Best Early Game Gear in Oblivion: Top Weapons & Armors for Level 1 ~ HaploGamingChef

Oblivion Remastered: Essential Gear to Get Early (Level 1 Picks)

Introduction

In The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, not all gear is created equally. Some weapons and armor pieces scale with your character’s level, while others remain fixed once you acquire them. In this guide, we’re focusing on non-leveled gear — items you can pick up at level 1 and still rely on deep into your adventures. Picking the right non-leveled gear early means you won’t be stuck using outdated equipment later on.

If you grab leveled items too early, they remain weak forever. Meanwhile, non-leveled gear stays useful and powerful regardless of when you find it. Let’s dive into the best weapons and armor you can collect right from the start of the game.

Best Early Light Armor Sets

Brusef Amelion Armor Set

Location: Amelion Tomb near Leyawiin
Notes: Although it’s tied to a quest, you can loot and equip this light armor from level 1. It leans slightly heavy for new characters but works well if you prefer mobility.

Chainmail Armor

Location: Commonly worn by City Guards
How to Get: Kill the corrupt guard during the “Two Sides of the Coin” quest in Bruma. Much easier than fighting regular guards.

Elite Armor for Early Fighters

Elven Armor Set

Method: Progress through most of the Fighters Guild questline.
Tip: Completing the quest involving Azani Blackheart will grant nearly a full Elven set (missing only the helmet). It's challenging at level 1 but very rewarding if pulled off.

Fingolam's Helm (Fing Gleam)

Location: Underwater near Anvil
Perk: Provides underwater breathing — perfect for exploration and survival early on.

Top Heavy Armor Choices

Steel Armor

Location: Free inside the Leyawiin Fighters Guild
Why Choose: It’s the best heavy armor you can grab easily without much fighting early in the game.

Blackwood Armor

Method: Earned during the Fighters Guild quest "Trolls of Forsaken Mine."
Challenge: Requires progress through multiple quests but pays off with great heavy armor early.

Recommended Robes

Black Hand Robes (Stolen Version)

Location: A house in Bruma
Details: Early access by theft. Beware — if you're caught, guards will confiscate them. These robes mirror the ones earned through the Dark Brotherhood questline.

Best Early Shields

Escutcheon of Chorrol

How to Get:
1. Start “Separated at Birth” quest in Chorrol by talking to Valus Odiil.
2. Progress to “Legacy Lost” via Gilbert Jermaine in Cheydinhal.
3. Complete “Sins of the Father” to claim the shield.
Bonus: If you want the sword "Honorblade of Chorrol" too, you can sneak into the Countess’s quarters and steal it at night!

Must-Have Early Helmets

Mask of Clavicus Vile

Quest Start: Needs 500 gold to begin the Daedric quest.
Rewards:
- Option to keep the Mask for enhanced speechcraft and prices.
- Defeating Umbra gives a powerful sword early.
Warning: You must choose between keeping the mask or the sword — you can’t have both.

Top Gloves for Early Survivability

Hands of the Atronach

Vendor: Calindil at the Mystic Emporium in the Imperial City
Buffs: +20% resistance to Fire, Frost, and Shock.

Top Early Blades

Umbra Sword

Quest: Associated with the Clavicus Vile quest.
Difficulty: Umbra can be tough, but tactics like environmental traps make it manageable at level 1.

Silver Longsword or Shortsword

Location: Leyawiin Fighters Guild
Pro Tip: Enchant it with elemental damage and Soul Trap using the Frostcrag Spire altar to create a devastating early weapon.

Recommended Blunt Weapons

Caliban’s Grim Retort

Quest: “Unfriendly Competition” in the Imperial City.
Details: One of the strongest blunt weapons you can snag early.

Silver Blunt Weapons

Findable: Hammers in Toadstool Hollow, Axes near Battlehorn Castle start area.

Top Bows for Early Ranged Builds

Silver Bow

How to Get: Defeat the Imperial Archer outside the Inn of Ill Omen after luring enemies near him (without getting a bounty).

Frostwound Bow

Details: Enchanted bow you can get by killing a Troll at a specific location early in the game.

Best Early Staff

Staff of Apotheosis

Vendor: Rindir's Staffs in the Imperial City Market District
Comment: Although expensive, it’s one of the strongest staves you can purchase early and can carry you through much of the game.

Conclusion

Starting your Oblivion journey right can make a huge difference. By choosing non-leveled items early, you stay powerful without worrying about outgrowing your gear. Whether you prefer smashing enemies with heavy weapons or sneaking around in light armor, this list has you covered. Equip yourself wisely and enjoy a smooth ride to greatness!

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