Elder Scrolls Oblivion: Best Archer Build

Learn all essential details about the top-tier Archer build in Elder Scrolls Oblivion, along with helpful advice and strategies for mastering this setup effectively.

For individuals who prefer a covert, tactical, and swiftly maneuverable gameplay style in Elder Scrolls Oblivion, the Archer build is an exceptional choice. This adaptable build allows for magical integration as well, with the bow serving as the primary weapon, enabling you to eliminate enemies from a secure distance. However, it’s important to note that archery involves a more leisurely pace compared to melee characters.

The Archer build primarily revolves around wielding bows and arrows for ranged combat, often complemented by stealth for increased damage output and survivability. The success of this unique build relies heavily on your race, attributes, and skill choices, making them critical decisions in your Elder Scrolls Oblivion experience. In this guide, we’ll delve into the optimal Archer build, discussing essential skills, weapons, and armor selections.

Everything About Archer Build in Elder Scrolls Oblivion

In The Elder Scrolls Oblivion, an Archer setup offers flexibility for emphasizing long-range attacks. Your principal weapon choice is bows and arrows, allowing you to inflict damage at a distance while remaining concealed from adversaries. We picked the Bosmer race for this Archer build due to its provision of Marksman and Sneak abilities. The Thief Birthsign is ideal because it enhances your stealth capabilities and raises your chances of scoring critical hits with your bow.

For the Archer character, it’s advisable to focus on Marksmanship, Stealth, Light Armor, and Alchemy as your key abilities. These skills make it simpler to eliminate opponents. A Daedric Bow is a recommended weapon due to its strong base combat damage. Your character’s skills are divided into major and minor categories, depending on the class you pick or create. You’ll be given points to distribute among your primary skills, allowing you to tailor your build even further for greater effectiveness.

Build Key Aspect

Below are all the essential aspects of the Archer Build in Elder Scrolls Oblivion:

• Class: Archer
• Race: Mosmer
• Birthsign: The Thief
• Specialization: Stealth
• Attributes: Agility, Endurance, Speed
• Major Skills
  • Marksman
  • Sneak
  • Athletics
• Minor Skills
  • Light Armor
  • Acrobatics
  • Restoration
  • Armorer
• Weapons: Daedric Bow (Daedric Arrow), Ebony Bow (Ebony Arrow)
• Armor: Elven Armor
• Faction: Dark Brotherhood and The Thieves Guild
• Trainer: Pinarus Inventius

Class

Choosing the Archer class is highly recommended for those who prefer an archery build in Elder Scrolls Oblivion, especially if you’re fond of stealth and strategic play. This class excels at dishing out damage from a distance, making it perfect for players who like to keep their opponents at bay. In addition, poisons can significantly boost an Archer’s damage output against tougher foes. The versatility of this class allows Archers to wield both melee weapons for close-quarters combat and bows for long-range skirmishes. By combining Archery with stealth, you can unleash devastating sneak attacks. To experience ranged combat and tactical gameplay at its best, opt for the Archer class in your Elder Scrolls Oblivion adventure.

Best Race

In Elder Scrolls Oblivion, Wood Elves are ideal for crafting an exceptional Archer character. Their inherent advantages in both Sneaking and Marksmanship make them a robust choice for stealth Archers. A Wood Elf begins with a +5 boost to Marksman and +5 to Sneak. Their initial skills align well with a covert Archer playstyle, enhancing your effectiveness in the early and mid-game. Bosmer also boasts a +10 in Acrobatics, which can be utilized for mobility and accessing high locations. However, they have comparatively lower Endurance and Strength levels. Illusion, Destruction, Alteration, and Mysticism are the optimal skills for a Wood Elf Archer build. This race is suitable for an Archer character because of their starting bonuses in Marksman and Sneak, enabling them to excel at stealth Archery.

Best Birthsign

In the game Elder Scrolls Oblivion, choosing the Thief Birthsign is an excellent option for an Archer character. This Birthsign offers advantages to skills such as Sneak, Luck, and Speed, all of which are valuable for Archers. The Thief Birthsign influences the growth of many skills, making it simpler to level up and be successful in most situations.

The +25 Speed bonus enhances both movement speed and jump distance, which is vital for stealthy maneuvers and quick getaways. Additionally, the +25 Agility boost is significant for Archers because it improves their Marksman skill and overall combat effectiveness. This Birthsign sets a strong foundation for an adaptable Archer build that can thrive in various combat scenarios and stealth situations.

Best Specialization

In Elder Scrolls Oblivion, Stealth is an ideal specialization for the Archer character. This specialization primarily focuses on skills related to stealth and evasion such as Sneak and Light Armor. You choose this specialization during character creation, and it influences how your skills progress. These are a group of essential skills that are given higher priority over any other skills. By concentrating on abilities like Sneak, Light Armor, Marksman, or using Illusion spells for invisibility and stealth, you can excel in stealth. The Sneak skill is crucial for a covert approach, enabling you to move silently and make the most of your bow. Additionally, light armor, when combined with athletics, enhances your speed and quietness.

