Summary:

  • The Battlemage in Oblivion Remastered is all about spellcasting, melee, and long fights. 
  • Players should keep an eye on stamina and Magicka and manage these resources in order to be effective sustainably.
  • Focusing on attributes that grow magical ability and strength early on really gives a solid framework for hybrid combat effectiveness.

The battlemage is probably has the most exciting and dynamic build in Oblivion Remastered. With a battlemage build, you have the raw power of spell-casting mixed with the brutal force of melee combat. If you want to experience the best of both worlds, building a battlemage is the best of all combinations! Let’s look at ways to build the best battlemage suited to your tactics.

Choosing the Best Race and Birthsign

Bretons are the best option for a race because they have a built-in 50% magic resistance and +50 Magicka bonus. They also have access to Dragon Skin, which increases your temporary armor rating and will help you survive melee encounters. The Bretons’ natural affinity for spellcasting and defense is a perfect fit for a Battlemage, who will need to take some hits in close combat while casting spells.

When it comes to the Birthsigns, the Lord is considered the best option with the Breton. It gives a +15% increase to both armor rating and magic resistance which are both great for the character’s survivability. Also, the Mage Birthsign just gives a straightforward +50 Magicka without any negatives, suitable for players wanting to emphasize spellcasting.

If you’re more risk-friendly, you could also use The Atronach that gives you +150 Magicka and +50% Spell Absorption. But it doesn’t allow for Magicka Regeneration, meaning you’ll have to control it. You can choose Systres origin as well, as it increases Strength, which will allow for more melee damage and Encumbrance. With this, you’ll take advantage of both magic and melee, so it will help in a hybrid style.

Attributes and How to Allocate Them

Go ahead and get a jump start on pumping up Intelligence and Strength at the outset. Intelligence increases your maximum Magicka which gives you the edge when it comes to casting higher-level spells. Meanwhile, Strength warms you up for melee damage. But most importantly, to carry weight when you need to hold heavy items, like when using a heavy weapon.

Once you see these stats hit their cap (around level 12), then you can pivot to Willpower and Endurance. Willpower increases your Magicka regeneration and maximum fatigue, so you can use spells more often and for physical stamina longer. Endurance increases your health and regeneration, which is key if you’re planning on being on the front lines of combat.

Major and Minor Skills for Battlemage Builds

Usually, the default Battlemage class includes these Major Skills as preferred attributes for increasing melee damage and adding specific stats:

  • Alchemy
  • Alteration
  • Blade
  • Blunt
  • Conjuration
  • Destruction
  • Mysticism

As a best practice, players can build for either Blade or Blunt and swap either with Heavy Armor. Now, the player can tank damage and cast spells as needed. Here are the Minor Skills as follows:

  • Alchemy
  • Alteration
  • Block
  • Marksman
  • Mysticism
  • Speechcraft

Equipment Recommendations

The optimal setup finds a balance between heavy armor and weapons that can be used in melee and for spells. You’re looking at heavy armor sets like Steel (early game), Orcish (mid-game), and Dwarven armor (right around level 20). They will give you better protection and durability so you can tank damage, and still cast spells. The natural magic resistance of the Breton race, and gear like the Mundane Ring (35% spell reflect, 50% magic resist), all stacked together, makes your character almost immune to magical damage when using the traits of the Breton.

For your weapon types, look to pack some nasty damage with a high damage one- or two-handed melee weapon. Daedric Shortsword, or Daedric Dagger, for the speed in swing, plus the base damage of the weapons, allows quick attacks either close or far, while you can power level spellcasting and spell use. For ranged damage, the Daedric Bow can also prove a good secondary weapon for deadly distance, especially when using both weapon and enchanted effects like health drain. For added options, and a unique item like Staff of Indarys can pack some additional shock damage and paralysis effects into your offensive magic powers.

Conclusion

The Battlemage build takes the cake when it comes to the most fun and versatile way to play Oblivion Remastered. Battlemages have the best of both worlds, and there are so many options and so much fun to be had! Work on your armor and set up combos you love. You’re going to be a force to be reckoned with, and few enemies will survive this strategy.