Fortify Marksman Potions

True Shot potions that boost bow damage by 20 to 50 percent for 60 seconds, a staple for archers and stealthy hunters.

The True Shot potions are built for archers. For 60 seconds after drinking one, every arrow you loose from a bow hits harder, with a damage bonus between 20 and 50 percent depending on the strength of the bottle. That is a big swing for a stealth build lining up sneak attacks or for any character trying to bring down a dragon from range, and it lasts long enough to empty a good part of a quiver.

All tiers

Name Effect Value Weight Form ID
Potion of True Shot Bows deal 20% more damage for 60 seconds 96 0.5 0003EB2C
Draught of True Shot Bows deal 30% more damage for 60 seconds 151 0.5 00039949
Philter of True Shot Bows deal 40% more damage for 60 seconds 207 0.5 0003994B
Elixir of True Shot Bows deal 50% more damage for 60 seconds 265 0.5 0003994E

Where to find them

Like most stock potions in Skyrim, these bottles turn up as loot in the world and in the inventories of characters, and vendors that deal in potions can have them for sale. The family is leveled, so the weaker versions dominate early on and the stronger Philters and Elixirs become more common as the Dragonborn gains levels.

Brewing your own

Archers with some Alchemy can supply themselves. The Fortify Marksman effect is found on Canis Root, Elves Ear, Juniper Berries and Spider Egg. Combine any two at an alchemy lab to get a True Shot potion.

Tips

Drink the potion while still hidden, then open with your sneak shot so the boost covers the whole engagement.

Where to find it

  • Found as loot in the game world and in characters’ inventories
  • Sold by vendors who stock potions
  • Leveled: stronger tiers appear as the player levels up
  • Can be brewed at an alchemy lab

Crafting materials

Lore notes

Dropped by

Quest reward from

Where it appears

Characters connected to it

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Sources checked: Skyrim/DLC game files (potion records: effects, weights, IDs); Elder Scrolls Fandom potion articles (prices, locations)