Magic is a powerful tool in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, allowing players to heal, summon, attack, and manipulate the world around them. Whether you’re playing a pure mage or just dabbling in Restoration, learning how to use spells effectively is essential. In this guide, you’ll learn how to equip and cast spells, where to buy new ones, how to improve your magic skills, and how to create custom spells once you’ve advanced.
How to Equip and Cast Spells in Oblivion
To cast a spell in Oblivion, you first need to equip it.
Here’s how:
- Open the Magic Menu
- On PC: Press Tab to open your main menu, then go to the Magic tab
- On Xbox/PlayStation: Use the appropriate button (usually B or Circle) and navigate to Magic
- Select the Spell You Want to Use
- You’ll see all the spells you currently know, organized by school (Destruction, Restoration, Illusion, etc.)
- Assign it to your active spell slot
- On PC: Press the corresponding number (1–8) to hotkey it
- Cast the Spell
- On PC: Press C by default
- On console: Press the cast/spell button (typically R2 on PS or RT on Xbox)
Make sure you have enough Magicka and meet the required skill level for the spell to succeed.
Where to Get New Spells
At the beginning of the game, you’ll start with a few basic spells based on your race and class. To get more, visit spell merchants:
Main Places to Buy Spells:
- Mages Guild Chapters – Found in each major city
- Spell Tomes – Rare loot that teaches spells instantly when read
- Mystic Emporium – Located in the Imperial City Market District
Different vendors specialize in different schools of magic. For example:
- Restoration spells are commonly sold in Anvil and Chorrol
- Destruction spells can be found in Skingrad and Bruma
- Conjuration spells are popular in Cheydinhal
Types of Magic in Oblivion
There are seven magical schools, each with its own strengths:
- Destruction – Deals damage (fire, frost, shock)
- Restoration – Healing, curing, fortifying stats
- Conjuration – Summoning creatures and weapons
- Alteration – Utility spells (water walking, shields, feather)
- Illusion – Invisibility, charm, calm, night eye
- Mysticism – Soul trap, detect life, telekinesis
- Alchemy – While not a spellcasting school, it’s a magical skill tied to potion creation
Each spell has a required skill level: Novice, Apprentice, Journeyman, Expert, or Master.
How to Increase Magic Skills
The more you use a particular type of magic, the faster your skill in that school increases.
Here are some quick tips:
- Spam low-cost spells over and over (like Minor Heal or Flare) to build up skill
- Use spells during travel or idle moments
- Rest often to regain Magicka if you’re training rapidly
- Join the Mages Guild to get access to training and better spells
- Complete quests that reward skill boosts or enchanted gear with magic buffs
Improving your skills lets you cast more powerful spells and unlock stronger versions at merchants.
Creating Custom Spells
Once you gain membership in the Mages Guild and complete the recommendation quests, you’ll get access to the Arcane University in the Imperial City. Here, you can use Spellmaking Altars to create custom spells.
You’ll be able to:
- Combine effects (like fire damage + soul trap)
- Adjust duration, magnitude, and area
- Name your custom spell
- Tailor costs based on your skill and Willpower
Creating custom spells is one of the most fun parts of being a mage in Oblivion, and it allows you to fully control your playstyle.
Spellcasting Tips
- Cast defensive buffs like Shield or Fortify Health before combat
- Use Weakness to Magic spells before hitting enemies with Destruction for more damage
- Carry a few scrolls in case you run out of Magicka during tough fights
- Use Detect Life in dark dungeons to stay ahead of ambushes
- Practice on passive NPCs like animals or summoned creatures to train safely
Final Thoughts
Using spells in Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion opens up a rich, versatile playstyle with tons of power and customization. Whether you’re flinging fireballs, healing allies, or summoning undead minions, magic gives you creative control over every encounter. Equip your spells, build your skills, and don’t forget to join the Mages Guild to unlock your full potential as a master of the arcane arts.
Want to level up your magical journey? Check out our guides on How to Join the Mages Guild for even more spellcasting mastery!