The Shivering Isles DLC in the remastered version of Oblivion is a strange, new world with strange monsters and mighty weaponry. The Madness Armor is among the snappiest looking ones with high defense. One thing making this armor is the rare Madness Ore, and this guide will tell you exactly how to get this!
Step 1: Unlock the Shivering Isles Content
You basically require access to Shivering Isles DLC first. You can jump straight in once you are through the intro of the game (yes, once you’ve made it out of the sewer). However, it’s suggested to level up and get some decent equipment first but it’s okay if you’re up for a challenge.
In order to proceed, make sure you head off in that direction of the “Strange Door” appearing on the map just east of Bravil. When you reach the door, converse with the NPCs who are situated outside of the portal. After a short conversation and 24 hours of in-game time, the entrance will activate, welcoming you to the Isles!
Step 2: Visit Crucible and Meet Cutter
Go toward the city of Crucible once you are in the Isles. Find the workshop called Cutter’s Weapons where you will meet Cutter, the local smith. She will explain how forging works in the world’s corner and also provide the list of things that you can forge from Madness Ore, including the full set of Madness Armor.
Each piece of armor will require a certain number of ores, so keep count of how many you have gathered.
Step 3: Farm Madness Ore Efficiently
And we come to the grind. In order to get Madness Ore, defeating monsters and exploring caves are a fair game. One of the places richest in ores is the Blackroot Lair in the Low Road area.
Inside the lair, you’ll encounter multiple caverns swarming with Grummites, strange, amphibian-like creatures. These enemies have a chance of dropping Madness Ore when defeated. Be thorough—clear out every chamber and defeat all enemy variants to boost your chances of collecting enough.
Aim for at least 16 ores if you want to craft the entire set in one go.
Step 4: Crafting the Madness Armor
Once you’ve got the necessary amount of ore, return to Cutter’s forge in Crucible. Select the crafting option to begin forging your gear. You’ll need to create each piece separately, and the ore cost varies per item.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Boots – 2 Madness Ores
- Cuirass (Chest Armor) – 5 Madness Ores
- Gauntlets – 2 Madness Ores
- Greaves (Leg Armor) – 3 Madness Ores
- Helmet – 2 Madness Ores
- Shield – 2 Madness Ores
Once all pieces are crafted, you’ll have a complete set ready to wear—and trust us, it’s worth the effort.
Final Tips
- Don’t forget to loot every Grummite you defeat; some may carry Madness Ore even if it’s not obvious.
- You can return to Blackroot Lair after some time to farm more ore if needed.
- Cutter’s dialogue might be creepy, but she’s your go-to for all things Madness Armor.
