The Arena in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered serves as an exciting venue for players looking to gain experience and gold through thrilling combat encounters. Embarking on the quest to become the Grand Champion will be a formidable journey. This guide aims to prepare you for what lies ahead in the pit of challenges.
While there are no strict level requirements to participate in the Arena, engaging in some leveling and looting beforehand can significantly enhance your chances of success. The adventure begins immediately after you exit the sewers, should you feel eager to dive into the action.
Understanding the Arena
At its core, the Arena revolves around gladiator-style combat, where contestants engage in battle, often with life-or-death stakes. When you arrive at the Arena, you’ll find yourself faced with two main options: betting or fighting. Betting can yield a quick profit, while engaging in the fights offers a more immersive experience and the chance to ascend through the ranks.
Betting on Combatants
Outside the Arena, a friendly NPC provides a comprehensive overview of how betting operates. You can place bets of 25, 50, or 100 gold on the contestants and observe the matches unfold. Winning a bet allows you to double your stake—providing a tantalizing option for quick currency accumulation.
However, remember that betting is inherently risky; results are unpredictable. Each round lasts roughly three minutes, so settle in to see how your chosen champion fares before you head back to claim your rewards.
Engaging in Combat
To participate in the fights, make your way to the Bloodworks and speak to Owyn. You will need to select either light or heavy armor from the available options. Both types of armor can be found within the Arena for looting, ensuring you are equipped for battle.
Before stepping into the blood-soaked battleground, keep in mind the following important rules:
- The Arena operates from 9 AM to 9 PM.
- Betting on yourself is prohibited.
- You must wear the designated armor provided.
- Weapons and armor cannot be looted from defeated foes.
Adhering to these rules can feel restrictive, but don’t let them deter you from striving to conquer your opponents. Each victorious match rewards you with gold and valuable experience points (XP).
The Combat Experience
Contrary to popular belief, the Arena is accessible to all character builds, including magic users. It’s crucial to note that as you progress, adversaries may employ spells like restoration magic—especially as you move from the Pit Dog rank toward the Grand Champion.
Rank and Rewards Breakdown
Here’s a detailed overview of the ranks, the number of battles in each tier, and the corresponding payouts:
| Rank | Matches | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Pit Dog | Bosmer Pit Dog | 50 Gold |
| Imperial Pit Dog | 50 Gold | |
| Argonian Pit Dog | 100 Gold | |
| Brawler | Nord Brawler | 100 Gold |
| Bosmer Brawler Twins | 100 Gold | |
| Khajiit Brawler | 150 Gold | |
| Bloodletter | Redguard Bloodletter | 150 Gold |
| Breton Bloodletter | 150 Gold | |
| Dunmer Bloodletter | 200 Gold | |
| Myrmidon | Bosmer Myrmidon | 200 Gold |
| Altmer Myrmidon | 200 Gold | |
| Orc Myrmidon | 250 Gold | |
| Warrior | Nord Warrior | 250 Gold |
| Altmer Warrior | 250 Gold | |
| Orc Warrior | 300 Gold | |
| Gladiator | Argonian Prisoners x3 | 300 Gold |
| Khajiit Gladiator | 300 Gold | |
| Breton Gladiator | 350 Gold | |
| Hero | Imperial Hero | 350 Gold |
| Altmer Hero | 350 Gold | |
| Pit Dog, Bloodletter, and the Yellow Team Champion | 500 Gold | |
| Champion | Agronak gro-Malog, the Gray Prince | 1, 000 Gold |
Given that combat can be lethal, ensure you have your strongest gear and ample healing supplies. Respite between fights is encouraged; the Arena will still await your return once you regroup.
You may encounter significant challenges if you haven’t reached at least level ten, particularly during multi-opponent scenarios. After each match, make use of the washing stand in the Red Room to recuperate before your next challenge.
Effective Fight Strategies
Most fights up to the Gladiator rank follow a similar format, with the notable exception of the Bosmer Twins encounter—target the archer first for an easier fight.
The Gladiator Rank
Three Argonians
- Typically, only one will wield a weapon, allowing you to gain an early advantage by eliminating them.
- Watch out for disarm attempts as they are unarmed.
Khajiit
- The Khajiit gains enhanced defense during the initial hits.
- Use power attacks to bypass this armor and inflict damage.
Breton
- This foe will be equipped with an Elven Longsword, capable of inflicting substantial damage.
- Blocking attacks will help mitigate the hits and create openings for your own power attacks.
Facing the Hero Rank
Imperial
- Brandishes a Katana and unleashes rapid attacks.
- Evade his swings until he initiates a power attack, which you can block to stun him momentarily.
More
- A magic-wielding opponent who excels with fireball attacks; navigate horizontally to avoid damage.
- His close-range capabilities are minimal, so proximity is advantageous.
Yellow Team Champion
- A potentially chaotic three-on-one battle that could escalate to four opponents at once if not managed properly.
- Prioritize eliminating the archer to avoid excessive complications and summoned spirits.
- Utilize your companion, Porkchop, to draw enemy attention while you strike.
Protecting Porkchop is vital—should anything happen to him, it can ruin your battle morale. Ensure he remains in good health throughout the fights.
Achieving the Title of Grand Champion
Your journey to becoming the Grand Champion will require defeating a formidable opponent, and this battle won’t be easy. Agronak, the current champion, poses a serious challenge unless you manage to undertake his side quest, which simplifies the fight considerably.
Before confronting Agronak, engaging with him will unveil the side quest to locate his father, initiating the “Origin of the Gray Prince”quest. You are free to challenge him without completing the quest, but prepare yourself for a truly epic showdown if you choose this route.
Once prepared, speak to Ysabel to select your title, which will become your identity throughout Cyrodiil. You can don any gear you desire for the final confrontation, so ensure you equip your strongest items and brace for an unforgettable battle.
Without Undertaking the Side Quest
Expect a grueling battle, especially if your character is below level ten, given that the Grand Champion is also level ten. His high defensive skills and considerable health pool will make this a test of endurance.
Maintain mobility during the fight, as getting caught can result in heavy damage. It’s highly recommended to stock up on healing items, as this battle can drag on significantly, and dodging large attacks while blocking smaller ones is vital for survival.
With the Side Quest Completed
Completing the side quest is relatively straightforward. Travel to Crowhaven, located northwest of Anvil. Once there, battle through enemies, locate the locked door, and confront Lord Lovidicus, the father of the Grand Champion.
Given his vampiric nature, approach him with caution! After acquiring his journal from the second floor, return to share your findings with Agronak. He’ll impart essential combat techniques that grant you permanent bonuses, such as:
- +3 to Blade Skill
- +3 to Block Skill
- +3 to Athletics Skill
In the final showdown, Agronak will forgo aggression, leaving himself open to your strikes—a twisted sense of retribution will unfold.
Thus, you emerge as the Grand Champion of the Arena; however, your adventure is far from over.
Post-Grand Champion Adventures
Along with the prestige of your title, you will receive 1, 000 gold and acquire an enthusiastic yet somewhat annoying new follower. Upon exiting the Bloodworks, an eager elf will approach you, desiring to accompany you on your journey throughout Cyrodiil.
This companion can provide amusing banter and color commentary but can also be dismissed, or you can take advantage of the option to trigger the Dark Brotherhood questline by eliminating him.
Every three days, he will revive outside the Arena regardless of your actions, allowing you to recruit him once more whenever you choose.
Furthermore, speak with Ysabel to arrange for weekly monster fights that yield additional gold—creating a consistent income stream. With the title of Grand Champion under your belt, you can now choose to proceed with your overarching quests, or perhaps focus on levelling up further. The choice is yours.
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