifting the Vale

This adventure leads you on a thrilling treasure quest featuring an old Akaviri ruin, a labyrinthine cave system shrouded in snow, and armor unlike anything else you’ll find. It skillfully combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Moreover, the historical context of the Akaviri artifacts offers rich lore that continues to captivate fans long after their initial encounter.

5. A Brush With Death

Have you ever dreamed about walking into a piece of artwork? This adventure allows you to do just that. When an artist mysteriously vanishes, you embark on a journey into one of his enchanted paintings in search of him. The game’s aesthetic transforms into a captivating watercolor landscape. It may be short-lived, but the combination of imaginative visuals and emotional storytelling makes it an experience that stays with you, placing it among the best five games out there.

Why side-quests are preferred over main quests

Besides amassing large quantities of gold and equipment, these side missions offer an excellent opportunity to explore new areas, meet various factions, and delve into the game’s rich history. For players seeking rare loot, some of these quests reward you with elusive special items such as Boots of Springheel Jak or Umbra’s Sword. These are essential for character advancement and boosting your reputation within the game.

Frequently, the side quests in Oblivion are more captivating than the primary plot. This enjoyment has been a significant factor attracting fans to revisit the game for so many years.

Bethesda has launched an upgraded version of “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion” on the Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox Game Pass, and PlayStation 5.

2025-04-23 23:33