Ranged combat in Elden Ring offers a unique playstyle, allowing players to engage enemies from a safe distance. Whether you're sniping foes from afar or applying status effects with specialty arrows, choosing the right bow and ammunition is crucial. In this guide, we'll explore the best bows and arrows in Elden Ring, along with tips on how to maximize their effectiveness.
Best Bows in Elden Ring
1. Lion Greatbow
The Lion Greatbow is one of the most powerful bows in the game, especially when paired with Radahn's Spear arrows. It scales well with Strength and Dexterity, making it ideal for hybrid builds. Its weapon skill, Radahn's Rain, unleashes a devastating volley of arrows, perfect for taking down large enemies or groups.
2. Black Bow
For players who prefer faster shots, the Black Bow is an excellent choice. It functions like a longbow but allows for quick successive shots, similar to a shortbow. This makes it perfect for hit-and-run tactics, especially in PvP.
3. Horn Bow
The Horn Bow is unique because it deals both physical and magic damage, making it effective against enemies resistant to pure physical attacks. It scales with Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence, making it a great option for spellblade builds.
4. Pulley Bow
The Pulley Bow has the longest range of any bow in Elden Ring, making it ideal for sniping enemies from extreme distances. While its damage isn’t the highest, its range advantage can be a game-changer in certain situations.
Best Arrows in Elden Ring
1. Radahn's Spear Arrows
These heavy arrows deal massive damage and are best used with greatbows like the Lion Greatbow. They have excellent range and stagger potential, making them perfect for boss fights.
2. Bloodbone Arrows
If you're running a bleed build, Bloodbone Arrows are a must. They inflict blood loss buildup, which can quickly decimate high-health enemies. Pair them with the Black Bow for rapid bleed procs.
3. Serpent Arrows
Serpent Arrows apply poison buildup, making them great for wearing down tough enemies over time. They’re particularly useful in prolonged fights where sustained damage is key.
4. St. Trina's Arrows
These arrows inflict sleep buildup, allowing you to put enemies to sleep and follow up with a critical hit. They’re especially useful against aggressive foes that are hard to approach.
Where to Find These Elden Ring Items
Many of these bows and arrows can be found in specific locations or purchased from merchants:
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Lion Greatbow: Obtained by trading Remembrance of the Starscourge with Enia at the Roundtable Hold.
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Black Bow: Looted from a corpse in Leyndell, Royal Capital.
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Horn Bow: Found in the Siofra River region.
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Pulley Bow: Located in Mt. Gelmir.
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Special Arrows: Crafted using materials or bought from merchants like the Isolated Merchant in Dragonbarrow.
Ranged combat in Elden Ring can be incredibly effective when using the right Elden Ring items. Whether you prefer raw damage, status effects, or long-range sniping, there’s a bow and arrow combination to suit your playstyle. Experiment with different setups to find what works best for your build, and dominate the Lands Between from a distance!