Oblivion Remastered – Top 10 Best Short Swords & How to Get Them

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion just got a remaster out of nowhere, and its features are pretty much the same for the most part, so old heads will know exactly how things work and where to find stuff. However, if this is your first foray into Oblivion, then you are probably feeling a bit lost. If you have settled on using a short sword build, then here is a list of some of the best ones and where to get them.

Oblivion Remastered – Top 10 Best Short Swords & How to Get Them

Before we get started, it should be noted that most of the weapons in the game, just like the armor sets, all have a pretty linear progression. What this means is that weapons are going to eventually be outclassed by higher tier ones until you reach a certain level.

For example, a steel weapon is going to be completely useless later on as you unlock dwarven and elven gear. The only exception to this rule are certain unique weapons, particularly those that will scale depending on what level you acquire them at.

Because of how the equipment system works in this game, this top 10 list is mostly going to be about aesthetics rather than practicality. If we tried to be completely objective here, you are going to see a straight line from rusty iron swords to daedric ones, and that would be extremely silly.

Also, take note that this is done in no particular order. Since we are only judging mainly by looks, it is going to be hard to actually rank them due to the personal preferences that we may or may not all share.

Short Sword #1 – Elven Short Sword

The elven short sword has a very sleek design, just like every other piece of equipment in its respective set. It is the very definition of a “short” sword, as it borders on looking more like a slightly oversized knife than a blade that you would take to an actual fight.

In terms of stats, this weapon will start showing up as you progress a little further into the game at around past level 10 or so. With that said, it will take a while for the average person to start finding these in their playthrough.

It is a nice-looking blade that fits in well with a character who runs around dressed in nobleman outfits. It will definitely look a bit out of place when held by someone like an orc completely covered in heavy armor.

Short Sword #2 – Dwarven Short Sword

This one is something that you are likely to encounter before you get to the elven one, and you can buy it from various weapon merchants all around the region once you reach the necessary level for it. Enemies will commonly be using these, so you will have no trouble finding it randomly.

In terms of its appearance, it looks much more like an actual sword than the previous entry. It has a sort of gladius-like look, but with the classic Elder Scrolls dwarven color scheme and theme. It is pretty basic, but basic is sometimes all you need to look good.

Short Sword #3 – Golden Short Sword

It is roughly the same as the elven short sword in terms of stats, but it looks way better in comparison. It is fairly similar to the dwarven one, but with a less monotonous color scheme and a pretty ornate or “regal” theme.

It can only be acquired in the Shivering Isles, where it is pretty easy to find as Golden Saints often carry them. Just kill a few of them and you should have one in no time.

Short Sword #4 – Daedric Short Sword

In terms of raw stats, this one is the best of the bunch as it is the highest tier of base equipment you can get in the game. Obviously, it is just straight up better if you are trying to look at it objectively, but what about its appearance?

Well, it might be a bit of an acquired taste, but it looks like an actual intimidating weapon with its red and black theme and sharp curves. You can get it from common enemies as soon as you reach the level threshold to start seeing them, so it is not exactly a hard weapon to find.

Short Sword #5 – Ebony Short Sword

The ebony short sword, like all of the other items in its set, is also quite a bit of an acquired taste. It has a very “ornate” black and gold design, which might look a bit off for some people. Some think that it is cool, while others might say that it looks like something their grandmother would have.

It starts appearing from common enemies as you close in on the level 20 mark, as it is the penultimate weapon type before Daedric ones show up in the world.

Short Sword #6 – Short Sword of Order

This weapon has a very unique look, and its stats can match that of Daedric weapons. The unfortunate fact of the matter is that it is only obtainable if you own the deluxe edition of the game, as it is something that only shows up in an entirely new quest added for that version.

With that said, there is seemingly no way to legitimately get it unless you cough up real money for the optional DLC content. If you have disposable income, feel free to get it.

It is reportedly a leveled weapon, which means that you should only claim it once you have a high level to actually maximize its stats. Otherwise, doing this deluxe edition exclusive quest early will give you a cool looking sword that deals a pathetic amount of damage.

Short Sword #7 – Short Sword of Cataclysm

We are going to rip the band aid off immediately and tell you that this is another deluxe edition exclusive weapon, so unless you pay Bethesda even more money, you cannot get it.

With that out of the way, this weapon is a very flashy “evil” counterpart of the Short Sword of Order. It features a gold and red aesthetic with a lot of pointy bits, which almost feels draconic to some degree, despite its very apparent Daedric origins.

Just like the previous weapon, it is also seemingly leveled, so do not claim it while you are at a low level. If you do that, you will be sorely disappointed.

Short Sword #8 – Debaser

The Debaser is a special weapon that you can get by completing the quest known as Unfriendly Competition. It is a pretty straightforward quest that you can start within the Imperial City’s Market District.

There, you will learn about the newly opened shop owned by Thoronir, who somehow has a lot of goods for sale at a very low price. The quest revolves around uncovering his sources, and it ends in a fight at a crypt, where you can get the sword from whoever the suspect is at the end. We will not spoil you there.

It is also a leveled weapon, and it comes with the enchantments drain willpower and drain endurance. Due to how it scales, this effect will also vary depending on what level you obtain it. At its highest possible level, both of these effects will drain by 30 points.

As far as its appearance goes, it actually has a very subdued and unassuming look. It is almost like a rusty iron sword, which is pretty amusing to think about with how strong it can be at times.

Short Sword #9 – Chillrend

The Chillrend is an iconic unique weapon that you can get by doing the quest known as The Killing Field. It is one of the most well-known unique weapons in the game, so much so that it is even present in the sequel.

It almost looks like a glass short sword, except it has a blue theme rather than being violently green. It is another leveled weapon,and its strongest variant will have extremely potent weakness to frost and frost damage enchantments.

It is considered to be one of the most powerful weapons of its class in the game, especially if you build around its special damage type. In terms of looks, it is not too bad either, as it has a very unique appearance.

Short Sword #10 – Glass Short Sword

Speaking of the glass short sword, it is also a pretty flashy weapon that appears a little past the level when elven gear shows up. It is not quite the highest tier when it comes to weapons, but it is pretty high up there.

It becomes a commonly used weapon at a certain threshold, so you do not need to search far and wide to get one. In terms of appearance, it is a bit of an acquired taste due to the color, but if you liked the Chillrend, then you are going to like this one too.

And that wraps up this top ten list for the game. Remember, the base stats are not the only thing you need to think about, as your other attributes and one handed skill all contribute to how much damage each weapon in this list can actually have.

While you are here, consider checking out our top 10 light armor sets in Oblivion Remastered as well. There, you can find more stuff to pair with your shiny new short swords, especially since these fit well with that type of gear. Get yourself a shield while you are at it!