Powerful weapons are essential in many roleplaying games, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is no exception. The strength of a player's weapon dramatically affects their ability to deal with threats out in the wilderness. This is especially true for archers, who must rely on the strength of their bow when tackling the strongest enemies in Skyrim.
Various methods within the game can augment the power of a player's weapon. For example, players proficient in Smithing can improve the stats of most bows, while alchemists can create various poisons to drench their arrows in. Bows can even be significantly modified by enchantments, allowing players to customize the effects of their weapon.
While these methods for augmenting bows exist, there are bows in the world of Tamriel that stand apart from the others. Adventurers wishing to fight the many hidden bosses of Skyrim will want a powerful weapon at their side. These five bows will help players slay the greatest of foes.
Unlocking The Best Bows In Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
These are the best bows players can use in Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim:
Zephyr
A unique dwarven bow, Zephyr won't provide the most damage in a single shot. What makes Zephyr special is its unique enchantment. Zephyr gains a 30% increased firing rate, which turns this weapon into one of the highest damage per second bows in the game. Archers picking this weapon should be warned, the increased fire rate means faster ammunition consumption.
For adventurers wanting to grab this bow, it can be found in the dwermer ruin of Arkngthamz. During the 'Lost to the Ages' quest, Katria will tell the players her bow is out on the log overlooking the chasm. Players that brave this walk can receive a genuinely unique bow as a reward.
Nightingale Bow
The Nightingale Bow is another powerful weapon the Dragonborn can wield. A unique characteristic of the bow is that the player's level determines its stats when they obtain it. Characters who obtain this bow at level 46 or later will get an insane 19 base damage, and with enchantment, Nightingale Storm will deal an additional 30 frost damage and 15 shock damage on each hit. This makes the bow equivalent to a Daedric Bow before including its enchantment.
Thankfully, the bow is fairly easy to obtain. Players naturally obtain the bow during the Thieves Guild questline. At the conclusion of the tenth quest, 'Blindsided,' Karliah will hand this unique bow to the player.
Dragonbone Bow
Added in the Dawnguard expansion, the Dragonbone Bow has the highest base damage of any standard bow acquirable by players. At base damage of 20, this bow is perfect for those wishing to make every arrow count. The Dragonbone Bow is also a standard weapon, meaning the player can enchant it with any enchantment they have found on their adventure.
The Dragonbone Bow is a standard weapon that can be crafted, and its versatility allows it to fit in any archer build in Skyrim. The Dragonbone Bow is a standard weapon that can be crafted. A character with level 100 Smithing and the Dragon Armor perk can craft this bow out of two dragon bones and one ebony ingot. Players can also find this bow in the Soul Cairn, looted off one of the Keepers.
Auriel's Bow
Another bow added in the Dawnguard expansion is Auriel's Bow. Like Zephyr, Auriel's Bow has low base damage but a high rate of fire. However, unlike Zephyr, the high rate of fire isn't the only selling point of this bow. Auriel's Bow also deals 20 sun damage on hit, and this damage is tripled against the undead. But, again, players can't do much better than equipping a goddess's bow.
Obtaining Auriel's Bow requires players to play through the main story of Dawnguard. Players can obtain the bow after defeating the Arch-Curate Vyrthur and entering the Inner Sanctum. This bow has a significant role in the expansion's story, making it a fitting bow for the Dragonborn to wield.
Ruin's Edge
With the recent release of the Anniversary Edition of the game, many players will be experiencing content from the Creation Club in their new adventures. Players who own Ruin's Edge, which is included in the Anniversary Edition, get access to a new powerful bow. Skyrim's Ruin's Edge bow randomly applies one of six effects. These effects include paralysis, Magicka drain, and frenzy. Players looking to add chaos into their arsenal will not find a better bow in the game.
To acquire this new bow, players must play through the quest that comes with this Creation Club mod. At the end of the quest, the player will fight a few bandits and their chief. Players that defeat the chief can loot their corpses to acquire the Ruin's Edge bow.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.