Best Attributes

In terms of character development for an Archer, it’s beneficial to prioritize Agility and Endurance. Agility enhances your damage output and speed, key factors for an Archer, while Endurance bolsters health and stamina. Enhancing speed also improves your movement speed and stealth abilities. By doing so, your character becomes a formidable Archer, capable of outmaneuvering enemies from a distance without sustaining damage. Additionally, consider investing in Luck to potentially discover superior items or benefit from random occurrences. At each level, you can boost three attributes by up to 5 points and Luck by 1 point. Remember that the maximum capacity for attributes is 100.

Major Skills

In Elder Scrolls Oblivion, an Archer build thrives on its major skills, particularly Marksman, as it amplifies your damage output, giving you the upper hand against enemies without exposing yourself to harm. Picking the optimal major skills for an Archer is vital since your gameplay primarily revolves around them. We suggest including Marksman, Sneak, Athletics, Light Armor, and either Alchemy or Illusion in your build for a well-rounded experience.

Skills can be gained through regular use, learning from NPC trainers, and reading special books. The primary method of leveling up skills is by actively engaging with them. For instance, practicing with a bow will boost your Marksman skill within the game.

• Athletics- You move quickly and efficiently, making it crucial for exploration and combat as well.
• Marksman- This skill allows you to deal damage from a safe distance with more accuracy and precision.
• Sneak- It allows you to sneak attacks with your bow to deal massive damage in combat.

Minor Skills

In the Elder Scrolls Oblivion, Light Armor is an excellent choice for an Archer build due to its benefits of increased mobility and enhanced stealth abilities. These minor skills complement the primary Marksman skill set. While minor skills may not be as powerful on their own, they significantly boost your character in other areas. Carefully select your minor skills as they can greatly improve your character’s overall strength from within. It is advisable to focus on leveling up these minor skills to acquire attribute bonuses.

• Armorer- Use this skill for repairing enchanted gear and improving your armor.  
• Light Armor- Provides defense without hindering your agility.
• Acrobatics- It grants agility and evasion, making you harder to hit.
• Restoration- Use this skill to gain healing, and it can be useful for survival.

Equipment

In The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion, players have access to a variety of items such as weapons, armor, clothing, and miscellaneous objects which they can use to enhance their character’s skills and attributes. These items include weapons that are made from various components, each with unique stats and appearances, and can be enchanted with magical effects like damage, debuffs, or health regeneration using soul gems. Weapons also require recharging using soul gems. Armor is another essential equipment that shields you from enemy attacks; it has an armor rating that determines the amount of damage it can absorb. You can wear up to nine pieces of armor at once. For the Archer build in Elder Scrolls Oblivion, light armor offers the best option.

Best Weapons

The Daedric Bow is an excellent choice for an Archer build due to its ability to inflict heavy damage with Daedric arrows. With proper upgrades, it becomes even more potent in battle scenarios.

Here are the best weapons for the Archer build in Elder Scrolls Oblivion.

Daedric Bow

• Damage: 20
• Value: 3200
• Health: 420
• Weight: 22

Including a Daedric Bow in your Archer build is highly recommended due to its exceptional base damage, which is the highest in the game. This makes it an ideal option for Archers. When enhanced with potent enchantments, such as health draining or increased damage, it becomes even more formidable. Keep in mind that this weapon can be found in advanced locations, though you can also acquire it through various quests. Despite its slightly heavier weight, the Daedric Bow delivers substantial damage when used effectively. Pair it with Daedric Arrows for maximum combat efficiency; these arrows can often be found as loot from specific enemies, especially within bandit dungeons.

Ebony Bow

• Damage: 20
• Value: 3200
• Health: 420
• Weight: 22

The Ebony Bow stands as an excellent choice, particularly for Archers. It delivers a reasonable base damage and has the possibility of being imbued with potent charms. By bestowing it with formidable traits such as Drain Health, Fire, Shock, and Frost, you can significantly enhance its efficiency in challenging fights. These Ebony Bows can be acquired from diverse origins, including traders and random finds. Utilize this bow for stealthy strikes to inflict substantial damage. Employ Ebony Arrows during difficult encounters to inflict moderate damage. Crafted from ebony ingots and firewood, it offers a higher damage yield compared to standard arrows.

Best Armor

Here is the best armor to equip while running an Archer build in Elder Scrolls Oblivion.

Elven Armor

• Armor Health: 3520
• Class: Light Armor
• Base Value: 1740
• Weight: 35.1

The ideal armor for an Archer character is this one, as it defends your player from all incoming assaults, offering a decent blend of protection and stealth, notably with the cuirass and boots. You can acquire it from Azani Blackheart through the Fighters Guild questline. Elven armor is suitable for characters in the early to mid-game stages. It has an unique look, featuring a metallic gleam and red fabric beneath the armor. Variations of Elven armor include Light Elven Armor and Gilded Elven Armor.

