Oblivion Remastered: How to Get the Best Early Game Weapons at Level 1 (Umbra & Frostwyrm Bow)

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has reignited the passion of Tamriel’s adventurers in 2025, blending nostalgia with enhanced visuals and refined gameplay. For players starting fresh in Cyrodiil, securing powerful weapons early can transform the journey from daunting to exhilarating. Two standout weapons—the Umbra sword and the Frostwyrm Bow—are not only accessible at level 1 but also pack enough punch to dominate early encounters. This guide reveals how to claim these legendary armaments, offering strategies to overcome their challenges and tips to wield them effectively.

The Umbra Sword: A Blade of Legend

The Umbra sword is a one-handed longsword steeped in dark lore, said to house a soul that defied the Daedric Prince Clavicus Vile. With a base damage of 28 and a 120-second Soul Trap enchantment, it’s a melee powerhouse, outclassing the rusty iron swords of the tutorial dungeon. Its 2,500 charge allows 125 uses of the enchantment, perfect for capturing souls to recharge other gear. Found in Vindasel, an Ayleid ruin southwest of the Imperial City, the sword is wielded by a Bosmer named Umbra (real name Lenwin), who wears leveled Ebony Armor and poses a significant challenge at level 1.

How to Get Umbra at Level 1

Vindasel lies east of Clavicus Vile’s Shrine and west of Pell’s Gate. Inside, navigate to the final room where Umbra resides. She’s not hostile initially, but to claim the sword, you must defeat her. Here are proven strategies to succeed at level 1:

Pillar Exploit: Use Vindasel’s stone pillars to your advantage. Lure Umbra near one, jump atop it, and attack from safety with a bow, spells, or quick melee strikes. This method is slow but minimizes risk.

Guard Assistance: Lead Umbra out of Vindasel toward the Imperial City’s waterfront. Swim across Lake Rumare if needed—she’ll follow. Once there, city guards will engage her, allowing you to loot the sword after she falls. Save before attempting, as guards may turn hostile.

Poison and Potions: Gather damage health poisons from St. Jahn’s Wort (north of Chorrol) or Sacred Lotus (Imperial City pools). Combine with healing potions from the tutorial dungeon. Lower the difficulty slider, dodge her heavy attacks, and strike swiftly.

Unicorn Ally: If you’ve unlocked the Unicorn via Hircine’s quest, lead it to Vindasel. It can deal significant damage to Umbra, though it may not survive. This is riskier but effective with careful timing.

Defeating Umbra grants the sword and her Ebony Armor, which, while leveled, surpasses most early-game gear. If you avoid starting Clavicus Vile’s quest, Umbra remains a zero-weight quest item, ideal for inventory management. Pair it with Azura’s Star for infinite recharges, creating a self-sustaining weapon. Community discussions, like a 2016 Reddit thread, praise Umbra’s raw damage, noting its status as the highest base damage one-handed blade in the game.

The Frostwyrm Bow: A Marksman’s Treasure

For archers, the Frostwyrm Bow is a game-changer. Found in the stomach of the Uderfrykte Matron during the “Horror of Dive Rock” quest, this bow deals 15 base damage plus 15 frost damage, rivaling a level 14 glass bow. Its 21 enchantment uses can be recharged with petty or lesser soul gems, making it practical for low-level players. The frost effect slows enemies, synergizing perfectly with stealth or ranged builds.

How to Get the Frostwyrm Bow at Level 1

Head to Dive Rock, a cliff north of Cheydinhal, and locate Aerin’s Camp to start the quest. You’ll face the Uderfrykte Matron, a formidable beast. Here’s how to defeat her at level 1:

Poison Preparation: Collect 30+ damage health poisons (St. Jahn’s Wort, Sacred Lotus) and 10 damage speed poisons (boar meat and pears from Chorrol castle storage, accessible after starting “Canvas the Castle”). These slow the Matron, making her easier to hit.

Ranged Kiting: Equip a rusty iron bow and 50+ arrows. Keep your distance, using Dive Rock’s terrain to avoid her charges. Fire poisoned arrows and retreat, gradually reducing her health.

Fire Vulnerability: The Matron is weak to fire. Use a weak fireball spell (available from Skingrad Mages Guild) or fire-enchanted weapons if you’ve looted any. This boosts your damage significantly.

Save Often: Save before the fight, as the Matron’s speed can be overwhelming. Lower the difficulty if needed, and reload if your strategy fails.

Once defeated, loot the Matron for the Frostwyrm Bow. Repairing it requires Journeyman Armorer skill, so consider training or visiting a blacksmith. A 2020 Reddit post highlights the bow’s strength, noting its equivalence to a high-level frost bow and its utility for one-shot kills at low levels.

Why These Weapons Shine

Umbra and the Frostwyrm Bow are non-leveled, meaning their stats are fixed, making them exceptionally powerful at level 1 when most loot scales with your character. Umbra’s high damage and Soul Trap make it ideal for warriors, especially when combined with soul gems for enchanting. The Frostwyrm Bow’s frost damage slows enemies, giving archers breathing room in tough fights. Both weapons trivialize early threats like bandits or Oblivion Gate enemies, as noted in a 2025 YouTube guide.

Challenges and Tips

Both weapons require facing high-level enemies, demanding preparation and strategy. Umbra’s speed and health make her a tough melee opponent, while the Uderfrykte Matron’s aggression tests your mobility. Stock up on potions, save frequently, and lower the difficulty if needed. Repairing these weapons is another hurdle—train Armorer or pay a blacksmith until you reach Journeyman level.

Some players, like those in a 2015 Reddit thread, argue custom-enchanted weapons (e.g., a longsword with fire, frost, and shock damage) can outshine Umbra for specific builds. However, Umbra’s raw damage and accessibility make it unmatched for melee. The Frostwyrm Bow’s limited enchantment uses are a drawback compared to later bows like Hatred’s Soul (level 19), but its early-game power is unrivaled.

Community Hype

Fans on X and Reddit celebrate that Oblivion Remastered retains these level 1 exploits, preserving the game’s charm. A 2025 VG247 article emphasizes Umbra’s enduring appeal, while YouTube tutorials from 2016 to 2025 detail both weapons’ acquisition, reflecting their iconic status. These weapons aren’t just tools—they’re a rite of passage for Oblivion players.

Conclusion

The Umbra sword and Frostwyrm Bow are your keys to early-game supremacy in Oblivion Remastered. By exploiting terrain, using poisons, or enlisting allies, you can claim these weapons at level 1, turning your fledgling hero into a legend. Whether slashing through Daedra or sniping from afar, these armaments will carry you far. So, venture to Vindasel, brave Dive Rock, and seize your destiny in Cyrodiil!