TL;DR
- Three distinct methods exist to discover the Thieves Guild: wanted posters, jail encounters, or direct Waterfront District visits
- The initiation requires stealing a specific book from Amantius Allectus in Temple District with no lockpicking needed
- Following NPC Methredhel provides navigation assistance, and attacking her won’t cause permanent consequences
- Optimal approach involves the direct method at 11 PM for fastest initiation with minimal prerequisites
- Successful initiation grants access to fencing services, training, and eventual secret headquarters
Embark on a clandestine journey into Cyrodiil’s underworld by aligning with the legendary Thieves Guild. This faction represents one of the most accessible and rewarding organizations in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, offering players an alternative gameplay experience focused on stealth, subterfuge, and strategic theft.
Unlike more combat-oriented factions, the Thieves Guild provides a relatively safe entry point for new adventurers seeking to explore content beyond the main narrative. Members adopt a Robin Hood-esque philosophy, targeting wealthy citizens and corrupt officials while developing sophisticated stealing techniques. The guild’s progressive reward system includes access to specialized fencing services for stolen goods, expert training in stealth skills, and eventually your own secret headquarters—a rare commodity in Cyrodiil’s dangerous landscape.

Oblivion Remastered cleverly implements multiple discovery mechanisms for the Thieves Guild, accommodating different playstyles and circumstances. Each method ultimately directs you to the Imperial City’s Waterfront District, but the journey varies significantly in complexity and time investment.
- Wanted Poster Investigation: Scrutinize wanted posters displayed throughout the Imperial City to learn about the mysterious Gray Fox. Subsequently interrogate two nearby guards about this elusive figure, who will indirectly reveal the Waterfront District’s significance. This method suits role-playing purists who enjoy immersive world exploration.
- Incarceration Trigger: Get apprehended for any theft-related crime, serve your sentence, and upon your next rest period after release, Myvryna Avrano—a disciple of the Gray Fox—will materialize beside you with a formal guild invitation. This approach automatically initiates the “Finding the Thieves Guild” questline, ideal for players who naturally engage in criminal activities.
- Direct Nocturnal Approach: Navigate directly to the southern sector of the Waterfront District precisely at 11 p.m. game time to witness Armand Christophe conducting the initiation ceremony. This event occurs regardless of prior knowledge or quest activation, making it the most efficient method for players seeking immediate access.

Image: Bethesda Game Studios/Bethesda Softworks via Polygon
Upon arriving at the Waterfront District through any method, you’ll encounter Armand Christophe overseeing the initiation ritual with two other candidates. He assigns a straightforward but crucial test: pilfer a specific book from Amantius Allectus’s residence. Notably, Armand provides minimal guidance about the location, testing your investigative abilities and intuition.
The target dwelling resides in the Temple District. Depart the Waterfront District and immediately turn right upon entering Temple District territory. Traverse the pathway tracing the perimeter wall until you spot a doorway on your left flank. Entry requires no lockpicking expertise, making this trial accessible regardless of your character’s stealth specialization or racial background.
Inside the residence, immediately scan the right-side wall to locate the desk containing your objective. The book rests conspicuously, requiring simple interaction to secure. For navigation-challenged thieves, shadow candidate Methredhel provides unintentional guidance—she beelines directly toward the target location. If she outpaces you, weapon-based attacks temporarily impede her progress without lasting consequences; the game prevents permanent harm to essential NPCs during this sequence.
Image: Bethesda Game Studios/Bethesda Softworks via Polygon
Image: Bethesda Game Studios/Bethesda Softworks via PolygonSuccessfully navigating the initiation represents merely the beginning of your criminal career. Seasoned thieves recommend several optimization strategies for both the initiation and subsequent guild activities.
Stealth Optimization: While the initiation requires no lockpicking, developing these skills early pays dividends during future guild missions. Practice on easy locks throughout Cyrodiil to build proficiency. The Class Guide offers valuable insights into character builds that synergize with thieving activities.
Common Pitfalls: New initiates often waste time over-preparing for the book theft—no special equipment or abilities are necessary. Additionally, attempting to explore Amantius’s residence beyond the assigned task risks unnecessary complications. Remember that guild philosophy emphasizes precision theft rather than wanton burglary.
Guild Progression: After initiation, focus on building reputation through carefully executed contracts. The guild’s fencing network becomes increasingly valuable as you advance, eventually providing access to rare merchandise and improved profit margins. For comprehensive gameplay strategies, consult our Complete Guide to faction mechanics.

Image: Bethesda Game Studios/Bethesda Softworks via Polygon

Image: Bethesda Game Studios/Bethesda Softworks via Polygon

Image: Bethesda Game Studios/Bethesda Softworks via Polygon
Action Checklist
- Choose your discovery method: posters (immersive), jail (convenient), or direct approach (fastest)
- Travel to Waterfront District southern area at 11 PM for initiation ceremony
- Navigate to Temple District, find Amantius Allectus’s house along the wall path
- Retrieve book from right-wall desk (no lockpicking required)
- Return to Armand Christophe to complete initiation and receive guild benefits
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » How to join the Thieves Guild in Oblivion Remastered Master the stealthy path to joining Oblivion's Thieves Guild with expert strategies and insider tips
