Crossbows are long-ranged weapons that allow you to attack the enemy from a safe distance. Plus, you can use them to take out enemies that are out of your reach to make the fight easier. Since the game features a lot of weapons, we have listed down the best crossbows in Elden Ring so that you can find the ideal one.
This list contains all crossbows in Elden Ring, and each was ranked after testing it out extensively. Unlike simple bows, crossbows deal more damage (for the most part) and are easier to aim as well. With that said, let’s dive right in and get started.
Full Moon Crossbow
Starting off with the best crossbow in the game, the Full Moon Crossbow. In terms of base damage, it doesn’t offer the best physical damage. However, the best part is that it also causes 50 points of magic damage with each successful shot. Due to this, you can take out enemies that are weak to magic easily.
The only bad part is that it comes infused with the Kick Ashes of War. Since you cannot change it, you are stuck with Kick. This weapon requires 10 strength, 10 dexterity, and 14 intelligence to use. So, if you want to use it, make sure that you put points into your INT stat early in the game.
Pulley Crossbow
The Pulley Crossbow is a unique weapon since it can fire three bolts in quick succession. Requiring 16 strength and 16 dexterity to properly equip, you can dish out tons of damage to your opponent with this crossbow. The best part is that if you use it in PvP, most players won’t expect you to deal so much damage thanks to firing 3 bolts.
Apart from the 3 bolts, the base damage of this crossbow is nice as well. So, you don’t have to rely on its gimmick. However, if you hit all three bolts, you can stagger smaller enemies due to the amount of damage they take in quick succession.
Arbalest Crossbow
The Arbalest Crossbow has a lot of base damage when compared to other crossbows. If you want to use it properly, you need to have 18 strength and 12 dexterity. One of the main reasons why this weapon is so powerful is thanks to how easy it is to aim.
You can and headshots from a distance and deal significant damage to your enemy. Plus, if you use stronger bolts, you can one-shot most smaller enemies in the game. You can even use elemental bolts and enhance your damage output even further.
Crepus’ Black-Key Crossbow
Moving on to the Crepus’ Black-Key Crossbow, it has the highest range in the game when it comes to crossbows. So, if you are looking for a weapon that you can use without ever getting into danger, this is perfect for you.
Like most other crossbows, you can use the Kick Ashes of War in case enemies get too close. However, this isn’t a useful Ashes of War since you will want to keep your distance while using this crossbow.
Heavy Crossbow
When it comes to base damage, the Heavy Crossbow is a great weapon. The weapon requires 14 strength and 10 dexterity to wield, so, you can equip it early in the game. If you can get your hands on this crossbow early in the game, you will have a great time thanks to its damage.
However, the only issue is that you need to get lucky to obtain this weapon. To get it, you need to farm tons of Godrick’s soldiers in Limgrave. Unfortunately, the drop rate is extremely low so you’ll have to kill a lot of enemies for it.
Light Crossbow
The Light Crossbow does not scale with any primary attribute. but requires both Strength and Dexterity. It is a good weapon for those who prefer ranged combat. It can be bought from the Nomadic Merchant on the eastern side of the Weeping Peninsula, for 1500 Runes.
This and the Solider Crossbow are almost the same in terms of stats and damage. Light Crossbow is a decent early-game weapon but you will quickly find other ranged weapons that will outclass it.
Soldier Crossbow
Just like the Light Crossbow, the Solider Crossbow deals decent damage but quickly becomes outmatched thanks to other ranged weapons in the game. If you want to equip this weapon, this crossbow requires 10 strength and 8 dexterity.
Plus, it comes with the Kick Ashes of War so you can push enemies away in case they get too close for comfort.
Conclusion
And there you have it; those are the best crossbows in Elden Ring. Use one of these weapons in your next playthrough and damage enemies from a safe distance. Using a crossbow is extremely fun and some of them deal tons of damage as well.
Which weapon is your favorite in the game? Do you prefer using crossbows or standard bows? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
