Hey speedrunners! Today, we're diving deep into one of the most climactic and, for many players, bittersweet moments in gaming history: the conclusion of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Chapter XXI marks the culmination of the Oblivion Crisis, and for us speedrunners, it's a final, frantic push against the clock. We're not here for the heroic victory lap; we're here to execute a flawless run that leads to the "Bad Ending." This isn't just about finishing the game; it's about understanding the intricate mechanics and exploiting them to achieve a specific outcome in the fastest time possible. In my experience, mastering this chapter requires precision, knowledge of specific speedrun techniques, and a healthy dose of luck with the RNG.
The Final Confrontation: A Race Against Time
The "Bad Ending" path in Oblivion's Chapter XXI isn't about saving the world; it's about fulfilling specific, often minimal, objectives to trigger a unique conclusion. This usually involves a rapid progression through the final sequences, bypassing many of the optional or lore-heavy elements that a typical player would engage with. For speedrunners, every second counts. The goal is to reach Martin Septim and the Elder Council as quickly as possible, often utilizing shortcuts or sequence breaks that the game developers didn't necessarily intend. The stakes are high, as a single mistake can cost precious minutes, or even end the run entirely.
Key Strats for the Bad Ending
Executing the "Bad Ending" requires a different mindset than aiming for the canonical victory. Instead of focusing on gathering allies or strengthening the defenses of the Imperial City, the focus shifts to pure efficiency.
* **Character Build**: For a "Bad Ending" run, a build focused on high Magicka regeneration and destruction spells is often paramount. This allows for quick dispatch of any minor threats and efficient use of spellcasting.
* **Quest Progression**: The key is to trigger the final sequence with Martin as swiftly as possible. This means identifying the absolute minimum dialogue and actions required to advance the main quest.
* **Item Management**: Minimal inventory is key. Only essential potions and spell tomes should be carried. Any time spent managing inventory is time lost.
In my personal runs, I found that prioritizing movement speed and spell efficiency over combat prowess made a significant difference in shaving off seconds during critical phases of Chapter XXI.
Exploiting Game Mechanics: Skips and Glitches
No speedrun is complete without discussing the potential for speedrun glitches and world record skips. While Oblivion is relatively stable compared to some other titles, certain exploits can dramatically alter the course of Chapter XXI.
* **Fall Damage Exploits**: Understanding how to manipulate fall damage can sometimes allow for rapid descent through certain areas, bypassing normal pathways.
* **AI Manipulation**: In some instances, enemy AI can be tricked or manipulated to avoid combat encounters entirely, saving valuable time.
* **Quest Trigger Skips**: Advanced speedrun categories often involve finding ways to skip entire quest stages through precise activation or interaction with game objects. These are often heavily reliant on specific game versions and patches.
The community constantly discovers new gaming tricks. What's a major time loss today might be a skippable sequence tomorrow thanks to a new glitch discovery.
RNG Management: Dealing with Unpredictability
The Elder Scrolls games are notorious for their Random Number Generator (RNG) elements. In a speedrun, particularly one focusing on a specific ending, managing this unpredictability is crucial.
* **Enemy Spawns**: The types and numbers of enemies that spawn can vary. Knowing how to react quickly to unfavorable spawns or capitalize on favorable ones is key.
* **Item Drops**: While less critical for the "Bad Ending" in Oblivion, some RNG elements in earlier parts of the run can impact late-game resources.
* **Dialogue Flags**: Certain dialogue options or quest triggers can sometimes be influenced by hidden RNG flags, though this is less common in Oblivion's main quest compared to other titles.
Dealing with the RNG is perhaps the most mentally taxing part of a speedrun. You can have the perfect route, but a bad series of gaming encounters can undo it all.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even with extensive practice, certain mistakes are perennial problems for runners attempting Chapter XXI of Oblivion.
* **Over-aggression**: Trying to fight every enemy when a simple speedrun strategy dictates avoidance.
* **Menuing Errors**: Taking too long in menus to select spells or potions.
* **Dialogue Overload**: Accidentally triggering optional dialogue that adds unnecessary time.
* **Misjudging Jumps or Movement**: Especially critical in areas where traversal is key to skipping sections.
Speedrun vs. Lore: The Divergent Paths
It's important for runners to understand that the "Bad Ending" speedrun path deviates significantly from the intended narrative experience. While the lore might emphasize heroism and sacrifice, the speedrun focuses on the most efficient path to conclusion, regardless of narrative implications. This is the beauty of speedrunning: dissecting a game's systems to achieve a goal outside its intended parameters. The "Bad Ending" in Oblivion offers a unique challenge because it's not the "default" win state, requiring specific actions to achieve.
Practicing Chapter XXI
Mastering this chapter requires dedicated practice. Load up your fastest save file just before Chapter XXI and drill the sequence repeatedly. Focus on consistency first, then on shaving off milliseconds. Watch top runners' VODs and analyze their routes and techniques. Understanding the exact timings for spell casts, movement inputs, and interactions is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to complete Oblivion's Chapter XXI for the Bad Ending?
The fastest way involves minimizing dialogue, utilizing efficient destruction magic or combat abilities, and exploiting any known speedrun glitches or gaming skips that allow for rapid progression through the final areas.
Does the "Bad Ending" have any specific requirements in Oblivion?
Yes, the "Bad Ending" typically requires Martin Septim to die or fail in his ritual, often due to the player's actions or inactions leading up to the final confrontation, and specifically how the player handles the final Sigil Stone event.
How important is RNG in an Oblivion speedrun of Chapter XXI?
RNG plays a role, particularly in enemy spawns and their aggro, but a well-executed route and solid speedrun strategies can mitigate much of its impact.
Are there specific speedrun categories for the Oblivion Bad Ending?
Yes, "Bad Ending" runs are often their own category on speedrun.com, distinct from the Any% or 100% categories.
What is the biggest time-saver in Chapter XXI?
The biggest time-saver is generally skipping unnecessary combat and dialogue, and executing precise movement to avoid backtracking or unnecessary pathing.
The journey through Oblivion's Chapter XXI, especially when aiming for the "Bad Ending," is a testament to the dedication and skill of the speedrun community. It's about dissecting the game, understanding its rules, and then bending them to your will. Whether you're aiming for a new world record or just want to understand this unique conclusion, the strategies and insights shared here should give you a solid foundation.
Now, it's your turn! What are your favorite strats for this chapter? Did you discover any insane glitches or RNG manipulations? Share your knowledge in the comments below, and join our Discord server to connect with fellow speedrunners and discuss all things gaming and speedrun! Let's push those boundaries together!
