Melee in Oblivion

[phobrek]

Heyo, I could use some input from people. I've played Oblivion mostly as a Sneak/Marksman type, partly because magic doesn't interest me so much, but mainly because I can't figure out how to successfully melee anything. When I try using a blade/shield, I seem to do next to no damage, while mashing the attack button like an idiot, as the thing tears me apart... even when I block something, I get hurt.

 

Does a high skill in one's weapon and block make such a huge difference? Does getting Block to a high level actually manage you to use a shield to protect your character from damage? I'd like to be a tank type, but it seems like walking into death all the time. Important note, though: I haven't stuck with a melee guy long enough to get those skills to a high level. Mostly because I just get frustrated with having to just mash the attack button and once in a while effectively block (well, I block, but still take the damage).

 

Kind of related... every time I play, I end up being an alchemist big time and make zillions of potions and poisons. If my sniper type gets cornered into melee, I'm gulping as many potions as possible to stay alive while getting in the occasional shot or again, ineffectively melee. But I feel like I HAVE to do alchemy just to make the potions and stuff I'll need to survive. And while it's fun at first, eventually it gets tedious as hell, hoarding tons of ingredients and matching things up to make the best potions I can. Then I'm walking around with them, weighing me down (although I do make sure to get a Feather spell going ASAP).

 

Your thoughts? I bet that one of my problems with melee is that my computer is... not pathetic by any means, but lower end. (I'm wicked psyched though, as I've got a new machine in the mail... woot!)

 

So... any thoughts on my many problems here? I like being the sneak-thief (I loved the Thief series and love that the same guy worked on Oblivion), but I'm bored of alchemy, and wish I could tank stuff.

 

Thanks!

[rad666a]

This is how I survive lower levels (and yes, high rank in the skills of Block and Blade/Blunt help). Use this pattern:

 

Block, while enemy recoils, Power Attack (hold down the attack button until your character strikes). Rinse, repeat.

 

Your weapon skill will likely need to be a Major Skill, and use a longer reach weapon, like a longsword.

 

 

Hope that helps.

[GenghisKhanIT]

Some things you need to know about Melee:

 

- Strength attribute plays a big part: the higher, the greater the damage you cause to your opponent with H2H / blunt / blades

- Skill level with that weapon is also primary: same discussion, the higher, the greater the damage

- Block skill level works the same way: the higher, the greater the damage you will block with your shield (or weapon)

 

Also, instead of using Feather spells, which need to be renewed often, I strongly suggest you to enchant one (or more) armor parts with Feather / Fortify Strength. This way, the effect will be constant.

[phobrek]

Thanks, both of ya. Last night I started up a new orc warrior and did my best to pound things hard. It was pretty fun getting up close to some weak mob and instakilling it with a 2H Blunt (although I think I'm better off with the quicker 1Hers I can find). I did take Restoration as a main skill, as I was concerned about the ability to heal myself. It takes forever though... is there a way to decrease the down-time between battles? Besides the Minor Heal doing little each time, I'm not exactly built for Magicka.

 

Of course, the best idea is not to get hurt in the first place....

[madman132]

Thanks, both of ya. Last night I started up a new orc warrior and did my best to pound things hard. It was pretty fun getting up close to some weak mob and instakilling it with a 2H Blunt (although I think I'm better off with the quicker 1Hers I can find). I did take Restoration as a main skill, as I was concerned about the ability to heal myself. It takes forever though... is there a way to decrease the down-time between battles? Besides the Minor Heal doing little each time, I'm not exactly built for Magicka.

 

Of course, the best idea is not to get hurt in the first place....

Be an alchemist. First, You pick the plantlife clean, then you generate Potions. Most of them useless, but it will get you lots and lots of Money. Later on, Youll have enough money to buy Healing Potions, or brew them yourself.

Or Magicka Potions, if you want to train you Restoration skill higher to get better Spells and/or cast them with lower magicka cost.

[rad666a]

Last night I started up a new orc warrior and did my best to pound things hard. It was pretty fun getting up close to some weak mob and instakilling it with a 2H Blunt (although I think I'm better off with the quicker 1Hers I can find).

 

Shield + one handed Mace/Axe/Sword are best for blocking. The two handed Claymores, Warhammers, and Battleaxes are fun, but just don't block like a shield. Besides, the one handers are faster like you said.

[GenghisKhanIT]

Last night I started up a new orc warrior and did my best to pound things hard. It was pretty fun getting up close to some weak mob and instakilling it with a 2H Blunt (although I think I'm better off with the quicker 1Hers I can find).

 

Shield + one handed Mace/Axe/Sword are best for blocking. The two handed Claymores, Warhammers, and Battleaxes are fun, but just don't block like a shield. Besides, the one handers are faster like you said.

 

Agree. Just give up on 2 handed combat unless you do it for fun. Aside from block effectiveness, the increased damage from 1H to 2H is minimal, and is the same (not proportional) even for better material weapons. This means that it proportionally decreases with stronger weapons.