Oblivion's Goals
It's becoming a common theme for games to fully embrace the achievements system with up to fifty goals, and The Elder Scrolls® IV: Oblivion is no different. Much like Condemned: Criminal Origins or Kameo: Elements of Power, Oblivion is fully a single player experience, so you'll find its achievements spaced out between the natural course of the storyline as well as more specific faction goals that not only round out its achievements, but also help push you in new and interesting directions. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of what achievement goals you'll find in Oblivion.
Main Story
Throughout your quest to allay the fears of the doomed emperor Uriel Septim, you'll find yourself passing through various major plot points; many of these will net you an achievement for your trouble. For example:
The first hour or two of the game has you uncovering the basic foundation for the story as you follow (albeit in a roundabout way) the emperor through the network of tunnels and caves underneath the dungeon in which you were held prisoner. After finally making your way outside to freedom, you'll unlock an achievement.
You'll receive another achievement for the first Oblivion Gate you close. Also, though this may be a story point, in true Elder Scrolls fashion, this moment isn't scripted. In fact, you may choose to go your own way the first time an opportunity to close a gate finds you, allowing for this achievement to be unlocked at an entirely different time.
Factions
Much of the side-stories and quests found in the world of Tamriel stem from the various factions you'll find throughout the land. Within each faction (e.g. the Thieves Guild) are different ranks. You'll unlock an achievement for each rank you find yourself promoted to. Not only does this offer much in the way of variety, but you'll find you won't be able to join each faction in one play-through. Therefore, you'll not only find different achievements when you play through as different characters, but also entirely different chains of quests and storylines. The different factions are:
Fighter's Guild
Thieves Guild
Dark Brotherhood (assassins)
Mage Guild
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion offers a unique experience with each character you play with, and you'll find the achievements for Oblivion encourage you to experience as much of the game as you can. You'll find that the reward for each achievement isn't just found in the gamerscore points you acquire, but in the experience of getting them as well.
