The Most Valuable Tools and Gear in Oblivion Remastered

With the release of Oblivion Remastered, veteran fans and new adventurers alike are diving back into the lush, sprawling world of Cyrodiil. Whether you’re battling Daedra, sneaking through Ayleid ruins, or crafting powerful potions, having the right tools can make all the difference between triumph and tragedy. While Oblivion has always offered a vast array of weapons, gear, and magical items, the remastered version introduces enhanced visuals and rebalanced mechanics that make certain tools more valuable than ever.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best tools to acquire in Oblivion Remastered, from rare alchemical apparatus to legendary weapons that can turn the tide of any battle. Whether you’re a seasoned hero or a new Champion of Cyrodiil, these essential items will give you the edge you need to survive—and thrive.

1. Master Alchemy Apparatus (Best Alchemy Tools)

For anyone specializing in alchemy, Master‑quality tools (mortar & pestle, retort, calcinator, alembic) are the most powerful apparatus you can find:

• Highest effect potions: they unlock top-tier potion strength.

• Loot‑only drops: not sold by merchants; only appear as random loot in dungeons at or above level 17.

• Best farming locations: mage and necromancer dungeons like Ceyatatar or Temple of the Ancestor Moths have higher drop chances. Save-scumming (saving before entering the chest area and reloading if no master tool is found) is a common strategy among players.

Tip: Aim to travel to these dungeon zones once your character has reached level 17–20 for improved drop rates.

2. Unique Quest Weapons

These iconic tools are powerful artifacts obtained via major quests:

• Umbra (Sword): a soul‑trapping, high raw‑damage longsword. It doesn’t scale with level—so acquiring early gives you full damage potential. Obtained by defeating Umbra in the Vindasel ruins. Regarded as one of the best weapons in the game.

• Goldbrand (Katana): a Daedric artifact wielded during Boethiah’s Quest. It delivers strong fire damage and benefits from character level 20+. Frequently ranked among the top one‑handed weapons.

• Chillrend (Shortsword): offers frost damage plus Weakness to Frost (debuff). Best acquired through The Killing Field quest in Chorrol, with both sons surviving. Most powerful at higher levels (~level 25).

• Hatred’s Heart & Hatred’s Soul: leveled weapons (mace and bow). When obtained at or above level 19, they yield terrifying fire damage and Movement‑drain effects. Especially lethal when paired with sneak attack strategies in the late game.

• Apotheosis (Staff): unique staff sold by Rindir in the Imperial City market. Carries balanced fire, frost, and shock damage (33 each) and delivers a total of 99 points of elemental magic damage. Ideal for spellcasters who like potent, all‑around offense.

• Dawnfang/Dustfang: a shifting sword that changes form with time of day and absorbs health over kills. Obtained in the Shivering Isles DLC. Leveled up through kills, making it a powerful companion for long‑term play.

Other notable mentions include:

• Sufferthorn (Dark Brotherhood dagger)

• Frostwyrm Bow (from Uderfrykte Matron)
  Each has situational strengths, such as stealth or ranged combat benefits.

Why These Tools Matter