To enchant weapons in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, follow these steps:
- Obtain Soul Gems and Spells
You need filled Soul Gems to enchant weapons. Fill empty Soul Gems by casting the Soul Trap spell on an enemy before killing it to capture its soul. Different sizes of Soul Gems hold different soul strengths, affecting enchantment power
- Access an Enchanting Altar
You must join the Mages Guild and progress to the Arcane University to gain access to enchanting altars. These altars let you enchant weapons and armor using your Soul Gems and known spell effects. Alternatively, you can use Sigil Stones obtained from closing Oblivion Gates, which grant unique enchantments but only one effect per weapon
- Select the Weapon to Enchant
Choose a weapon from your inventory that does not already have an enchantment. You cannot enchant an already enchanted weapon
- Choose the Spell Effect
Select the spell effect you want to enchant onto the weapon. You must have learned the spell effect beforehand. For weapons, Magnitude (strength) and Duration are important parameters, while Area is less relevant unless enchanting a bow
- Select the Soul Gem
Pick the Soul Gem to power the enchantment. Larger soul gems allow for stronger and longer-lasting enchantments but are not always necessary depending on the effect
- Name and Complete the Enchantment
After selecting the weapon, effect, and soul gem, you name your enchanted weapon and finalize the process at the altar
- Recharging Enchanted Weapons
Enchanted weapons have a limited number of uses before they need recharging. Use filled Soul Gems to recharge the weapon’s magical charge by selecting the weapon and the soul gem in your inventory
Additional Notes:
- Sigil Stones provide powerful but fixed enchantments and only one effect per weapon, while enchanting altars allow multiple effects on weapons and more customization
- Enchanting armor differs slightly, allowing only one constant effect per piece and no magnitude adjustment
This process enhances your weapons with magical effects like elemental damage, attribute absorption, or skill boosts, making them more powerful and versatile in combat
