Top 10 Best Bows for Stealth Archers in Oblivion Remastered ~ HaploGamingChef

Introduction

If you’re diving into Oblivion Remastered with a stealth archer build, you’re probably on the hunt for the most efficient bows to complement your sneaky playstyle. Whether you're silently eliminating enemies from the shadows or stacking stealth damage multipliers, having the right bow makes all the difference. In The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, gear progression depends on your character’s level, which affects the quality of loot and weapons you can find. That’s why timing your weapon upgrades is just as important as your shot accuracy.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the top 10 bows for stealth archers in Oblivion Remastered, based on performance, availability, and synergy with stealth mechanics. We’ll cover both unique and enchanted bows, along with some high-damage unenchanted options that can be customized to your build.

Let’s get into the list, starting with early-game bows and working our way up to the absolute best options for endgame stealth builds.

1. Shadowhunt – A Stealthy Start

One of the earliest unique bows you can get as a stealth archer in Oblivion Remastered is Shadowhunt. You’ll earn it by progressing through the Dark Brotherhood questline. It’s a lightweight bow designed for stealth-based gameplay, and it comes with enchantments aimed at weakening undead enemies—specifically Turn Undead and Damage Health.

However, there’s a known issue where the enchantment doesn’t always activate properly. Still, the bow’s availability early in the game and its decent damage make it a solid choice for lower-level stealth builds. You can grab this one before level 10, making it ideal for characters just starting their stealth archer Oblivion run.

Key Takeaways:

Reward from Dark Brotherhood quests
Lightweight, stealth-friendly
Early-game viable
Bugged enchantment in some versions

2. Glass Bow – Your First Major Upgrade

Once you hit level 10, it’s time to start looking for the Glass Bow. It’s a standard leveled loot drop and can be found through enemy drops or purchased from merchants. With a base damage of 12, it’s a noticeable upgrade over Shadowhunt and has the added bonus of being enchantable.

A common strategy among stealth archers is to enchant this bow immediately with either Damage Health, Soul Trap, or both. If you’re carrying Azura’s Star, this combo is powerful for maintaining weapon charges without needing multiple soul gems. The glass bow’s sleek look and light weight make it an all-around solid pick during mid-game.

Key Takeaways:

Spawns at level 10+
Base damage: 12
Can be custom enchanted
Great for use with Azura’s Star

3. Custom Enchanted Glass Bow – Personalized Power

Once you've got your hands on a Glass Bow, the next step is to turn it into a stealth-killing machine. By adding your own enchantments, you can tailor it to your playstyle. A popular choice for stealth builds is Damage Health, Soul Trap, or even Paralyze for crowd control.

At level 10 and above, you should have access to decent soul gems and enchantment options. Using Azura's Star lets you keep recharging the weapon endlessly, making the bow highly efficient for long dungeon crawls or Oblivion gate runs. It’s one of the best mid-game tools available to stealth archers who like to fine-tune their gear.

Key Takeaways:

Customize enchantments to suit your build
Works best with Azura’s Star
Reliable base damage with flexible effects
Great for managing magicka and enchantment charges

4. Black Bow – Fast and Deadly

The Black Bow starts appearing around level 10 and is mostly found on Black Bow Bandits near Leyawiin. While it looks similar to a regular bow, its stats are a cut above. With a base damage of 14 and a 15-point direct damage enchantment, it’s a solid step up from the Glass Bow in terms of power.

What makes the Black Bow appealing for stealth builds is its speed and weight. It’s quick to draw and fire, which is ideal for stealth players who rely on precision and speed to eliminate targets before being detected. If you prefer speed over aesthetics, this bow might outshine the Glass Bow for you.

Key Takeaways:

Spawns at level 10+
Base damage: 14 + 15-point enchantment
Dropped by Black Bow Bandits
Fast draw speed, great for sneak attacks

5. Ruin’s Edge – Random but Ruthless

If you own the Shivering Isles DLC, you can get your hands on Ruin’s Edge, a unique bow awarded during the quest "Through a Nightmare, Darkly". What makes this bow stand out isn’t raw damage, but its unpredictable enchantments. Each shot has a chance to apply a random status effect like Paralyze, Silence, or Demoralize, among others.

