The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion RemasteredThe Duplication Glitch and Free Training Exploit
Two setup-dependent exploits from SwanyPlaysGames: a container duplication trick for stacking up any item you need, then a much bigger one, a custom Drain Skill spell that zeroes out an NPC trainer's cost so you can level any skill for free. The training exploit takes real prep (Journeyman Destruction, a spellmaking altar, and a bit of travel) but pays that back many times over once it's set up.
Before you start
- Access to a container (crate, chest, barrel) for the duplication trick
- Journeyman-rank Destruction (skill level 50) before you can buy and cast Drain Skill
- Access to spellmaking, either through the Arcane University or an upgraded Frostcrag Spire
The Duplication Glitch
Duplicate Items Through a Container Swap
Open your inventory near any empty container and place one copy of the item you want to duplicate into the container's side. Then select a stack of a different item you already own in bulk. On controller, highlight the container's inventory pane, hold both the transfer button and the confirm button together (right bumper/R1 plus A/X), choose the full quantity of your bulk item, then double-tap A/X as fast as possible. On PC, click-drag the bulk item onto the container's pane, choose the quantity, then hit Enter twice in rapid succession. Done correctly, the container's inventory pane stays highlighted through the quantity prompt, and the confirm doubles the single item you dropped in first rather than moving the stack. Repeat the swap to keep duplicating.
Patch note:At least one viewer reports this no longer works on PS5 as of the current patch. Results seem to vary by platform, so test it on a throwaway item before relying on it. It has no bearing on the Free Training Exploit below, which doesn't need duplication at all.
The Free Training Exploit
Unlock Spellcrafting
The whole exploit runs on a custom spell, so you need spellmaking access first. Either upgrade Frostcrag Spire, the player home on top of the mountain in the north of the map, or get a letter of recommendation from each of the Mages Guild halls to gain access to the Arcane University instead.
Buy the Drain Skill Spell at Journeyman Destruction
Head to the Imperial City Market District and buy the base Drain Skill spell from the Destruction trainer there. You need to be Journeyman rank in Destruction, skill level 50, before you're allowed to cast it, so level Destruction up first if you're not there yet.
Craft a Drain Skill Spell for Every Skill You Want to Train
At an Altar of Spellmaking, either at your player home or the Arcane University, build a new spell from the Drain Skill effect. Set the range to Self, the magnitude all the way up to 100, and the duration to 1 second. Name each one clearly, for example Drain Armorer, so you can find the right one fast in your spells menu. Make one for every skill you plan to train this way.
Cast the Drain Spell Right Before You Pay for Training
Find any NPC willing to train the skill you made a Drain spell for. Right before you talk to them, cast that skill's Drain Skill spell on yourself. The game now reads your skill as 0, so the trainer's fee drops to 0 gold too. Recast the spell every single time before you talk to the trainer, since it wears off, and you'll need to reopen the dialogue after casting.
Patch note:A few viewers report following every step here exactly and still getting charged. If your Drain spell isn't zeroing the cost, double-check the magnitude is exactly 100 and the duration is 1 second, that's the only variable the video calls out, but results may still depend on your patch version.
Work Around the Training Caps
Training is capped at five sessions per character level, and a trainer can never take you above their own skill level. So the efficient loop is to seek out a master in each skill, burn all five of their free sessions, then sleep to level up your character before repeating. Once you have your Drain spells made, fast-travel between master trainers and this becomes free skill leveling for the rest of the game.