In The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, the top weapons depend on your playstyle, character build, and level, since many get stronger as you level up or come from specific quests. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best weapons, split by type, with details on how to grab them. These are unique, pack a punch, or have handy effects that make them stand out.
1. Melee Weapons
Umbra
This one-handed sword is a total powerhouse with great damage and a Soul Trap enchantment that’s super useful. You can nab it early by kicking off the "Clavicus Vile" Daedric quest, but you’ll want to be level 20 to get the strongest version. Head to the Shrine of Clavicus Vile, southwest of the Imperial City, then track down Umbra at Vindasel, a nearby ruin. Either take her out or convince her to hand it over. If you keep it instead of giving it to Vile, it’s yours for good, hitting for 28 damage with a 120-second Soul Trap at higher levels.
Goldbrand
A killer one-handed sword, Goldbrand dishes out 25 damage and a 22-point Fire Damage enchantment that makes it a beast for fighters. You can score it by doing Boethiah’s Daedric quest at level 20. Find the shrine southeast of Cheydinhal, offer a Daedra Heart, and win the "Tournament of Ten Bloods" in Boethiah’s realm to claim it.
Ebony Blade
This two-handed katana is awesome for sustained fights, dealing 18 damage with Absorb Health and a 10-second Silence effect. You’ll need to be level 15 and complete Mephala’s Daedric quest. Head to her shrine northeast of the Imperial City, offer Nightshade, and stir up some trouble in Bleaker’s Way to earn it.
Chillrend
Chillrend is a shortsword that’s a beast for one-handed builds, packing 21 damage, 25 Frost Damage, and a 50% Weakness to Frost. You can grab it during the Thieves Guild’s “The Ultimate Heist” quest, ideally at level 10 or higher for the best version. Loot it from Countess Umbriel’s manor in Anvil or take it off her directly.
2. Ranged Weapons
Hatred’s Soul
This bow is one of the best, hitting for 20 damage with a nasty 30 Shock Damage enchantment. You can get it by working through the Dark Brotherhood questline until “Following a Lead,” where Lucien Lachance gives it to you, or find it in the Sanctuary. Pair it with enchanted arrows like Hatred’s Heart, and you’re dropping enemies from a distance like nobody’s business.
Shadowhunt
Perfect for sneaky archers, Shadowhunt deals 18 damage with a mix of 20 Damage Health, 100% Weakness to Poison, and Turn Undead effects. To get it, do Namira’s Daedric quest at level 5. Head to her shrine east of Bruma, tank your personality to 20 or lower with booze or Drain Personality spells, and wrap up the quest to claim it.
3. Staves
Wabbajack
Wabbajack is a wild staff that turns enemies into random creatures for 20 seconds, which is as fun as it sounds. You can pick it up at level 2 by doing Sheogorath’s Daedric quest. Find his shrine west of Leyawiin, offer a Lesser Soul Gem, Lettuce, and Yarn, then mess with the weather in Border Watch to get it.
Skull of Corruption
This staff spawns a hostile clone of your target for 30 seconds to fight for you, which is great for crowd control. Grab it at level 5 through Vaermina’s Daedric quest. Head to her shrine southwest of Cheydinhal, offer a Black Soul Gem, and steal the Orb of Vaermina from Arkved’s Tower to claim it.
4. Tips for Maximizing Weapon Effectiveness
To make these weapons shine, timing and maintenance are key. Most Daedric artifacts scale with your level, so wait until level 20-25 for the best versions. Use Azura’s Star, which you get from Azura’s Daedric quest, to keep enchanted weapons charged without burning soul gems. Repair your gear with Repair Hammers or the Armorer skill to keep damage at its peak. If you’ve got the Shivering Isles expansion, you can craft custom weapons at the Altar of Enchanting that might outdo base game stuff. The expansion also throws in sweet gear like Dawnfang/Duskfang, a sword that swaps forms from the “The Antipodean Hammer” quest, and Ruin’s Edge, a bow with random effects from “The Coming Storm.”
Recommendations by Playstyle
Warriors should go for Umbra or Goldbrand for one-handed or Ebony Blade for two-handed. Archers will want Hatred’s Soul for raw damage or Shadowhunt for stealth shots. Mages can have a blast with Skull of Corruption for crowd control or Wabbajack for some chaotic fun. Stealth players will dominate with Chillrend in close quarters or Shadowhunt at range.
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