Should I Close Every Oblivion Gate in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion?

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is an action-packed, open-world fantasy role-playing game that has captivated gamers for decades. One of the most significant aspects of the game is the Oblivion gates, which serve as portals to the demonic realm of Oblivion. As the hero of the game, you have the power to close these gates, but the question remains: should you close every Oblivion gate? In this article, we will delve into the world of Oblivion, exploring the benefits and drawbacks of closing every Oblivion gate, and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Understanding Oblivion Gates

Before we dive into the pros and cons of closing every Oblivion gate, it’s essential to understand what they are and how they work. Oblivion gates are portals that connect the mortal world of Cyrodiil to the demonic realm of Oblivion. These gates are opened by the Daedra, a group of powerful demons who seek to invade and destroy the mortal world.

When an Oblivion gate is opened, it allows Daedra to pour into the mortal world, causing chaos and destruction. As the hero of the game, it’s your job to close these gates and stop the Daedra invasion. Closing an Oblivion gate requires you to enter the gate, navigate through the Oblivion realm, and find the Sigil Stone, which is the key to closing the gate.

The Benefits of Closing Every Oblivion Gate

There are several benefits to closing every Oblivion gate in the game. Here are a few:

• Stopping the Daedra Invasion: By closing every Oblivion gate, you can stop the Daedra invasion and prevent further destruction of the mortal world.
• Reducing Chaos and Destruction: Closing Oblivion gates reduces the number of Daedra in the mortal world, which in turn reduces the chaos and destruction they cause.
• Increasing the Safety of Cyrodiil’s Citizens: With fewer Daedra in the mortal world, the citizens of Cyrodiil are safer, and the overall sense of security in the game world increases.
• Improving the Game’s Economy: Closing Oblivion gates can also improve the game’s economy by reducing the number of Daedra that are destroying crops, killing livestock, and disrupting trade.

The Drawbacks of Closing Every Oblivion Gate

While closing every Oblivion gate has its benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

• Time-Consuming: Closing every Oblivion gate can be a time-consuming process, especially if you’re trying to do it on your own. Each gate requires you to navigate through the Oblivion realm, find the Sigil Stone, and close the gate, which can take several hours.
• Difficult: Closing Oblivion gates can be challenging, especially for lower-level characters. The Oblivion realm is filled with powerful Daedra, and navigating through it can be treacherous.
• Reducing the Game’s Challenge: Closing every Oblivion gate can reduce the game’s challenge, as the Daedra invasion is a significant part of the game’s storyline and gameplay.

Alternatives to Closing Every Oblivion Gate

If you don’t want to close every Oblivion gate, there are alternatives to consider:

• Close Only the Oblivion Gates That Are Causing Trouble: Instead of closing every Oblivion gate, you can focus on closing only the ones that are causing trouble in the mortal world. This approach allows you to still stop the Daedra invasion while also reducing the time and effort required to close every gate.
• Use the Game’s Mechanics to Your Advantage: The game’s mechanics can be used to your advantage when dealing with Oblivion gates. For example, you can use the game’s fast travel system to quickly travel to different parts of the game world and close Oblivion gates that are causing trouble.

Using the Game’s Mechanics to Close Oblivion Gates Efficiently

The game’s mechanics can be used to close Oblivion gates efficiently. Here are a few tips:

• Use the Fast Travel System: The fast travel system allows you to quickly travel to different parts of the game world, making it easier to close Oblivion gates that are causing trouble.
• Use the Map to Track Oblivion Gates: The game’s map can be used to track Oblivion gates, making it easier to find and close them.
• Use the Game’s Quest System: The game’s quest system can be used to close Oblivion gates, as many quests involve closing gates or stopping the Daedra invasion.

Conclusion

Closing every Oblivion gate in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is a significant undertaking that requires time, effort, and dedication. While there are benefits to closing every gate, there are also drawbacks to consider. By understanding the game’s mechanics and using them to your advantage, you can close Oblivion gates efficiently and effectively, stopping the Daedra invasion and saving the mortal world.

Ultimately, whether or not to close every Oblivion gate is up to you. If you’re looking for a challenge and want to stop the Daedra invasion, closing every gate may be the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed gameplay experience, you may want to consider alternative approaches, such as closing only the gates that are causing trouble or using the game’s mechanics to your advantage.

By considering the benefits and drawbacks of closing every Oblivion gate, you can make an informed decision that suits your gameplay style and preferences.

What are Oblivion Gates in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion?

Oblivion Gates are portals that connect the mortal world of Cyrodiil to the demonic realm of Oblivion. These gates are opened by the Daedric Prince of Destruction, Mehrunes Dagon, in an attempt to invade and destroy the mortal world. Throughout the game, players will encounter numerous Oblivion Gates, each serving as a gateway to a unique Oblivion plane. Closing these gates is crucial to preventing the destruction of Cyrodiil and saving its inhabitants from the clutches of demonic forces.

