The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion- Arena Matches and Combatants Ranking Guide

Good news if you enjoy fighting other people to the death, but don't think you get enough fame for it or money. There's a group in the Imperial City that does just that, warriors of all types fight against each other to the death with the winner receiving fame and money. In fact you don't even have the level dependent gold reward so its a good way to get some money for low level characters, not even taking into account that its near your starting area. You also get a total of 31 fame points for defeating all of the characters, 10 for the last match alone. If you are interested in alchemy but don't want to spend hours searching for Minotaurs, there are many you can fight after you beat the quest line that you can loot for their horns.

Unfortunately you have to wear specific armor that is issued to you (except in the final fight against the Gray Prince) but you can still have any helm, shield, or jewelry you wish. You also can't loot the bodies of your foes, but arrows you can take. Even things flown off can't be taken so its better just to leave before temptation sets in. You also can only fight between 9 am and 9 pm although the fight itself can take place at anytime. You also get a little adoring fan when you become Grand Champion, as well as the ability to give yourself your own cool nickname to be feared and respected by.

So without any further ado, here are the fights that take place in the Arena Rank matches, as well as some hints on how to beat them although once Owyn gives you advice you should listen to him as well, since he's your leader/mentor. Remember to keep your sword sharp and your feet quick, as well as healing in the Red Room after each fight (its the large table covered in blood). Do keep in mind that they level up with you, except the Champion match, so the armor and weapons will get better the higher your level is. The Champion, Agronak gro-Malog, is a level 10 combatant, so any player fighting against him after level 10 should find him easier, though you should still try to beat him anyway, just save first.

This rank has three matches, all with one opponent to defeat. They all also have a gold reward of 50, except the last having 100, but shouldn't be too difficult since they are the beginning foes. So, the matches then? First you have to beat a Bosmer. Second, an Imperial. Lastly, an Argonian and a rank up.

Next rank is Brawler and a gold increase of 100 except with the last fight being 150. The matches are a Nord, then two Bosmers, and the rank up match is with a Khajiit. The Bosmer's might be the more difficult, just because there are two of them.

Bloodletter rank has another three fights, as all but the last two ranks have. This time the first two fights give you 150 gold and the last rank match deals 200 gold into your pocket, if you survive. No doubles or triples this time, first off is a Redguard, then a Breton, and finally a Dunmer will rank you up.

The Myrmidon rank again has three fights with it, and 200 gold for the first two fights. The last fight deals 250 gold and you should be finding these matches a little more difficult by this time. (Assuming your difficulty isn't set too low). First off you must kill a Bosmer, then an Altmer, and finally an Orc will be your rank match.

This time around has just single fighters again. 250 gold for the first two matches and 300 for the last opponent's death. This time is similar to the last rank race-wise, it starts off with a Nord, then an Altmer again, and ends with another Orc to rank you up.

Get ready for a challenge these rounds, as you start off fighting three Argonians at once for 300 gold. Then you fight a Khajiit for yet another 300 gold, and finally a Breton for 350 septims. You are now going against your last set of three matches, and you're almost at the end.

The last set of three fights before a rank increase gives you 350 gold for the first two fights. They are an Imperial, and then you go against an Altmer. The last match gives you 500 gold (you were expecting 400 like the past increases, weren't you?) but there are three foes. Two Dunmers and the Yellow Team Champion, so show them which team is better (You, in the blue, in case you forgot).

Now you are ready to fight against Agronak gro-Malog for a total 1000 gold. He is set at level 10 and if you do his side quest, he won't fight you. This is a good way to join the Dark Brotherhood if you want to, just do his side quest "Origin of the Gray Prince" and he will let you kill him. So if you want to join the Dark Brotherhood, doing this quest line kills two birds with one stone. If you don't want to enter the Dark Brotherhood just cast a frenzy spell on him and he should fight back if its strong enough.

At this rank you are just defeating monsters and creatures for a leveled amount of gold. They are weekly events and you get to choose what you want to fight from three options. You also can wear whatever you want armor-wise, so no more of that ugly armor that I think looks like a dress.

But let me take a moment before you get to that to share the title options for the Grand Champion so you can mull it over while you fight in previous matches or just know what you want before you're asked.

All characters have the options: The Black Arrow, The Butcher, The Crimson Blade, The Divine Avenger, Dragonheart, The Messenger of Death, Shadowstep, Skullcrusher, The Spellslinger, and The Tamriel Terror.

Male characters have an additional choice from Man o' War and Sir Slaughter.

Female characters get to choose from The Iron Maiden and Lady Luck as well as the first list.

Personally, I would recommend choosing something that fits your style. If you use magic or an axe, don't pick The Crimson Blade (although you can, don't get all grumpy). I usually choose The Messenger of Death or Dragonheart, because I'm big into the Dark Brotherhood and Assassinating people, and I like dragons. You choose what you want though.