You can find empty Grand Soul Gems in several guaranteed and possible locations in Oblivion, especially in Oblivion Remastered. Here are the best places to look:
Guaranteed Locations for Empty Grand Soul Gems
- Arcane University (Imperial City) : Display cases in the Arch-Mage's Lobby (three gems) and Mage's Quarters (one gem), some behind very hard locks
- Chorrol Mages Guild : Display cases on the main floor behind very hard locks, with multiple Grand Soul Gems
- Squandered Mine : Lower level has one Grand Soul Gem; this mine is just above Drakelowe
- Drakelowe : In the basement, accessible via a secret fireplace entrance
- Nornal Ruins : West of Drakelowe, one Grand Soul Gem can be found
- Crayfish Cave : South of Drakelowe, contains one Grand Soul Gem in a secret room
Quest-Related Locations
- Starting the Cure for Vampirism quest unlocks access to empty Grand Soul Gems in Squandered Mine and Crayfish Cave, which are near the witch's house at Drakelowe
- The witch Melisande in Drakelowe also has one in her basement
Merchants Selling Empty Grand Soul Gems
- Mystic Emporium in Imperial City Market District : Shopkeepers Aurelinwae and Calindil sell empty Grand Soul Gems
- Various Mages Guild Halls merchants often stock empty Grand Soul Gems that refresh over time
Additional Tips
- Soul Gems can spawn randomly at higher levels, so checking merchants and locations periodically is useful
- Lockpicking is often required to access display cases containing Grand Soul Gems; practicing lockpicking can help avoid breaking picks
- Pickpocketing Mages Guild members who carry empty Grand Soul Gems is possible but risky
- There is an item duplication glitch that can be used to duplicate Grand Soul Gems if you want to bypass the difficulty of finding them
In summary, for empty Grand Soul Gems, focus on the Arcane University, Chorrol Mages Guild, Squandered Mine, Drakelowe, Nornal Ruins, Crayfish Cave, and the Mystic Emporium merchants. Starting the Cure for Vampirism quest also unlocks key locations with guaranteed empty Grand Soul Gems
