Ah, the shadowy arts! Whether you're a budding assassin for the Dark Brotherhood or a nimble-fingered member of the Thieves Guild, mastering the Sneak skill in Oblivion Remastered is paramount to becoming the ultimate unseen force in Cyrodiil. Traversing the vast landscapes of Tamriel demands the ability to move silently and undetected, free from the clunky hindrance of heavy armor and clumsy footsteps that betray your presence. Fear not, aspiring shadows, for this guide will illuminate the path to easily increasing your Sneak skill, revealing the locations of invaluable Sneak Trainers, and detailing the vital benefits this clandestine art bestows.
Sneak is not merely a passive ability; it's an active choice that opens up a wealth of strategic possibilities in every Oblivion Remastered playthrough. Whether you envision a deadly stealth archer build, capable of eliminating foes from the shadows before they even know you're there, or simply desire the finesse to execute a cheeky pickpocket without raising suspicion, a high Sneak skill is your key to success. It allows you to navigate the world with an element of surprise, turning potential threats into unsuspecting targets and heavily guarded treasures into easily acquired loot.
The most efficient and safest method to rapidly level up your Sneak skill in Oblivion Remastered involves the subtle art of observation. To gain experience, you must follow NPCs while remaining completely undetected in the characteristic sneaking crouch-walk position. Simply standing motionless next to an NPC will yield no progress; you must maintain movement within their vicinity while successfully evading their detection.
The mechanics of Sneak experience gain reward consistent, undetected movement. For every second you spend moving while undetected with an entity nearby, you earn a valuable 0.75 experience points towards your Sneak skill. Understanding this mechanic allows for strategic training. The most opportune time to hone your stealth is during the stillness of night. Crouch-walking silently around a sleeping NPC provides a safe and reliable method for accumulating Sneak experience. Alternatively, the bustling Imperial City offers a wealth of potential targets during the day. Stalking the often-oblivious beggars or the patrolling guards can prove to be an effective way to level up your Sneak in a more dynamic environment.
The Sneak skill in Oblivion Remastered directly enhances your character's ability to blend into the environment, effectively increasing their chameleon-like properties. As your Sneak proficiency grows, you become progressively harder to detect while crouched. This fundamental ability to move unseen unlocks a cascade of tactical advantages. It significantly increases your chances of a successful pickpocket, allowing you to pilfer valuable items without raising alarms. Furthermore, the ability to crouch-walk unseen opens the door to devastating stealth attacks, dealing bonus damage and potentially securing swift kills before your enemy even registers your presence.
The mastery of Sneak is divided into 5 distinct levels, each granting a unique and powerful perk upon achievement:
Skill Level | Effects |
Novice (0-24) | Hitting enemies while undetected deals extra damage, particularly with Daggers. |
Apprentice (25-49) | Your Sneak Attacks are a lot deadlier. |
Journeyman (50-74) | You make less noise when moving while sneaking. |
Expert (75-99) | You are harder to detect in bright environments. |
Master (100) | Your Sneak Attacks ignore the opponent's armor. |
For those seeking expert guidance and a faster path to mastering the art of Sneak, Cyrodiil is home to 7 skilled Sneak Trainers. Each trainer resides in a unique location and offers training services up to a specific skill level. From the basics (0-40) to advanced techniques (0-70) and the pinnacle of mastery (71-100), these trainers can significantly accelerate your Sneak progression – provided you have the necessary gold to compensate their expertise:
Trainer Name | Trainer Location | Trainer Level |
City-Swimmer | Southwest of Bravil's City Gate, above S'Krivva | 0-40 |
Glistel | Southwest of Chorrol in Malintus Ancrus' House | 0-40 |
Rowley Eardwulf | Wawnet Inn, west of Imperial City | 0-50 |
Kovan Kren | Dunbarrow Cove, south of Anvil | 0-70 |
Mirabelle Monet | Inside Fo'c's'le in Anvil Waterfront | 0-70 |
Othrelos | Northeast of Imperial City's Elven Gardens District | 0-75 |
Marana Rian | Northwest of Imperial City's Temple District | 71-100 |
By diligently practicing your silent movements and seeking the wisdom of these Sneak Trainers, you will be well on your way to becoming a true master of the shadows in Oblivion Remastered, capable of navigating Cyrodiil with unparalleled stealth and executing your clandestine endeavors with deadly precision.