Is The Lion Greatbow Any Good? A Deep Dive into Elden Ring’s Ranged Powerhouse
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Yes, the Lion Greatbow is exceptionally good in Elden Ring, and remains a top contender for the best ranged weapon in the game for many players. Its strength lies in its unique combination of high damage, significant range, and the devastating Radahn’s Rain weapon skill. While it may not be the absolute best in every single situation, its overall effectiveness and the impact it can have on gameplay make it a worthwhile weapon for any build, especially those focused on Strength and Dexterity. It’s particularly well-suited for taking down tough bosses and larger enemies from a safe distance. The fact that it’s obtained from Radahn’s Remembrance only further cements its status as a powerful and unique choice.
The Lion Greatbow: A Detailed Look
Scaling and Damage
The Lion Greatbow primarily scales with Strength and Dexterity, making it ideal for builds that invest in these attributes. This means the damage output will increase significantly as you level these stats. It doesn’t offer scaling with Intelligence or Faith, so pure mage builds might find other options more suitable. The physical damage the bow deals is already impressive, and when combined with the special Radahn’s Spear Greatarrows, the impact on enemies is quite substantial. The damage numbers are high enough that it can often stagger enemies that other bows might just chip away at, adding a layer of survivability to its effectiveness.
Unique Weapon Skill: Radahn’s Rain
The key feature of the Lion Greatbow is its unique weapon skill, Radahn’s Rain. This skill launches a single arrow skyward, which then rains down a barrage of arrows on the targeted area. It’s fantastic for crowd control, dealing with multiple enemies, and applying significant damage in a short amount of time. Against larger bosses, the full impact of the rain can be devastating. It effectively combines high single-target damage with a minor area-of-effect aspect, which is quite rare for a ranged weapon in Elden Ring.
Obtaining the Lion Greatbow
To get the Lion Greatbow, you need to defeat Starscourge Radahn, one of the main bosses in Elden Ring. Once defeated, you’ll receive the Remembrance of the Starscourge. This remembrance must be taken to Enia at the Roundtable Hold, who can then transform it into either Radahn’s armor set or the Lion Greatbow. Choosing the bow is a clear indication of wanting a highly effective ranged option.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- High Damage: The bow deals significant physical damage, especially when paired with Radahn’s Spear Greatarrows.
- Excellent Range: The Lion Greatbow has a good range allowing you to engage enemies from a distance.
- Radahn’s Rain Skill: Its unique weapon skill is incredibly powerful for both single target and AoE damage.
- Stagger Potential: The heavy shots have a higher chance of staggering enemies.
- Good Scaling: Scales well with Strength and Dexterity, fitting various playstyles.
Weaknesses:
- Not for Pure Magic Builds: The lack of Intelligence or Faith scaling limits its usefulness for spellcasters.
- Heavy Draw Time: Greatbows in general have a slower draw speed compared to regular bows.
- Ammo Dependency: Relies on specific greatarrows, which can be less readily available.
- Requires Remembrance of the Starscourge: Can only be obtained after defeating a major boss, making it inaccessible early game.
Is the Lion Greatbow the Best Ranged Weapon?
While the Lion Greatbow is undoubtedly one of the best ranged weapons in Elden Ring, it’s not universally agreed upon as the absolute best. The Pulley Bow, for instance, boasts the best range and can be more versatile for sniping. However, the Lion Greatbow excels in terms of raw power and the unique effectiveness of Radahn’s Rain. Whether it’s the best depends heavily on your individual playstyle and build preferences. A sniper build might prefer the Pulley Bow, while a hybrid STR/DEX build might gravitate towards the Lion Greatbow for its damage and ability to provide a powerful offensive option from a safe distance.
Ultimately, the Lion Greatbow is a powerful and reliable weapon that will serve many players well throughout their Elden Ring journey. Its combination of high damage, unique skill, and good scaling make it a top-tier ranged option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best arrows to use with the Lion Greatbow?
Radahn’s Spear Greatarrows are specifically designed for the Lion Greatbow and provide the highest damage output. Using other greatarrows will still be effective, but they will not pack as much punch as these unique arrows.
2. Does the Lion Greatbow work well against all types of enemies?
The Lion Greatbow is effective against most enemies, especially larger bosses and slower-moving foes. However, highly mobile enemies might be harder to hit. Its effectiveness is boosted by the staggering capabilities of the heavy attacks.
3. Can the Lion Greatbow be upgraded?
Yes, the Lion Greatbow can be upgraded using Somber Smithing Stones, which significantly increases its damage and overall effectiveness. Investing in upgrades is crucial to maximizing its potential.
4. Is the Radahn’s Rain skill good in PvP?
The Radahn’s Rain skill can be effective in PvP, especially against players who tend to stay in a single area. However, skilled players can often dodge out of the rain area, so it’s crucial to use it strategically.
5. Does the Lion Greatbow require high attribute investment?
Yes, the Lion Greatbow requires a decent investment in both Strength and Dexterity to be used effectively. It’s essential to match your build to its scaling for best results.
6. How does the Lion Greatbow compare to other Greatbows?
The Lion Greatbow generally outclasses other greatbows in terms of damage output, primarily due to its special Radahn’s Spear Greatarrows and the unique weapon skill. While other bows might have minor advantages in specific situations, it tends to excel in overall effectiveness.
7. Can you apply Ashes of War to the Lion Greatbow?
No, the Lion Greatbow is a unique weapon and cannot have its Ash of War changed or altered. Its unique weapon skill, Radahn’s Rain, is fixed.
8. Is the Lion Greatbow good for a pure ranged build?
Yes, a pure ranged build that focuses on Strength and Dexterity will find the Lion Greatbow highly effective. Its consistent damage and powerful skill make it an excellent choice for maintaining distance and dealing damage.
9. Is the Pulley Bow better than the Lion Greatbow for sniping?
Yes, the Pulley Bow typically has a longer range, which makes it better for sniping from extreme distances. However, it lacks the raw power of the Lion Greatbow and its Radahn’s Rain skill.
10. Is the Lion Greatbow better than normal bows?
Yes, the Lion Greatbow provides higher damage and is typically preferred over standard bows for a more impactful ranged attack. Standard bows provide a faster firing rate, but they do not come close to matching the Lion Greatbow’s power potential.
11. What are the best talismans to use with the Lion Greatbow?
Talismans that increase projectile damage or overall attack power are great choices for the Lion Greatbow. Examples include the Arrow’s Reach Talisman for range and the Shard of Alexander for weapon skill damage.
12. Can the Radahn’s Rain skill be used on horseback?
Yes, Radahn’s Rain can be used while on horseback, making it effective in open-world combat situations and while facing mobile enemies.
13. How does Radahn’s Rain scale?
Radahn’s Rain scales directly with the attack power of the Lion Greatbow, which is tied to your Strength and Dexterity stats and any upgrades you apply to the bow itself.
14. Is the Lion Greatbow good for beginners in Elden Ring?
While powerful, the Lion Greatbow is typically acquired mid-game to late-game. Beginners might find it more beneficial to start with other weapon types and transition to the Lion Greatbow when they are more comfortable with ranged combat in Elden Ring.
15. Where can I find Radahn’s Spear Greatarrows?
Radahn’s Spear Greatarrows can be purchased from the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold once the player has defeated Starscourge Radahn. They are specifically designed to enhance the Lion Greatbow’s potential.