How to Kill Will-o-the-Wisps in Oblivion Remastered

Struggling to kill Will-o-the-Wisps in Oblivion Remastered? Here’s how to beat ghost-type enemies and what weapons actually work against them—including how to farm Glow Dust.
How to Kill Will-o-the-Wisps in Oblivion Remastered
Will-o-the-Wisps might look harmless at first glance, but in Oblivion Remastered, they can be straight-up nightmares—especially if you don’t know how to fight them. If you’ve ever wondered why your sword seems useless or why your attacks don’t even touch them, you’re not alone.
These ghost-like enemies are immune to normal weapons, and if you’re not prepared, they’ll tear through your health while dodging most of your attacks. Fortunately, there are specific ways to handle them—and we’re breaking it all down.

👻 Why Your Attacks Aren’t Working
Will-o-the-Wisps and other ghost-type enemies can’t be hurt by standard, non-magical weapons. This is why you’re seeing 0 damage and getting drained in the process. They’re immune to most physical hits unless you’re using the right gear or methods.
⚔️ Weapons That Can Kill Will-o-the-Wisps
To actually deal damage, you need one of the following:
Weapon Type | How to Get It |
Enchanted Weapons | Create at any Mages Guild with a filled Soul Gem |
Spells | Buy Destruction spells (like Fire, Shock, or Frost) from Mages Guild vendors |
Silver Weapons | Purchase from A Fighting Chance (Imperial City Market District) |
Daedric Weapons | Found in higher-level Oblivion Gate loot or enemy drops |
Hand-to-Hand | Only works if you’ve reached Journeyman rank in Hand-to-Hand skill |

💡 Combat Tips for Fighting Will-o-the-Wisps
- Always have healing potions on hand—Will-o-the-Wisps have touch-based spells that drain your health rapidly.
- Use ranged spells if possible—they’re hard to hit up close and like to float just out of reach.
- If you’re a melee build, carry a backup enchanted or silver weapon just for ghost-type enemies.
- Avoid fighting more than one at a time, if possible. They’re way deadlier in groups.
🎁 Loot: Why You Should Kill Them Anyway
Killing Will-o-the-Wisps is worth the trouble for one major reason:
🌟 Glow Dust
- This rare alchemy ingredient is used in several powerful potions.
- It’s also required for the Shrine of Azura quest (Blood of the Daedra).
- Farming them is one of the most reliable ways to collect Glow Dust consistently.
🎯 Bonus: Ghosts drop Ectoplasm, another solid alchemy ingredient.
🗺️ Where to Find Will-o-the-Wisps
- Swampy Cave (especially at night)
- Wilderness Marshes around Cyrodiil (level 8+)
- Guaranteed encounter during the Shrine of Azura Daedric quest
🧠 Quick Recap: How to Kill Will-o-the-Wisps
You Need… | Why |
Enchanted or Silver Weapons | Normal weapons won’t deal damage |
Destruction Spells | Reliable ranged damage; can avoid close-quarters combat |
Healing Potions | Will-o-the-Wisps drain health quickly |
High Hand-to-Hand Skill | Only viable at Journeyman rank or higher |
Related Article:
- Oblivion Remastered: How to Get Glow Dust – All Locations and Methods
- Oblivion Remastered: Fastest Leveling Methods – How to Level Up Quickly
- How to Get the Sanguine Rose – Sanguine’s Shrine Quest Guide in Oblivion Remastered
- Oblivion Remastered: Level Scaling Explained in Simple Way
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