If you’ve been playing The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and feel like your character moves at a frustratingly slow pace, you’re not alone. Sprinting in Oblivion works a bit differently compared to newer Elder Scrolls games, and there’s no dedicated sprint button like in Skyrim. However, there are several ways to run faster and move efficiently across Cyrodiil once you understand how the mechanics work. Here’s everything you need to know about how to sprint—or the closest thing to it—and increase your movement speed in Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion.
Is There a Sprint Button in Oblivion?
Unlike Skyrim, Oblivion does not have a dedicated sprint button. Movement speed is handled through running, walking, and modifiers like Agility and Athletics, rather than a stamina-based sprint function.
By default, your character will be running when weapons are sheathed, and walking when you press the walk/run toggle.
How to Run Faster in Oblivion (Without Sprinting)
Here are the most effective ways to increase your character’s movement speed:
1. Use the Walk/Run Toggle
- On PC, press Caps Lock to switch between walking and running.
- On Xbox, click the left stick (L3) to toggle walk/run.
- On PlayStation, click L3 as well.
Make sure you’re running mode is toggled ON—a surprisingly common mistake.
2. Sheathe Your Weapon
- You move faster when your weapon or spell is not equipped.
- Press R (PC), Y (Xbox), or Triangle (PlayStation) to sheathe.
This small change can significantly boost your movement, especially in open areas or when exploring.
3. Increase Your Athletics Skill
- Athletics affects how fast you run and swim.
- Level it up by simply running or swimming over time.
- You can also train it with Athletics trainers or level it naturally as part of your major skills.
The higher your Athletics skill, the faster your character becomes in general movement.
4. Boost Your Speed Attribute
- Your Speed attribute directly controls your running pace.
- Leveling up Speed can be done by raising associated skills like Athletics, Acrobatics, and Light Armor.
- You can also use items, potions, or spells that Fortify Speed.
Look for items that boost Speed, such as enchanted rings or gear found in dungeons or quest rewards.
5. Use Fortify Speed Effects
Spells or potions with Fortify Speed can give you a temporary movement boost.
You can:
- Buy or create Fortify Speed spells at the Arcane University.
- Use alchemy to brew Fortify Speed potions with ingredients like Scales or Stinkhorn Caps.
- Wear gear enchanted with Speed boosts.
Pro Tips for Traversing Faster in Cyrodiil
- Fast Travel is available once you discover locations—great for skipping long trips between cities.
- If you’re over-encumbered, drop items or use Feather/Strength potions to move again.
- Use a horse to cover ground much faster than on foot. Horses can be purchased or earned through quests like the one in the Dark Brotherhood or at stables.
Final Thoughts
While Oblivion doesn’t have a traditional sprint button like modern RPGs, you can still increase your speed significantly by mastering the walk/run toggle, leveling up Athletics, and boosting your Speed stat. With the right build and a few helpful potions or spells, you’ll be zipping through Cyrodiil in no time. So now that you know how to run faster in Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion, get out there and cover some ground like the legendary adventurer you are.