Quest Failure in Oblivion: A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can absolutely fail quests in Oblivion, but the nuances are key. Most of the essential Main Quest line is protected by unkillable NPCs. Only optional side quests can be outright failed, usually due to the death of a crucial, non-essential NPC. However, Oblivion offers so many side quests that the experience of failure can often be turned into an opportunity to explore new content!
Understanding Quest Failure in Cyrodiil
Oblivion structures its quest system with clear distinctions between essential and optional content. The main quest, revolving around closing Oblivion Gates and defeating Mehrunes Dagon, is designed to be completed. Characters critical to this narrative cannot die, preventing hard locks. Side quests, on the other hand, are a different story.
The most common cause of quest failure is the death of a non-essential NPC. Many side quests hinge on the survival of specific individuals, whether it’s a farmer who needs protection from goblins or a noblewoman seeking a lost artifact. If that character dies before you fulfill your objective, the quest typically fails. The journal updates accordingly, often with a note expressing disappointment or regret.
Another way to fail a quest is by making specific choices. Some quests present branching paths with mutually exclusive outcomes. Choosing one path automatically fails the others. This is especially prevalent in quests involving conflicting factions or moral dilemmas. Deciding to side with one party often means alienating and potentially failing quests associated with the opposing party.
Reputation also plays a role. As the excerpt mentions, being kicked out of a guild results in the failure of all active guild-related quests. Similarly, severely damaging your reputation with a particular town or organization might make certain quests inaccessible, effectively failing them before you even start.
Despite these possibilities, the game is generous with alternate routes and opportunities. Failure in one area doesn’t preclude success elsewhere. In fact, discovering the consequences of your actions and forging a new path is part of what makes Oblivion so replayable and immersive. The sheer volume of available quests means that losing one or two isn’t a significant setback. This encourages players to experiment, explore, and embrace the unpredictable nature of the game world. Oblivion lets players experience meaningful consequences for failure and find alternative storylines that may be even more engaging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Quest Failure
1. Are there quests that automatically fail after a certain amount of time?
While Oblivion has very few true timed quests, some quests may become unavailable or change significantly if you wait too long to complete them. For example, if a quest involves rescuing someone who is being held captive, waiting too long may result in their death, leading to the quest’s failure.
2. Can I fail quests related to the Daedric Princes?
Yes, it’s possible. While you usually can’t permanently fail to obtain a Daedric artifact, certain choices during the quest can result in receiving a different, potentially less desirable, version of the artifact. It might be considered a “failure” if you don’t get the specific outcome you wanted.
3. What happens if I accidentally kill an NPC involved in a quest?
If the NPC is essential to the Main Quest, they cannot be killed by you. If it is for an optional quest, the quest will usually fail immediately, and your journal will be updated.
4. Can I reload a previous save if I fail a quest?
Absolutely! This is often the easiest way to correct a mistake and ensure quest success. However, many players prefer to embrace the consequences of their actions and see how the story unfolds naturally.
5. Does the difficulty setting affect quest failure?
The difficulty slider primarily affects combat. It does not change the conditions that lead to quest failure, such as NPC death or making a wrong choice.
6. Can I complete every quest in Oblivion in a single playthrough?
As stated in the source article, at most 203 quests can appear in your journal. You can complete 199 of those quests. Certain quests are mutually exclusive or dependent on choices that prevent other quests from being initiated. This means a truly “100%” completion is impossible within a single playthrough.
7. How does my character’s level affect quest failure?
Your character’s level doesn’t directly cause quest failure, but it influences your ability to succeed. Higher levels grant access to better gear and skills, making you more capable of protecting quest-related NPCs or overcoming challenges. Staying at level 1 is not recommended, as it limits your ability to complete many quests efficiently.
8. Are there any quests that are notoriously easy to fail?
Several quests are known for being prone to failure due to fragile NPCs or easily missed objectives. “Accidents Happen” is a Dark Brotherhood quest where failing to make the assassination look accidental results in a high bounty and potential quest failure. Other quests with similar issues may be specific to mods or downloaded content.
9. Can I use console commands to resurrect a dead NPC and salvage a failed quest?
On the PC version, yes. Console commands can resurrect NPCs, potentially allowing you to continue a failed quest. However, this can sometimes lead to unforeseen consequences and bugs. It is not recommended for new players.
10. How do I know if an NPC is essential for a quest?
Essential NPCs are generally involved in the Main Quest. The game usually gives clear warnings when you are about to attack an essential NPC. Generally, for side quests, there is no such warning.
11. Does joining a specific faction lock me out of other quests?
Yes, some faction quests are mutually exclusive. For example, joining the Fighters Guild and engaging in actions that betray the Mages Guild can lock you out of certain Mages Guild quests. The Games Learning Society can provide insights into the branching narratives and choices within games like Oblivion.
12. Is it possible to fail the Main Quest in Oblivion?
No, it is not possible to ultimately fail the Main Quest. Essential NPCs are protected, ensuring the story progresses to its conclusion. However, there may be stages where you temporarily cannot progress.
13. Can I hire mercenaries to protect quest-related NPCs and prevent quest failure?
While you can hire mercenaries, their AI is not perfect, and they may not always effectively protect the NPCs you need to keep alive. It’s best to rely on your own skills and strategies.
14. If I fail a quest, does it affect my character’s reputation?
Depending on the quest and the reason for the failure, your reputation might be affected. For example, failing to complete a Fighters Guild contract might slightly lower your reputation within the guild. Stealing or assaulting guild members will also adversely affect your reputation with the guild.
15. Where can I learn more about quest mechanics and strategies in Oblivion?
There are numerous online resources, including wikis, forums, and walkthroughs. Additionally, studying game design principles, as discussed at GamesLearningSociety.org, can enhance your understanding of how quests are structured and how to navigate their challenges.
Ultimately, quest failure is a part of the Oblivion experience. By understanding the mechanics and consequences, you can embrace the challenges and discover new and unexpected paths through Cyrodiil.