U4GM - Elden Ring’s Best Bow and Crossbow Items
Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware, offers a variety of weapons and tools for players to experiment with. Among these, bows and crossbows stand out as versatile ranged weapons that allow players to deal damage from a distance while maintaining strategic positioning. In this Elden Ring items guide, we’ll dive into some of the best bow and crossbow items available in the game, highlighting their strengths, uses, and how they fit into various playstyles.
The Best Bows in Elden Ring
Longbow The Longbow is a classic choice for many Elden Ring players who prefer to engage enemies from afar. It has a reliable range, decent scaling with Dexterity, and a strong base damage output. Its simplicity makes it an excellent weapon for players looking for an all-rounder bow. It can be used with various types of arrows, making it adaptable for different situations. Where to find it: The Longbow can be obtained early in the game and is typically found by defeating enemies who specialize in ranged combat.
Composite Bow The Composite Bow is a lighter and faster alternative to the Longbow, favored by players who value speed and quick attacks over raw damage output. It’s perfect for those who want to rapidly fire multiple arrows without compromising mobility. With a solid scaling in Dexterity, the Composite Bow also performs well when infused with different ashes of war. Where to find it: The Composite Bow is located in certain areas where fast enemies are commonly found, and may require some exploration.
Greatbow The Greatbow is for those who want to take things to the next level in terms of damage. This massive bow fires heavy arrows capable of dealing devastating damage to single targets or large groups. However, it comes with a significant trade-off: it’s slow to draw and fire, and it requires a considerable amount of Strength to wield effectively. Great for bosses or high-health enemies, the Greatbow shines when you have the time and space to fire without being interrupted. Where to find it: The Greatbow is a late-game weapon that requires you to explore deeper areas or defeat high-level bosses.
The Best Crossbows in Elden Ring
Light Crossbow The Light Crossbow is a compact and quick weapon, ideal for players who want to focus on mobility without sacrificing too much in terms of ranged damage. It’s easier to use than most bows, offering automatic firing with a simple press of the button. It’s perfect for dealing quick shots on enemies at medium range, and it benefits from the ability to equip various bolt types, such as poison or explosive bolts. Where to find it: The Light Crossbow can be obtained early in the game and is a good option for those new to crossbow weapons.
Heavy Crossbow For those who enjoy high-impact damage with a slower but more powerful shot, the Heavy Crossbow is an excellent choice. It’s slower than the Light Crossbow but delivers significantly more damage per shot. This makes it a great weapon for taking down tough enemies or dealing substantial damage to bosses from a safe distance. Where to find it: The Heavy Crossbow is available in mid-to-late game areas and may be dropped by certain high-level enemies.
Repeating Crossbow The Repeating Crossbow is one of the most unique crossbows in Elden Ring. Unlike the other crossbows, it allows for automatic fire without the need to reload between shots. This makes it a deadly weapon in tight combat situations, as you can rapidly unleash a barrage of bolts at your enemies. It’s especially effective in crowd control and can overwhelm foes before they have a chance to react. Where to find it: The Repeating Crossbow can be found in some of the more challenging areas of the game, and it may require players to defeat specific enemies or bosses to acquire it.
Key Considerations for Using Bows and Crossbows
When deciding which of the Elden Ring items to choose for your ranged combat needs, it's essential to consider your playstyle. Bows tend to be better for sustained damage at long range, while crossbows are often more suited to quick, high-damage shots or automatic fire. Many players also opt to use these weapons in combination with their melee arsenal, switching between ranged and close combat depending on the situation.
Additionally, it's important to experiment with different types of arrows and bolts. For instance, fire arrows can deal extra damage to enemies weak to fire, while poison bolts can gradually drain health. This versatility adds another layer of strategy to ranged combat.
Whether you prefer the traditional power of bows or the unique efficiency of crossbows, Elden Ring offers a wide array of ranged weapons to suit all kinds of playstyles. From the reliable Longbow to the devastating Greatbow, or the quick-firing Light Crossbow and Repeating Crossbow, each weapon has its distinct advantages.
In this Elden Ring items guide, we’ve explored some of the top choices for bow and crossbow enthusiasts. Whichever you choose, make sure to experiment and find what works best for your build and combat preferences. The right ranged weapon can make all the difference in the world of Elden Ring, allowing you to defeat formidable foes from a safe distance or control the battlefield with precision.