There’s no level requirement, so you can grab it early if you head into the expansion zone. Its randomness makes every encounter feel dynamic, and it’s especially fun for players who enjoy a bit of chaos in their stealth runs. The status effects can easily disable stronger enemies before they ever spot you.

Key Takeaways:

Available through Shivering Isles DLC
Random enchantments add utility
No level requirement
Excellent crowd control option for stealth players

6. Bound Bow – The Magical Alternative

The Bound Bow is a conjuration spell that summons a spectral bow for a limited time. What makes it perfect for stealth builds is its base damage of 18, zero weight, and the fact that it doesn't require you to carry a bow physically. You can cast it as needed, freeing up inventory space for other gear or loot.

There’s no level restriction, making it one of the most accessible high-damage bows early on. For stealth-conjuration hybrids, this bow becomes a go-to tool for silent takedowns without committing to gear investment.

Key Takeaways:

Conjuration-based weapon with no level requirement
Base damage: 18
Weightless and efficient
Great for hybrid stealth/conjuration builds

7. Bow of Infliction – Drain and Destroy

Unlocked at level 25 and above, the Bow of Infliction is a reward from the Malacath Daedric quest. This bow comes pre-enchanted with Drain Health, making it one of the strongest tools for silent takedowns. It deals up to 22 base damage when you acquire the highest-tier version, making it a lethal option for advanced stealth builds.

Because it directly reduces the enemy's health over time, this bow synergizes perfectly with sneak attacks. Pair it with stealth bonuses and poison, and you can one-shot most enemies before they even react. Just keep in mind that you'll need to reach level 25 to unlock its full power.

Key Takeaways:

Requires level 25+ for best version
Base damage: up to 22
Drain Health enchantment
Acquired via Malacath’s quest

8. Dremora Bow – Heavy but Hard-Hitting

The Dremora Bow doesn’t come enchanted, but that’s actually a good thing for players who want full control over their weapon effects. Found in Oblivion gates by defeating Dremora archers (starting at level 20+), this bow boasts a solid base damage of 18 and a rugged design.

Though heavier than other options, it’s perfect for customizing with powerful enchantments like Absorb Health, Paralyze, or Soul Trap. It’s best suited for builds that can handle the extra weight, but with the right setup, even stealth-focused characters can make excellent use of its damage and flexibility.

Key Takeaways:

Drops from Dremora enemies in Oblivion gates
Requires level 20+ to spawn
Base damage: 18
Enchant it to fit your build needs

9. Hatreds Soul – The Best Stealth Bow in Oblivion

If you're aiming for the absolute top-tier weapon in your stealth archer Oblivion setup, look no further than Hatreds Soul. This unique bow has a base damage of 22, making it one of the hardest-hitting bows in the game. What truly sets it apart, though, is its built-in enchantment that absorbs both Health and Magicka—perfect for weakening enemies quickly and keeping them from casting spells.

You’ll find Hatreds Soul in Fort Naso during the “Allies for Bruma” questline. It only appears at level 20 or higher, so be sure to wait until then to obtain its best version. This bow is ideal for endgame stealth builds looking for maximum power with every shot.

Key Takeaways:

Found during “Allies for Bruma” quest
Requires level 20+ for best version
Base damage: 22
Absorbs Health and Magicka
Best all-around bow for stealth builds

Conclusion: Choose the Right Bow for Your Stealth Build

When you're running a stealth archer build in Oblivion Remastered, your choice of bow directly impacts how effective you are in combat. Whether you're just starting out or hitting the level cap, there's a perfect bow for every phase of your journey. Early on, weapons like Shadowhunt and the Glass Bow offer solid performance, while mid to late-game options like the Bound Bow, Bow of Infliction, and Hatreds Soul dominate in power and utility.

Timing your upgrades around level thresholds—10, 20, and 25+—ensures you're always using the most powerful version of each weapon. Don't forget to customize unenchanted bows like the Dremora Bow for added flexibility in your stealth setup. If you’re mixing magic with stealth, tools like the Bound Bow offer a powerful, weightless alternative without sacrificing damage.

No matter your playstyle, this guide gives you all the key bows to consider when perfecting your stealth archer setup in Oblivion Remastered.

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