If you’ve been bitten by a vampire in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and are starting to suffer the effects of vampirism, don’t worry—you’re not stuck with bloodthirst forever. Curing vampirism in Oblivion is a bit of a process, but with the right steps, you can fully reverse it and return to normal. This guide will walk you through exactly how to cure vampirism in Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion, including where to go, who to talk to, and what ingredients you need.
How Do You Become a Vampire in Oblivion?
Before we cure it, it helps to know how vampirism happens in Oblivion. You can become a vampire if you’re infected with the disease Porphyric Hemophilia, which you might contract from fighting vampires in dungeons or during specific quests. If not treated within 3 in-game days, the disease turns into full-blown vampirism.
At first, you’ll get stat boosts and unique powers—but as time passes, sunlight becomes lethal, NPCs avoid you, and your character becomes more monstrous if you don’t feed. That’s when it’s time to consider a cure.
Step 1: Confirm You’re a Vampire in Oblivion
Check your active effects tab for signs like:
- Porphyric Hemophilia
- Weakness to Sunlight
- Vampirism stages
- Powers like Hunter’s Sight or Vampire’s Seduction
You’ll also notice changes in your character’s appearance and social interactions with NPCs.
Step 2: Visit a Chapel Altar (For Early Infection Only)
If you’re within 3 in-game days of being infected, you can cure Porphyric Hemophilia by praying at any Chapel Altar in Cyrodiil or by using a Cure Disease potion. This will only work before vampirism sets in.
After full transformation, you’ll need to complete a quest to cure it.
Step 3: Start the Vampirism Cure Quest in Oblivion
Once you’re fully a vampire, talk to Raminus Polus at the Arcane University in the Imperial City. He will start the “Vampire Cure” quest and refer you to Count Hassildor of Skingrad.
Go to Castle Skingrad and speak with the Count’s steward, Hal-Liurz. After some time, the Count will meet with you and send you to Melisande, a witch who lives north of Skingrad, near the Corbolo River.
Step 4: Gather the Ingredients for the Cure
Melisande will ask for the following rare items:
- 5 Empty Grand Soul Gems
- 2 Cloves of Garlic
- 6 Nightshade Leaves
- 1 Bloodgrass
- The Blood of an Argonian (You’ll need to find one and cast a damage health spell to harvest blood)
- A filled Black Soul Gem (You can fill one using a Soul Trap spell on a humanoid NPC)
These items take time to gather, especially the filled Black Soul Gem and the Grand Soul Gems. You can find most of them in mages guilds, alchemy shops, or in the wild.
Step 5: Deliver the Ingredients and Wait
Once you bring all the items to Melisande, she’ll begin crafting the cure. You’ll need to wait 24 in-game hours before she finishes it.
After that, return and she’ll give you two doses: one for you, and one for the Count’s wife, as part of his personal request.
Drink your cure to completely remove vampirism. Your character will return to normal and be free from sun damage and NPC avoidance.
What Happens After the Cure?
- You lose all vampire abilities and stat boosts.
- NPCs will treat you normally again.
- Sunlight is no longer harmful.
- Feeding on sleeping NPCs is no longer necessary.
You can become a vampire again later in the game if you’re infected with Porphyric Hemophilia and choose not to cure it.
Curing vampirism in Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion takes some effort, but it’s absolutely doable with the right preparation. Whether you want to return to a normal life or just avoid the hassle of hiding from the sun, following the Vampire Cure quest through the Arcane University and Melisande will get you back on track. Don’t forget to stock up on Grand Soul Gems and keep your Cure Disease potions handy for next time!