In The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, the best bow depends on how you play, your level, and whether you want raw power, cool enchantments, or unique effects. Here’s a rundown of the top bows and where to grab them, keeping it straightforward and based on what works best.

1. Hatred's Soul (Best Overall for Damage)

Oblivion Hatreds Soul Bow

A Daedric bow that hits hard and comes with a solid enchantment (Fire Damage + Soul Trap). It’s a beast for high-level players. Packs a punch, the enchantment doesn’t need recharging, and Soul Trap fills soul gems for enchanting or powering up other gear. 

Stats (at max level, 30+)

  • Base Damage: 20
  • Enchantment: 20 Fire Damage + Soul Trap for 5 seconds
Where to Get It: You can snag Hatred's Soul during Malacath’s Daedric quest, "The Shrine of Malacath," located northwest of Anvil at Malacath’s shrine. To get it, complete the quest by offering Troll Fat and freeing some ogres, then check the shrine’s chest or altar after finishing. Make sure you’re at least level 20 to get the best version of the bow, as its power scales with your level.

2. Bow of Infliction (Best for Stealth/Sniping)

Mixcollage 02 May 2025 10 47 Am 9761

A unique Elven bow perfect for sneaky types, with Shock Damage and Weakness to Shock for picking off enemies from afar. Weakness to Shock makes your next shots hit harder, great for stealth archers chaining sneak attacks.

Stats (at max level, 25+)

  • Base Damage: 15
  • Enchantment: 20 Shock Damage + Weakness to Shock 50% for 10 seconds
Where to Get It: The Bow of Infliction is a reward for completing the Dark Brotherhood quest "Following a Lead," where Lucien Lachance gives it to you after dealing with a traitor in the storyline. To start, join the Dark Brotherhood by killing an innocent NPC and sleeping to trigger the questline, then progress through the quests until you reach this point. You’ll need to be level 25 or higher to get the strongest version of the bow.

3. Frostwyrm (Best for Frost Damage Builds)

Oblivion Remastered Frostwyrm Bow Guide

A unique bow with a strong Frost Damage enchantment, awesome for players leaning into frost effects or fighting enemies weak to cold. Frost Damage stacks nicely with other frost effects, and it’s great for builds using frost spells or potions.

Stats (at max level, 25+)

  • Base Damage: 15
  • Enchantment: 20 Frost Damage + Weakness to Frost 50% for 10 seconds
Where to Get It: You can find Frostwyrm in Fort Frostmoth during the Knights of the Nine DLC, inside a chest guarded by undead enemies. Make sure you have the Knights of the Nine DLC installed to access this area. It’s best to be level 25 or higher to ensure you get the most powerful version of the bow.

4. Shadowhunt (Best for Poison Builds)

Mixcollage 02 May 2025 10 47 Am 7399

A steel bow with a rare Damage Health enchantment, perfect for poison-focused players or those who like damage over time. Damage Health stacks with poisons for nasty combos, and Turn Undead helps against skeletons or ghosts.

Stats (at max level, 20+):

  • Base Damage: 12
  • Enchantment: 20 Damage Health (over time) + Turn Undead
Where to Get It: Shadowhunt is a reward for the Dark Brotherhood quest "The Assassinated Man," which you get after faking Francois Motierre’s death in Chorrol. You’ll need to join the Dark Brotherhood by killing an innocent NPC and sleeping to start the questline, then advance through the quests to reach this one. Be at least level 20 to get the best version of the bow.

5. Bound Bow (Best for Mages/Conjurers)

Reverse Pickpocketed Martin To Give Him A Bound Bo

A Daedric bow you summon with the Bound Bow spell. It’s strong, weighs nothing, and fits mage-archer builds perfectly. No need to lug around a bow, and it’s always in perfect condition. Summon it anywhere, anytime.

Stats:

  • Base Damage: 18 (same as a Daedric bow)
  • Enchantment: None (but works great with enchanted arrows or poisons)
Where to Get It: To get the Bound Bow, buy the Bound Bow spell from merchants like Athragar in Chorrol or Alberic Litte at the Arcane University, or look for it in random loot. You’ll need a Conjuration skill of 50 or higher to cast it effectively, so make sure your magic skills are up to par. No level scaling applies since it’s a spell, but higher Conjuration makes casting easier.

Honorable Mention: Custom Enchanted Daedric Bow

5263301872 D3609cb2ca B

At high levels (30+), enchanting your own Daedric bow at the Arcane University can beat most unique bows if you make it suit your style. You can tweak it exactly how you want, potentially making it better than unique bows with the right enchantment.

How to Make It: Grab a Daedric bow from Oblivion Gates, Daedric ruins, or high-level loot, then complete the Mages Guild questline to access the Arcane University. Use a filled Grand Soul Gem at the enchanting altar to add effects like Fire Damage, Shock Damage, or Silence, which is great for shutting down mages.

Recommendations by Playstyle

  • Stealth Archer: Go for Bow of Infliction or Shadowhunt for big sneak attack damage.
  • Warrior/Archer: Hatred's Soul for straight-up power and Soul Trap.
  • Mage/Archer: Bound Bow for no weight and magic synergy.
  • Elemental Focus: Frostwyrm for frost builds or a custom Daedric bow for other elements.

Tips

  • Level Scaling: Wait until level 20+ (or 25+ for some bows) to get their best versions.
  • Arrows Count: Use Daedric or enchanted arrows, or slap on some poisons for extra damage.
  • Enchantment Charges: Most unique bows don’t need recharging, but keep soul gems for custom ones.
  • DLC: Frostwyrm needs the Knights of the Nine DLC, so make sure it’s installed.