Oblivion Remastered: Ultimate Guide for Creating the Best Mage Build

The Mage class in Oblivion Remastered excels in a wide range of magic and Alchemy, allowing players to achieve Master levels in any Magic School faster than other spellcasting classes. However, due to its perceived fragility, many players tend to shy away from a purely Mage build in favor of hybrid classes.

Yet, for those interested in harnessing magic’s formidable potential, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered features significantly enhanced spellcasting mechanics, making it an excellent time to explore a full Mage build. This guide aims to help players develop the most powerful Mages that Cyrodiil has ever witnessed.

Best Races for Mage in Oblivion Remastered

The ideal races for establishing a Mage character in Oblivion Remastered include Breton and High Elf. Both races offer significant advantages in attributes, racial abilities, and a natural proficiency in magic, which complements the class benefits across various magical disciplines (and Alchemy).

The High Elf race provides a notable advantage with a +100 boost to Magicka and an increase to their Intelligence. However, they do have a major vulnerability to elemental magic, making them even more vulnerable than the average spellcaster.

In contrast, the Breton receives a lesser boost to Magicka (+50) but excels in resistance against all magic types except Destruction. With a 50% resistance to spells and the Major Power of Dragon Skin, which grants a 50% damage shield usable once per day, Bretons are exceptionally equipped to confront other magic users. Beginners will find playing a Mage to be challenging, especially at lower levels when Magicka can be scarce. However, as they advance and enhance their primary attributes (Intelligence and Willpower), they will soon notice substantial improvements in their spellcasting efficiency. Players can opt for High Elf for a more offensive playstyle or choose Breton for a sturdier magical build.

Best Birthsigns for Mage in Oblivion Remastered

Those looking to create top-tier Mages should consider the Mage birthsign, as it stands out for a pure Magicka build. While The Apprentice is alluring due to its magicka boost, it imposes a severe limitation by doubling the player’s vulnerability to magic attacks–a drawback that can be mitigated by choosing the Breton race.

Alternatively, players could opt for The Attronach, which offers a different playstyle by preventing Magicka regeneration but allowing players to absorb it from incoming spells. However, this requires being hit by magic attacks, which can be quite precarious.

Other viable birthsigns include The Steed, granting a +20 Speed increase, which is advantageous for mages who struggle with mobility and often find themselves targeted by melee opponents and archers. Finally, The Lady provides boosts to Endurance and Willpower (+10 each), benefiting Magicka regeneration and improving total Health and Fatigue upon leveling.

Best Equipment & Weapons for Mage Class

Players should focus on utilizing staffs and lightweight clothing (Doublets, Dresses, Robes, Hoods, etc.) as their primary gear. Staffs serve as secondary weapons while spellcasting remains the main source of offense, providing necessary support spells when Magicka runs low or needed to counter enemy spellcasters.

It’s essential to consider the Spell Effectiveness stat, which decreases as players equip heavier armor. With a 90% effectiveness threshold, casting spells will require more Magicka, so players should aim to avoid heavy gear. Light Armor without any related skill can reduce spell effectiveness by at least 15%, while Heavy Armor can cap it at around 80%.

When selecting the right gear, players must be strategic, as enchanting inappropriate armor can drastically affect their budget (unless the infinite Gold glitch is being employed). Opt for the following robes and accessories:

Ring of Magicka (boosts Magicka and Willpower)
Sorcerer’s Ring (absorbs 25% Magicka from hostile spells and raises maximum Magicka by 25)
Amulet of Shield (provides self-Shield by a certain percentage)
Robes of the Mage (increases Magicka and Willpower)
Hood of the Mage (increases Magicka and Willpower)
Shoes of Magicka (increases Magicka and Willpower)

Although enchanted items may carry a high price tag, they are invaluable for long-term progress. Players should also retain spare staffs to prevent running out of Magicka during combat. Some recommended options for a balanced build include:

Apotheosis Staff: Capable of inflicting 33 points of Shock, Frost, and Fire damage simultaneously, available from Rindir at Rindir’s Staffs in the Imperial City Market District.
Staff of Silence: This staff disables opposing spellcasters, releasing a distinctive spiral of green light, vital for combatting end-game magic users.
Paralysis Staff: An essential tool for Mages, this staff stuns melee and ranged opponents, allowing mages the chance to unleash powerful spells against them.

Best Spells for Mage Class

The Mage Class starts with standard spells like Flare, Protect, and Restore Health. Flare serves as the primary offensive spell initially, transitioning to Small Fireball upon completing Mages Guild quests. Protect, a fundamental Alteration spell, should be frequently cast for skill improvement, while Restore Health will act as the main healing spell early on. Additionally, Mages possess the Summon Skeleton Conjuration ability to summon assistance.

Here’s a list of some strong spells to consider upgrading once skills are more developed:

Elemental Flare: A powerful tri-elemental spell causing Shock, Fire, and Ice damage, obtainable from Conjurer enemies.
Shock: Delivers a quick burst of lightning, dealing 25-30 points of Shock damage instantly.
Drain Magicka: Allows players to drain Magicka from targets they touch, handy against spellcasting foes when their own reserves are low.
Elemental Shield (Frost, Shock, Fire): Grants increased resistance to specific elemental damage types, such as Frost Shield boosting resistance by 25%.
Entropic Bolt: Inflicts damage that overcomes magical resistance, ideal for dealing with highly resistant enemies.
Summon Skeleton Guardian: An enhanced version of the basic summoning spell that creates a robust minion to aid in battle.
Weakness to Elements (Frost, Shock, Fire): Places a curse on enemies, making them vulnerable to a designated elemental damage, particularly effective against certain enemy types.
Invisibility: An essential spell allowing for stealthy movement, especially useful in quest scenarios–though caution is needed as sound can still alert enemies.

Tips for Playing as a Mage in Oblivion Remastered

Keep a healthy supply of Magicka Restoration Potions handy: Prioritize leveling Alchemy before diving into other magic schools while ensuring ample, high-quality potions are available.
Utilize a staff when necessary: They can be lifesavers, with spells that don’t deplete Magicka but use Charges that can be replenished with Soul Gems.
Employ debuff spells: Spells like Burdening Touch and Corrode can significantly impede enemies, enhancing survival chances during encounters.
Be sure to summon minions: Summoned allies serve as protective buffers, diverting enemy attacks from the Mage during battles–ideal for many situations throughout the game.