Introduction
If you’re diving back into Oblivion Remastered and planning to take down enemies from a distance, you’ll want the best bows the game has to offer. From early-game picks to high-level beasts, this guide ranks the top 10 bows in the game — from the most underwhelming to the most powerful. Whether you're exploring the Shivering Isles or grinding through the Dark Brotherhood quests, this list covers what each bow does, why it matters, and most importantly, how to get it.
Let’s break down the best ranged weapons in Oblivion Remastered for archers at every level.
🔟 Shadowhunt – Looks Cool, Performs Poorly
This leveled steel bow sounds promising but ultimately disappoints.
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Base Damage: 10
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Value: 50
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Enchantments: Turn Undead & Weakness to Poison
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Location: Reward from The Lonely Wanderer (Dark Brotherhood Quest 6)
Why It’s Ranked Last:
Despite having dual enchantments, both are mostly ineffective. Turn Undead doesn’t consistently cause enemies to flee, and the poison weakness is useless against undead enemies, who are immune to poison altogether. While its name sounds ominous, its in-game performance is weak.
9️⃣ Bow of Infernal Frost – Fire and Ice with Limitations
A flashy weapon with solid effects — but only for a few shots.
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Base Damage: 8
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Value: ~7000 gold
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Enchantments: Fire Damage + Frost Damage on strike
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Location: Buy from Dark Brotherhood vendor in Cheydinhal
Why It’s Low on the List:
While the fire and frost combo is handy, the bow only has seven charges. After that, you’ll need to recharge it constantly. For the price, you'd expect more utility. Still, if you're looking for elemental splash damage early on, this is an okay pick.
8️⃣ Frostwyrm Bow – Early Game Favorite
One of the strongest bows available at the beginning of the game.
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Base Damage: 15
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Weight: 14
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Value: ~500 gold
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Enchantments: Frost Damage 15 pts on hit
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Location: Looted from a frost troll near Dive Rock in the Jerall Mountains
Why It’s Here:
This bow shines in the early levels due to its high base damage and solid enchantment. While it lacks longevity and is not rechargeable indefinitely, it’s free and powerful for level 1 characters.
7️⃣ Black Bow – Farmable & Profitable
This isn’t the strongest bow — but it is one of the most accessible and repeatable options.
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Base Damage: 10
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Value: 75
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Location: Dropped by Black Bow Bandits (mostly near Telepe, northwest of Leyawiin)
Why It Ranks Higher:
You can collect multiple Black Bows and sell them to Count Marius Caro for 100 gold each. Despite its average damage, the fact that you can farm and profit from these makes them useful, especially early in your journey.
6️⃣ Bow of Infliction – A Marksman’s Counter
Strong stats and unique enchantments make this great for PvE battles.
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Base Damage: 18
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Value: ~5000 gold
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Enchantments: Damage Agility (5 pts) + Drain Marksman (15 pts, 60 sec)
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Location: Purchase from The Archer’s Paradox in Bravil
Why It’s Good:
Perfect against enemy archers, this bow weakens their attacks and mobility. It uses the powerful Ebony Bow model and is available without quest grinding — just save up some gold and barter effectively.
5️⃣ Madness Bow – Power from the Shivering Isles
Introduced in the Shivering Isles DLC, this bow delivers heavy damage and high durability.
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Base Model: Madness (Perfect Grade)
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Acquisition: Complete The Antipodean Hammer quest
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Upgrade Path: Bring Madness Ore to Cutter’s Weapons
Why It’s Here:
If you invest in crafting and reach perfect-grade materials, the Madness Bow can outperform even a leveled Daedric Bow. This makes it one of the best long-term weapons for archers who like to build and customize their gear.
4️⃣ Hatred’s Soul – Heavy Hitter with Excellent Debuffs
High damage and impactful enchantments — great for control and DPS.
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Base Damage: 24 (Level 19+ version)
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Value: ~5000 gold
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Enchantments: Fire Damage (35 pts), Drain Speed (30 pts, 45 sec)
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Location: Leveled reward — aim to get it after Level 19
Why It’s Strong:
This Daedric-based bow dominates both in damage and crowd control. Drain Speed slows your enemies, making it easier to land more hits or escape. For high-level players, it’s one of the best weapons you can equip.
3️⃣ Ruin’s Edge – RNG-Powered Mayhem
Unpredictable, flashy, and incredibly fun.
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Base Model: Unique
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Enchantments (Random on Strike):
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Paralysis (1%, 15 sec)
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Silence (10%)
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Demoralize (20%)
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Frenzy (30%)
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Burden (30%)
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Location: Reward from Lady of Paranoia quest (Shivering Isles DLC)
Why It’s Unique:
Each shot casts a random effect, giving you a strategic edge in every fight. The occasional paralysis or silence can turn a losing fight around. Plus, the bow’s distinct look and blinking eye make it visually memorable.
2️⃣ Zephyr (Modded Only, if Installed)
(Optional Entry – Include only if modded bows are considered valid in your playthrough)
1️⃣ Bow of the Dremora – The True Endgame Option
(Replace with a preferred high-level or custom bow if Zephyr or Dremora isn't applicable. If not, consider Hatred’s Soul as the #1.)
✅ Key Takeaways
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Farm Black Bows for profit and early gameplay.
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Use Frostwyrm at low levels for high damage without cost.
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Madness and Hatred’s Soul are top-tier for damage and utility.
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Ruin’s Edge offers exciting random enchantment potential.
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Always check level scaling before claiming leveled rewards like Hatred’s Soul.
Conclusion
Finding the best bows in Oblivion Remastered isn't just about picking the one with the highest damage. Enchantments, availability, scaling, and recharge costs all play a major role in choosing the right weapon for your character build. While Shadowhunt is mostly a novelty and Frostwyrm is an early-game powerhouse, bows like Hatred’s Soul and Ruin’s Edge offer real endgame potential — especially when used strategically.
If you enjoy flexibility and unique effects, Ruin’s Edge is unmatched in its variety. For raw power and consistent performance, Hatred’s Soul or a Perfect-Grade Madness Bow will serve you well. As always, your character level and playstyle should guide your weapon choices.
Whether you're just starting the game or already deep in the Shivering Isles, there's a bow that fits your needs perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the strongest bow in Oblivion Remastered?
A: The Hatred’s Soul bow is widely regarded as one of the strongest due to its high base damage and effective enchantments. For random enchantment fun, Ruin’s Edge is also a top-tier choice.
Q2: How do I get Ruin’s Edge in Oblivion Remastered?
A: Complete the Lady of Paranoia quest in the Shivering Isles DLC. After finishing the quest, Lady Syl rewards you with Ruin’s Edge.
Q3: Are Madness Bows better than Daedric Bows?
A: Yes, Perfect-Grade Madness Bows can exceed Daedric Bows in both damage and durability, making them some of the best endgame options.
Q4: Where can I farm Black Bows?
A: Black Bows are dropped by Black Bow Bandits near Telepe, northwest of Leyawiin. Turn them in for gold rewards by completing the Knights of the White Stallion quest.
Q5: Which bow should I use at level 1?
A: The Frostwyrm Bow, found near Dive Rock, is arguably the most powerful bow you can obtain early in the game without spending gold or completing long quests.
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