(Image credit: Bethesda, Virtuos)
Achieving the Champion rank in Oblivion Remastered’s Arena is meant to test one’s prowess to the fullest. Opponents from the Yellow Team come at you with impressive archery, potent spells, and unyielding strength. Intimidating, right? Not if you employ my secret tactic, which turns this grand display into a chaotic brawl on the arena floor.
My journey with Oblivion began with its newly launched remaster, having heard legendary tales of its iconic Arena. As you progress through the matches, even a lowly Pit Dog can rise to become its Champion, earning a respectable payout along the way. While mastering one of the game’s combat styles seems integral to the Arena’s reputation, you are free to forge your own path—whether by wielding a gladiatorial sword and shield, or keeping your distance with arrows or spells.
My method didn’t follow the usual paths. I entered the Arena unarmed, relying on my Warrior-born Orc’s enhanced Strength and Endurance to attempt overwhelming my adversaries. This strategy proved effective—until it wasn’t.
The initial battles were straightforward. Despite the warnings from Arena Blademaster Owyn, defeated foes soon littered the sands as I returned to the Red Room. The lower-tier opponents in Oblivion simply lacked the health points to withstand the rapid attack speed offered by Hand-to-Hand combat.
Even more formidable foes clad in Heavy Armor couldn’t withstand my attack. Unlike other melee moves, Hand-to-Hand not only harms Health but also drains Fatigue, and my Orc’s swiftness swiftly exhausted their stamina, leading them to stagger from every punch. My usual approach? Chase them down, corner them, and keep pounding away until they dropped. No strategy, just pure ferocity.
I couldn’t help but imagine the Yellow Team captain’s advice to his fighters. While Owyn shared tips about dodging poisoned blades or avoiding heavy warhammers, I pictured a stressed coach across the Arena saying, ‘He’s a threat, he’ll overpower you within seconds, I apologize, nothing can be done.’
Rapidly ascending the ranks, I soon faced dirtier tactics from my foes. Previously outnumbered only once by a swift extra Wood Elf, this time I faced three determined Argonians and found myself outmatched. If I targeted the sword-wielding reptile, his allies would pummel me. If I aimed at the pugilistic duo, the swordsman would land critical hits. Allowing their approach meant certain defeat.
Fortunately, a shift in tactics saved me. Orcs benefit from a natural boost to Hand-to-Hand, and the skill levels up slightly quicker than other melee disciplines. The relentless practice against scaly foes advanced me to Journeyman rank, unlocking a power attack with a chance to disarm opponents. Against the Argonians, I tested my luck, reducing the swordsman to a mere fist-fighter, whose skill couldn’t rival mine.
This disarming strategy became my go-to for the remainder of my ascent. As the Yellow Team pitted heavily-armored fighters against me, I stepped into the pit’s center and launched power attacks until they disarmed. From there, they would attempt to fight with fists, but never matched my damage output. Swords and shields littered the arena, far from their former owners.
Reaching the Champion match, the Yellow Team fielded three fighters against me yet again. However, my approach proved too effective; disarming the strongest fighter and nullifying the archer’s threat allowed me to dispatch the squishy wizard and then finish the remaining two with ease. Minutes later, I walked across the Arena, victorious, stepping over fallen weapons and foes.
Although I haven’t yet reached Grand Champion status, it’s due to my interest in completing the current titleholder’s quest before our confrontation. While concerns persist regarding his formidable enchanted armor, his massive warhammer doesn’t intimidate me as much as some might expect. After all, he won’t wield it for long.
I’ve spent 20 captivating hours as an evil tourist in Oblivion Remastered, and may have inadvertently uncovered the most enjoyable approach to Bethesda’s vibrant RPG.