Oblivion Remastered: City Tier List

As a passionate fan, I’m thrilled to share that “Oblivion Remastered” boasts some truly iconic cities that house unforgettable quests. These cities, now stunningly remastered with Unreal 5, showcase their unique charm more vividly than ever. The grandeur of the Imperial City and the oppressive heat of Leyawiin are just two examples of this breathtaking enhancement, allowing me to immerse myself deeper into this extraordinary world.

Not every city shares the same level of significance, and some boast unique advantages over others. Although there are numerous factors to evaluate a location by, this compilation prioritizes its historical significance, the adventures it offers, and its overall comfort. In certain role-playing-centric gameplays of Oblivion Remastered, characters might not visit one or more of these cities, so it’s crucial to assess them based on their key features.

S Tier – Symbolic of Cyrodiil

Imperial City
Cheydinhal
Skingrad

Imperial City

In the realm of The Elder Scrolls, perhaps nothing is more recognizable than the White-Gold Tower, nestled within the circular ramparts of the Imperial City. A melting pot of commerce, governance, and artistic expression, the Imperial City stands as the bustling epicenter among them all. It’s teeming with remarkable questlines connected to the Arena, the Thieves Guild, and notably, the main storyline where Martin Septim clashes with Mehrunes Dagon, resolving the Oblivion Crisis. Many gamers might find themselves spending extended periods here due to the abundance of shops and NPCs, making it a home away from home, even if it’s not their preferred destination.

Cheydinhal

In contrast to the hidden evil of the Dark Brotherhood lair, Cheydinhal boasts an appealing appearance with its trailing willow branches and tall, spired rooftops. The city’s tranquil atmosphere, created by its purple-tinted buildings and waterfront, often places it at the top of players’ favorite spots in Cyrodiil. However, it is most renowned for the Dark Brotherhood questline, which is considered one of the finest in The Elder Scrolls series. It’s worth mentioning that Count Andel Indarys is unique as he is the only non-Imperial Count, reflecting the city’s close proximity to Morrowind and its significant Dunmer population.

Skingrad

In the grand scheme of Cyrodiil, Skingrad shines as an impressive city with a distinct medieval charm that has held significant power throughout history. What sets it apart is its enigmatic leader, Count Janus Hassildor, who happens to be a vampire – a secret known to his inner circle and some residents. Yet, this peculiarity doesn’t seem to cause unrest among the citizens, and they often speak highly of his long-standing commitment to service, which has kept the city remarkably stable over time. Skingrad is also renowned for its engaging quests, such as Paranoia and Whodunit, making it a popular destination in Oblivion.

A Tier – Jewel of the Gold Coast

Anvil

Anvil

As a dedicated fan, I find myself captivated by the charming township of Anvil, nestled along the Gold Coast, sandwiched between Hammerfell and Elsweyr. This historic city, reminiscent of a 17th-century Spanish colony, sends its ships as far as the Summerset Isles and even to the distant lands of Yokuda.

Anvil is a hub of intriguing quests, such as the early missions for the Fighter’s Guild and encounters with the Preacher from the Knights of the Nine. Anvil plays a pivotal role in the Gray Fox’s narrative, offering an essential piece of the puzzle. It also boasts the most affordable player housing, complete with a quest that leaves a lasting impression.

Though it isn’t directly linked to the broader provincial affairs, Anvil serves as a tranquil refuge from the bustling Imperial politics.

B Tier – The Middle Ground

Leyawiin
Chorrol

Leyawiin

In earlier “Elder Scrolls” games, Cyrodiil was depicted as a jungle, with Leyawiin serving as a glimpse of what the entire province could have been. The remaster has significantly changed its sweltering, humid landscape, making it more vibrant and alive. Players might visit Leyawiin for several reasons; they could be completing Nocturnal’s Daedric quest, finishing tasks for the Fighter’s Guild, or carrying out a Dark Brotherhood contract against Adamus Phillada. Interestingly, Leyawiin has a higher proportion of beast races relative to humans and mer, given its location between Elsweyr and Black Marsh. However, it doesn’t receive as much attention as other cities due to the limited number of quests directly involving it.

Chorrol

Much like Anvil in the lower tier, Chorrol is a tranquil city compared to most others in Cyrodiil, making it an ideal location for living. Despite being somewhat uneventful, it offers a few notable quests that could pique one’s interest. For instance, The Killing Field provides players with Chillrend as a reward, while A Shadow Over Hackdirt, with its Lovecraftian themes, has captivated lore enthusiasts for close to two decades. Additionally, it serves as the initial destination in the main quest, which might make it particularly significant for many gamers.

C Tier – Less Important or Unpleasant

Bruma
Bravil

Bruma

Although Bruma town isn’t problematic, it’s relatively modest compared to others. Its Nordic design is tasteful yet unassuming, and not many memorable quests are tied to it aside from the legendary Defense of Bruma, where soldiers gather from various cities to repel a massive Daedric invasion. Additionally, players often overlook Bruma during gameplay, particularly when Frostcrag Spire offers an attractive alternative as a player’s home.

Bravil

Among the locations listed, it’s hardly unexpected that Bravil is one of them. This city, characterized by its grime, dilapidation, and high crime rate, might not be an ideal living space. Regrettably, Bravil is a place some players may intentionally avoid unless they join the Thieves Guild. The scarcity of quests that send players to Bravil and its secluded location on the map make it simple to overlook. However, players eager to enhance their acrobatics skills in Oblivion Remastered may find themselves drawn to Bravil, as the opportunity to leap across unstable rooftops is an experience that Skyrim does not offer.

D Tier – The Town in Need of a Hero

Kvatch

Kvatch

By the time the player arrives, Kvatch is scarcely considered a city. Despite its significant role in the main storyline, there isn’t much else to explore within it. Regrettably, Bethesda didn’t incorporate a questline for rebuilding Kvatch as many players had hoped. However, it does bestow one of the player character’s titles – the Hero of Kvatch – a title that remains with them throughout the game.

2025-05-26 20:11