The Oblivion Gates are not just random portals; they are actually gateways to specific planes of Oblivion, each with its own unique characteristics, challenges, and rewards. By closing these gates, players can prevent the flow of demonic creatures into Cyrodiil, reduce the overall threat to the mortal world, and gain valuable experience, loot, and insight into the game’s lore. Moreover, closing Oblivion Gates is a key part of the game’s main quest, as it helps to weaken Mehrunes Dagon’s power and ultimately leads to the final showdown with the Daedric Prince.

Why should I close every Oblivion Gate in the game?

Closing every Oblivion Gate in the game is essential to fully completing the main quest and saving the world of Cyrodiil from destruction. By closing these gates, players can prevent the demonic invasion, reduce the number of Oblivion creatures roaming the mortal world, and gain access to unique rewards, including powerful artifacts, spells, and abilities. Additionally, closing Oblivion Gates provides valuable experience points, which can help players level up their characters and improve their skills.

Furthermore, closing every Oblivion Gate allows players to explore the various planes of Oblivion, each with its own unique landscape, challenges, and secrets. This can provide a rich and immersive gaming experience, as players delve deeper into the game’s lore and discover new locations, characters, and storylines. Moreover, closing all the Oblivion Gates can provide a sense of accomplishment and completion, as players can feel that they have fully explored and saved the world of Cyrodiil from the forces of darkness.

What are the consequences of not closing every Oblivion Gate?

If players choose not to close every Oblivion Gate, the consequences can be severe. The demonic invasion will continue unabated, and the mortal world of Cyrodiil will be overrun by Oblivion creatures. This can lead to a significant increase in difficulty, as players will have to contend with more powerful and numerous enemies. Additionally, the game’s main quest may be affected, as the player’s failure to close the Oblivion Gates can weaken the mortal world’s defenses and make it more vulnerable to Mehrunes Dagon’s attacks.

Moreover, not closing every Oblivion Gate can result in missed opportunities for experience, loot, and character development. Players may miss out on unique rewards, including powerful artifacts and abilities, which can make the game more challenging and less enjoyable. Furthermore, the game’s story and lore may be less engaging, as players will not have the opportunity to fully explore the planes of Oblivion and discover the secrets and challenges that they hold. This can lead to a less immersive and less satisfying gaming experience.

How do I close an Oblivion Gate in the game?

To close an Oblivion Gate, players must first find and enter the gate, which will transport them to a unique plane of Oblivion. Once inside, players must navigate the plane, fighting off Oblivion creatures and overcoming challenges to reach the Sigil Stone, a powerful artifact that holds the key to closing the gate. The Sigil Stone is usually located at the center of the Oblivion plane, and players must use it to activate the gate’s closure mechanism.

The process of closing an Oblivion Gate can be challenging, as players will have to contend with powerful enemies, including Daedra and other demonic creatures. Additionally, the planes of Oblivion can be treacherous, with traps, puzzles, and other obstacles that must be overcome. However, with the right skills, abilities, and equipment, players can successfully close the Oblivion Gates and save the mortal world from destruction. It is recommended that players prepare thoroughly before attempting to close an Oblivion Gate, by ensuring they have the necessary skills, equipment, and experience to overcome the challenges that lie within.

What rewards can I expect from closing Oblivion Gates?

Closing Oblivion Gates can provide a wide range of rewards, including experience points, gold, and unique loot. Players can expect to find powerful artifacts, including weapons, armor, and magical items, which can be used to improve their characters and enhance their gaming experience. Additionally, closing Oblivion Gates can provide access to new skills, abilities, and spells, which can be used to overcome challenges and defeat enemies.

The rewards from closing Oblivion Gates can also include unique items and artifacts that are specific to the plane of Oblivion that the gate leads to. For example, players may find items that are imbued with the power of the Daedra, or artifacts that hold the secrets of the Oblivion planes. These rewards can be highly valuable, providing players with a significant advantage in the game and enhancing their overall gaming experience. Moreover, the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes from closing an Oblivion Gate can be a reward in itself, as players feel that they have overcome a significant challenge and achieved a major milestone in the game.

Can I close Oblivion Gates at any time in the game?

While players can close Oblivion Gates at any time in the game, it is generally recommended that they do so as part of the main quest. The main quest provides a structured narrative and a clear set of objectives, which can help guide players through the process of closing the Oblivion Gates. Additionally, the main quest often provides players with the necessary skills, equipment, and experience to overcome the challenges that lie within the Oblivion planes.

However, players can choose to close Oblivion Gates at any time, whether as part of the main quest or as a side activity. This can provide a sense of freedom and flexibility, as players can explore the planes of Oblivion and close the gates at their own pace. Nevertheless, it is recommended that players prepare thoroughly before attempting to close an Oblivion Gate, by ensuring they have the necessary skills, equipment, and experience to overcome the challenges that lie within. This can help to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience, and prevent players from becoming overwhelmed or frustrated by the challenges that they encounter.