If you're diving into Oblivion Remastered with a stealth-focused playstyle, you're in for a rewarding experience. The stealth archer build remains one of the most effective ways to take down enemies silently while keeping your distance. In this guide, we’re looking at the best bows in Oblivion Remastered specifically tailored for stealth gameplay.
Whether you're just starting out or you're already deep into your Elder Scrolls adventure, understanding how loot scales with your level and which weapons give you the edge is essential. From early-game bows to end-game gear, we’ll walk you through each of the top picks, how to get them, and why they work so well for stealth-focused characters.
Shadowhunt – A Stealth Starter's Go-To
One of the earliest bows that stealth archers can get their hands on is Shadowhunt. It’s tied to the Dark Brotherhood questline, which you can start early in the game. Shadowhunt doesn’t require a specific character level to obtain, making it a solid starter weapon for stealth builds.
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Base Damage: Decent for early levels
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Enchantment: Supposed to deal health damage and turn undead (though this may not work consistently due to bugs)
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How to Get It: Progress through the Dark Brotherhood storyline
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Best For: Entry-level stealth builds before level 10
Even if the enchantment feels unreliable, Shadowhunt’s speed and accessibility make it a valuable early-game choice for stealth archers.
Glass Bow – Reliable Power at Level 10+
Once you hit level 10, the Glass Bow begins to appear in loot drops and merchant inventories. It’s a major step up in both style and function. The base damage is solid, and it’s enchantable, giving you flexibility based on your stealth needs.
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Base Damage: 12
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Enchantment: None by default (customizable)
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Where to Find: Looted from enemies or found in chests starting at level 10
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Best For: Players looking to boost damage and apply stealth-enhancing enchantments
If you're planning to enchant your own weapons, this bow is a perfect blank canvas. Common stealth-focused enchantments include Damage Health or Soul Trap, especially useful with Azura’s Star for easy weapon recharging.
Custom Enchanted Glass Bow – Tailored for Your Playstyle
After picking up your first Glass Bow, the next logical step is customizing it with your preferred enchantments. This option gives stealth archers full control over how they engage in combat, especially when paired with items like Azura’s Star for recharging.
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Base Damage: 12 (same as standard Glass Bow)
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Custom Enchantments: Popular choices include Soul Trap, Damage Health, or Paralyze
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When to Use: Starting at level 10 when Glass Bows become accessible
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Ideal Setup: Pair with gear that boosts magicka or stealth bonuses
This flexibility lets you experiment with effects that complement your stealth tactics, whether you prefer disabling enemies or silently draining their health.
Black Bow – Speed and Simplicity at Level 10+
The Black Bow is often overlooked but serves as a solid mid-game option for stealth-focused characters. Dropped by Black Bow Bandits near Leyawiin, it features a basic enchantment and faster shooting speed compared to many other bows.
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Base Damage: 14
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Enchantment: 15-point damage boost
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Where to Find: Defeat Black Bow Bandits (typically around Leyawiin)
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Best For: Players who want quick, consistent damage with no frills
Although slightly less customizable than a Glass Bow, its lighter weight and speed make it ideal for fast-paced stealth attacks.
Ruin’s Edge – Unpredictable and Powerful
Available through the Shivering Isles DLC, Ruin’s Edge brings a unique element to stealth combat. This bow comes with a randomized enchantment effect, which can turn the tide of battle unexpectedly in your favor.
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Base Damage: Moderate
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Enchantment: Random effects including Paralyze, Silence, and more
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How to Obtain: Complete the In Bliss quest in the Shivering Isles
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Best For: Stealth archers who enjoy surprise effects and magical chaos
While it doesn’t require a specific level, its variety of effects can be game-changing, especially when facing tougher enemies.
Bound Bow – Weightless and Conjurable
For stealth archers who lean into Conjuration magic, the Bound Bow is an excellent alternative. As a spell-cast weapon, it’s weightless, packs high base damage, and requires no inventory slot.
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Base Damage: 18
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Weight: None (conjured item)
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How to Access: Learn the Bound Bow spell via Conjuration training or spell vendors
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Best For: Magic-heavy stealth builds or players who prefer not to manage weapon weight
It’s a smart pick if you want to keep your gear light and your stealth smooth, especially since it’s accessible early with the right spellbooks.
Bow of Infliction – Drain Health at Its Best
The Bow of Infliction is an excellent stealth weapon for players who have reached level 25 or higher. Its enchantment slowly drains health from enemies, making it ideal for sneak attacks and prolonged stealth engagements.
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Base Damage: Up to 22 (at highest level scaling)
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Enchantment: Drain Health
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How to Obtain: Reward from the Malacath Daedric Quest
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Level Requirement: Level 25+ for best version
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Best For: High-level stealth builds that prioritize silent takedowns
Though you’ll need to level up significantly, the reward is worth it. This bow is a perfect fit for stealth assassins who rely on maximum efficiency.
Dremora Bow – Heavy but Deadly
The Dremora Bow is a powerhouse among unenchanted weapons. It starts appearing around level 20, typically in Oblivion Gates, dropped by Dremora enemies. While it’s heavier than most bows, the raw damage makes it a solid option for players who don’t mind the extra weight.
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Base Damage: 18
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Enchantment: None (customizable)
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Where to Find: Looted from Dremora inside Oblivion portals
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Level Requirement: Level 20+
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Best For: Players who want to apply their own enchantments to a strong base weapon
If your stealth archer is also built to handle a bit of extra carry weight, this bow offers a lot of damage and flexibility.
Hatred’s Soul – The Ultimate Stealth Archer Bow
Arguably the strongest bow in Oblivion Remastered, Hatred’s Soul is a must-have for any high-level stealth archer. It combines one of the highest base damage ratings with a dual enchantment that absorbs both health and magicka, making it devastating for sneak attacks.
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Base Damage: 22
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Enchantment: Absorb Health and Absorb Magicka
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How to Obtain: Found in Fort Naso during the Allies for Bruma quest
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Level Requirement: Level 20+ recommended for max stats
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Best For: End-game stealth archers looking for a single, powerful solution
Once acquired, Hatred’s Soul can carry you through the rest of the game with ease, especially if you prioritize sneak bonuses and use poisons or stealth gear.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Bow for Your Stealth Archer
When it comes to mastering the stealth archer build in Oblivion Remastered, picking the right bow makes all the difference. Early on, weapons like Shadowhunt and the Glass Bow offer solid performance. As you level up, options like the Black Bow, Ruin’s Edge, and Bound Bow give more flexibility depending on your playstyle. For those reaching higher levels, Bow of Infliction, Dremora Bow, and especially Hatred’s Soul deliver unmatched damage and utility.
Each of these bows has strengths tailored to different stages of your journey. Whether you rely on enchantments, speed, raw power, or magical versatility, there’s a perfect weapon to support your silent approach. Experiment with enchantments, keep an eye on loot scaling, and make sure your archery and sneak skills keep pace.
With the right setup, your stealth archer will dominate every encounter before enemies even realize you're there.
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