10 Powerful Video Game Items You Can Find In The First HOUR

The Elder Scrolls series is no stranger to exploits and odd speedrun tactics. Since the games usually allow the player to visit most of the map right off the bat, it's possible to do things out of order and, as is the case with Oblivion, grab powerful end-game items before you're even properly done with the prologue.

Umbra is a legendary sword that plays an integral part in the questline related to the Deadric Prince, Clavicus the Vile. It has the highest base damage of any one-handed sword in the game and is enchanted with the Soul Trap spell effect. Also, coincidentally, it's located just across the lake from where the player begins their adventure in Cyrodiil.

If you don't mind getting a little cheesy with the game, you can acquire Umbra within the first hour of your playthrough by swimming to its location and then killing its owner. The woman (also named Umbra) is an incredibly tough opponent, but as long as you have a bow, some arrows, and safe vantage points to shoot from, the legendary sword is guaranteed to end up in your possession.

After that, it's a smooth ride to the end of the game on the corpses of your enemies.