Best Utility Skills to Level Early in Oblivion Remastered

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Alchemy, Speechcraft & Security Tips for Survival and Gold

If you're diving into Oblivion Remastered and thinking combat is the only way to survive, think again. Some of the most valuable skills early on are totally non-combat—and they can massively boost your survivability, gold income, and overall quality of life.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the best utility skills to level first: Alchemy, Speechcraft, and Security. Whether you're a sneaky thief, clever merchant, or just want to get rich without swinging a sword, these skills will carry you far.

Alchemy – Healing, Buffs & Easy Gold

Why it's great:
Alchemy is the go-to survival skill early on. Healing potions are expensive if you buy them, but dirt-cheap if you make them yourself. You’ll also be able to brew useful buffs like Fortify Strength, Restore Fatigue, or even Damage Health poisons.

How to level it fast:

  • Grab every plant, food item, and ingredient you see.

  • Use your Mortar and Pestle (you start with one if Alchemy is a major skill).

  • Mix two ingredients with matching effects—even if the potion fails, you still get XP.

  • Join the Mage’s Guild early for access to alchemy equipment and ingredient storage.

Pro tip: Many common foods like bread, cheese, apples, and lettuce share effects like Restore Fatigue, which makes for easy potion spam.

Why it helps:

  • Healing potions save your life when Restoration isn’t cutting it.

  • Buffs can prep you for tougher encounters.

  • Selling potions is one of the fastest ways to make gold in the early game.

Community tip: Check out the UESP Alchemy Guide for a complete ingredient effect list.

Speechcraft – Get Better Deals and Friendlier NPCs

Utility Skills to Level Early in Oblivion Remastered
Why it's great:
NPCs have a Disposition stat that affects how much they like you—and it directly influences shop prices, bribe costs, and even quest dialogue. Speechcraft helps you win them over without spending gold.

How to level it:

  • Use the Persuade mini-game on everyone you meet.

  • Bribe when needed (you'll gain skill XP either way).

  • Use Charm spells or potions to raise disposition further.

  • Combine with Personality-boosting gear for better results.

Why it helps:

  • Better store prices mean more gold saved and more gold earned.

  • High disposition can unlock quest shortcuts or rewards.

  • Pairs well with Mercantile and Alchemy for a smooth economy build.

Pro tip: Early in the game, the Speechcraft mini-game can feel clunky—but once you get the hang of the four-button rotation, you’ll be golden.

Community support: The folks at r/Oblivion often share disposition tricks and character builds for non-combat roleplayers.

Security – Unlock Hidden Treasure (and Escape Doors)

Why it's great:
Security governs your ability to pick locks, and let’s be honest: half the treasure in Cyrodiil is behind locked chests. Having a solid Security skill means more loot, more gold, and more options in dungeons and towns.

How to level it:

  • Practice lockpicking manually—don’t spam auto-attempt.

  • Use every lock you can find, even if it's just in the Imperial City slums.

  • Stock up on lockpicks from the Thieves Guild or fences.

  • Equip gear or spells that boost Agility or Security.

Why it helps:

  • Open locked chests full of potions, gear, and rare ingredients.

  • Bypass locked doors to sneak past enemies or escape danger.

  • Avoid wasting gold or spell slots on Open spells from Mysticism.

Pro tip: Get the Skeleton Key (a daedric artifact that never breaks) as soon as possible—it makes Security a breeze.

Helpful link: UESP Security Guide covers lockpicking mechanics and tumbler tips.

Bonus Picks: Other Handy Utility Skills

If you’re feeling extra min-max-y, here are a couple more utility skills that mesh well with the three above:

  • Mercantile: Better buy/sell rates—especially effective when paired with high Speechcraft and Alchemy.

  • Sneak: Helps you avoid fights altogether, saving potions and durability.

  • Illusion: Charm, Invisibility, and Calm spells offer both social and survival benefits.

Utility Skill Synergy = Big Brain Builds

Combining these skills can make you incredibly efficient. Here’s how they synergize:

  • Alchemy + Speechcraft = Brew and sell potions at max value.

  • Security + Sneak = Loot everything without drawing a blade.

  • Alchemy + Security = Unlock hidden rooms full of rare ingredients.

No matter your class, these skills make you richer, safer, and more self-sufficient in the wild world of Oblivion Remastered.

Final Tips for Utility Builds

  • Join the Mage’s Guild ASAP for free beds and alchemy gear.

  • Use cheap food items to grind Alchemy early.

  • Visit trainers for skill boosts—especially if you don’t want to grind manually.

  • Consider mods that overhaul Speechcraft or improve UI for Alchemy, like those on Nexus Mods Oblivion Remastered section.

Wrapping Up

Leveling non-combat skills first might seem unorthodox—but in Oblivion Remastered, it’s a smart move. You’ll stay alive longer, make more gold, and breeze through content that other characters struggle with.

So go ahead—pick those flowers, sweet-talk that guard, and crack open every locked chest you find.

Related Articles:

Want to keep your gear in top shape and roleplay like a legend in Oblivion Remastered? Start by learning How to Master Armorer in Oblivion Remastered – Repair, Recharge & Max Durability for essential tips on keeping weapons and armor fully functional. Then dive into character creation with the Best Roleplay Builds for Oblivion Remastered (2025): From Knight to Thief-King and bring your fantasy persona to life.

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