Leather Armor

• Armor Health: 640
• Class: Light Armor
• Base Value: 105
• Weight: 19.5

Leather Armor serves as an excellent initial protective gear, particularly for rogue and covert characters. It provides light defense while promoting mobility. Compared to other types of armor, it’s not extremely durable or powerful, but it does offer a good balance. The style of leather armor can complement a rogue or thief character. This makes it an ideal pick for players aiming for a low-key appearance. Use it for builds that emphasize stealth and agility. You can obtain this armor relatively early on, and it starts appearing in inventory lists around level 3.

Leveling Strategy

In Elder Scrolls Oblivion, prioritize Marksmanship and Stealth as your primary skills, with Alchemy and Athletics serving as secondary ones to create an effective Archer character. Stealth is crucial for Archers, allowing you to eliminate foes from a distance unnoticed. To maximize your power over opponents, concentrate on the skills that suit your playing style. Complete all side quests to enhance your character, as leveling up depends on Skill Increases and Attribute assignments. When you level up, you get to boost three attributes. Choose ones that complement your approach. Your Birthsign offers a substantial bonus to your stats, but remember, sleeping in a bed is necessary for leveling up. Keep in mind that enemies also grow stronger as you level up, making them more formidable. To progress efficiently, try to find a balance between exploring, engaging in combat, and practicing skills.

Factions

As a cunning gamer, I’ve found that the Dark Brotherhood and the Thieves Guild are two factions that really stand out. The Thieves Guild offers me chances to perfect my stealth, lockpicking, and pickpocketing skills – it’s like a playground for a sneaky Archer like me! Plus, I can join the Dark Brotherhood for some assassination missions and marksman training, which helps me master my long-range bow shots. To top it off, the Thieves Guild recognizes and rewards my stealth abilities, giving me access to invaluable fences who help me sell my ill-gotten goods without raising eyebrows.

Trainers

In the game, certain Non-Player Characters (NPCs) function as trainers for your character’s skills. These trainers specialize in training a specific skill a set number of times based on your character’s current level. Seek them out to expedite the process of leveling up important skills. Pinarus Inventius is one such expert trainer, positioned outside Anvil’s main gate between 2 PM and 5 PM. Once you max out his skill training, he will assign a quest for you to find a master trainer instead. These trainers enable you to spend gold to boost your skill levels, which can facilitate the process of leveling up skills. Different types of trainers offer varying maximum skill level caps.

How to Play the Archer Build

Engaging an Archer character in The Elder Scrolls Oblivion revolves around stealth, accuracy, and long-range engagements. Your primary weapon of choice is a bow, enabling you to inflict damage from a secure distance, thereby minimizing close-quarter confrontations within the game. Bosmer is an optimal race selection for this build due to their enhanced Marksman and Sneak abilities, perfectly suited for a covert Archer strategy. When enemies draw near, seek cover behind walls or any hindrance. Regularly enhance your weaponry to optimize its effectiveness in dealing substantial blows. Keep essential healing potions at the ready during prolonged battles, always ensuring you are battle-prepared. You can also employ spells like Invisibility, which enable repositioning and inflicting massive damage without detection. Opt for light armor such as Elven Armor or Leather Armor to boost your Agility and Endurance.

Best Gameplay Tips and Tricks for the Archer Build

Here are the best gameplay tips and tricks for the Archer build in Elder Scrolls Oblivion.

Use Poison to increase your sneak attacks and combat effectiveness.

• Use skills like Marksman and Sneak as major skills.
• Focus on light armor for stealth, as it increases your movement speed.
• Use a blunt weapon as a backup while fighting the enemies in close range.
• Use Stealth to get the jump on enemies and deal increased damage with sneak attacks.
• Use illusion magic for invisibility to escape dangerous situations.
• Any race can be a successful Archer, so choose the one that complements your playstyle.
• It’s best to experiment and find what works best for you.

FAQs about Archer build in The Elder Scrolls Oblivion

What is Archer build in Elder Scrolls Oblivion?

In The Elder Scrolls Oblivion, the Archer build offers a flexible configuration, enabling you to concentrate on long-range assaults. Mainly, you’ll rely on bows and arrows to inflict damage from afar, keeping yourself concealed from adversaries.

Which is the best weapon for an Archer build in Elder Scrolls Oblivion?

Including the Daedric Bow in your Archer character setup is highly recommended. This weapon boasts the highest base damage found within the game, which makes it an ideal selection for Archers.

Which is the best race for Archer build in Elder Scrolls Oblivion?

In Elder Scrolls Oblivion, Bosmer is an excellent choice for building an optimal Archer character due to its advantages in both Sneaking and Marksmanship skills, making it a powerful pick for stealth-focused Archers.

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2025-03-25 21:52