The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has reignited the passion of fans and welcomed newcomers to the enchanting realm of Cyrodiil. With upgraded graphics, a refined leveling system, and the classic gameplay that defined the 2006 original, this remaster delivers an immersive RPG experience. Among its treasures, Oblivion boasts a vast arsenal of weapons, from humble iron daggers to mythical Daedric artifacts. Yet, concealed within obscure quests, remote dungeons, and hidden corners lie rare weapons that many players overlook. These elusive armaments, ranging from enchanted bows to shape-shifting swords, offer unique abilities and rich lore that can transform your journey. This article explores five underappreciated weapons in Oblivion Remastered, detailing their powers, acquisition methods, and the debates they’ve sparked about game balance.
Calliben’s Grim Retort: The Mace That Shatters Expectations
In the bustling Market District of the Imperial City, Calliben’s Grim Retort awaits those who dare to delve deeper into a seemingly mundane quest. This mace, found during the “Unfriendly Competition” side quest, delivers crushing frost damage while boosting the wielder’s strength and blunt skill. Its enchantments make it a formidable choice against tough adversaries, as the frost effect wears down enemies over time, and the strength increase enhances melee power and carrying capacity. To claim it, players must explore the Trentius Family Mausoleum and retrieve the mace from behind a stone effigy—a step easily missed by those rushing through.
The weapon’s obscurity stems from the quest’s low-profile nature, which focuses on merchant rivalries rather than epic battles. Many players complete it early without discovering the mausoleum’s secret. On X, fans have hailed it as “a game-changer for blunt builds,” but some argue its unleveled stats (unchanging regardless of player level) and early accessibility make it too powerful, potentially disrupting the game’s difficulty curve. To obtain Calliben’s Grim Retort, speak to Jensine at Jensine’s “Good as New” Merchandise to start the quest, then carefully inspect the mausoleum. Its versatility shines in extended fights, making it a top pick for mace-wielding warriors.
Frostwyrm Bow: The Archer’s Frozen Advantage
For marksmen, the Frostwyrm Bow is a hidden gem that combines beauty with lethality. Located near Dive Rock in northeastern Cyrodiil, this bow deals 15 points of frost damage per shot, making it one of the strongest early-game ranged weapons. Its enchantment remains consistent regardless of player level, ensuring longevity throughout much of the campaign. However, acquiring it demands defeating the Uderfrykte Matron, a fearsome troll that ranks among the game’s toughest early foes.
The bow’s rarity arises from its remote location and the perilous encounter guarding it. Dive Rock lies far from main quest paths, and the Uderfrykte Matron’s high health and aggressive attacks overwhelm unprepared players. X users have praised its impact, with one stating, “Frostwyrm turns every shot into a chilling masterpiece!” Yet, some believe its frost effect, which slows enemies, gives archers an unfair edge, reducing the challenge of early marksman builds. To claim the bow, journey to Dive Rock in the Jerall Mountains, armed with potions, sturdy armor, and ranged tactics. The bow rests on the Matron’s corpse, ready to dominate from a distance.
Dawnfang/Duskfang: The Blade of Day and Night
Few weapons in Oblivion Remastered are as intriguing as Dawnfang/Duskfang, a longsword that shifts its form and enchantment with the time of day. From 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, it’s Dawnfang, dealing fire damage and gaining an Absorb Health effect after 12 kills. From 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM, it becomes Duskfang, delivering frost damage with an Absorb Magicka effect after the same kill count. Introduced in the Shivering Isles DLC, this blade is obtained after completing the “Baiting the Trap” mission.
Its elusiveness comes from its DLC-specific nature and the tendency of players to delay the Shivering Isles content. Many focus on the main quest or other expansions, missing this versatile weapon. X discussions highlight its appeal, with one player noting, “Switching between Dawnfang and Duskfang feels like wielding two artifacts in one!” Critics, however, argue its “Superior” upgrades after 12 kills make it overly potent, potentially outshining other legendary weapons. To acquire it, progress through the Shivering Isles until “Baiting the Trap.” Its adaptability suits players who face diverse enemies, from mages to melee fighters.
Bands of Kwang Lao: Fists of Unrivaled Power
Hand-to-hand combat is a niche but rewarding playstyle in Oblivion, and the Bands of Kwang Lao elevate it to new heights. These enchanted gauntlets, found in the Pale Pass during the “Lifting the Vale” quest, boost hand-to-hand damage, fortify agility, and add a drain speed effect to strikes. Their unique enchantments make unarmed builds surprisingly viable, allowing players to stagger enemies while maintaining mobility. The quest, tied to the Bruma storyline, requires navigating a treacherous fortress filled with Akaviri undead, which deters some players.
The Bands are often missed because hand-to-hand is less popular than blade or blunt builds, and the Pale Pass’s dangers discourage exploration. On X, enthusiasts call them “the ultimate monk weapon,” but debates rage over their balance, as the drain speed effect can trivialize melee encounters. To obtain them, start “Lifting the Vale” by speaking to Countess Narina Carvain in Bruma, then brave the Pale Pass to find the Bands in a locked chest. They’re a game-changer for players embracing the monk archetype.
Shadowhunt: The Bow That Strikes from Darkness
Rounding out the list is Shadowhunt, a steel bow with a devastating combination of damage health, turn undead, and weakness to poison enchantments. Found during the Dark Brotherhood questline, specifically “The Purification,” this bow is ideal for stealthy archers who thrive on poison synergy. Its effects make it a nightmare for living and undead enemies alike, as poisoned arrows amplified by weakness to poison can deal massive damage over time. However, its acquisition requires joining the Dark Brotherhood and completing a morally complex quest, which some players avoid.
Shadowhunt’s obscurity lies in its faction-specific nature and the fact that many players skip the Dark Brotherhood or miss the bow’s hiding spot in a hollowed-out stump. X users have dubbed it “the assassin’s dream,” but some argue its enchantments make stealth builds too dominant, reducing the need for tactical planning. To get Shadowhunt, join the Dark Brotherhood, progress to “The Purification,” and search the stump in the quest area. Its synergy with alchemy makes it a standout for poison-focused characters.
The Balance Debate: Power vs. Challenge
These five weapons—Calliben’s Grim Retort, Frostwyrm Bow, Dawnfang/Duskfang, Bands of Kwang Lao, and Shadowhunt—offer unparalleled power and unique gameplay opportunities. Yet, their strength has sparked debates about Oblivion Remastered’s balance. Some players argue these weapons, especially those accessible early or with unleveled stats, diminish the game’s challenge by overpowering enemies. Others counter that their hidden nature rewards exploration and mastery of the game’s systems, embodying Oblivion’s philosophy of player freedom. The remaster’s developers chose to preserve these weapons’ original stats, a decision praised for authenticity but criticized by those who wanted a rebalanced experience.
Conclusion: Unearthing Cyrodiil’s Secrets
Oblivion Remastered invites players to explore every corner of Cyrodiil, and these rare weapons are a testament to that ethos. Whether you’re smashing foes with Calliben’s Grim Retort, freezing them with the Frostwyrm Bow, adapting with Dawnfang/Duskfang, pummeling with the Bands of Kwang Lao, or sniping with Shadowhunt, these weapons enrich your adventure with their power and lore. They may be hard to find, but their impact is undeniable. As you roam Cyrodiil, keep your eyes open—Cyrodiil’s greatest treasures await those bold enough to seek them.
