Unveiling the Apex Predator: The Most Powerful Greatbow in Elden Ring

The question of the most powerful greatbow in Elden Ring isn’t as simple as pointing to a single weapon with the highest damage number. Instead, it’s a matter of context, build, and playstyle. However, if we’re talking pure, unadulterated ranged damage potential, the Lion Greatbow, obtained from Radahn’s Remembrance, when paired with Radahn’s Spear Greatarrows, reigns supreme in many players’ eyes.

The Lion Greatbow: A Champion Among Giants

The Lion Greatbow isn’t just another weapon; it’s a symbol of defeating one of Elden Ring’s most iconic bosses, Starscourge Radahn. This greatbow stands out for several reasons:

• Unique Weapon Skill: Its weapon skill, Radahn’s Rain, fires a volley of gravity-infused arrows into the sky that rain down upon enemies. This is incredibly effective against large bosses or groups of enemies, dealing significant stagger damage and applying pressure from a safe distance.
• Greatarrow Synergy: While it can use other greatarrows, the Lion Greatbow is designed specifically for Radahn’s Spear Greatarrows. These arrows, also crafted from Radahn’s Remembrance, inflict additional gravity damage, further amplifying the stagger potential of the Rain skill.
• Scaling: The Lion Greatbow scales primarily with Strength and Dexterity, making it a good choice for character builds already investing in these stats.
• Range and Damage: Even without the weapon skill, the Lion Greatbow boasts respectable base damage and a long effective range, allowing you to snipe enemies from afar.

While other greatbows might offer different advantages (like the Golem Greatbow’s raw physical damage or the Pulley Bow’s exceptional range**), the Lion Greatbow’s unique combination of weapon skill, arrow synergy, and overall damage output makes it a top contender for the title of “most powerful.”

Beyond the Lion: Other Greatbow Contenders

It’s crucial to remember that Elden Ring offers diverse gameplay options, and the “best” weapon is subjective. Here are some other notable greatbows and their strengths:

• Golem Greatbow: For a pure Strength build, the Golem Greatbow is a powerhouse. It deals massive physical damage, and its associated Golem’s Great Arrows are also incredibly strong. However, it lacks a unique weapon skill.
• Erdtree Greatbow: This sacred bow scales with Faith and Strength, dealing Holy damage. It’s a solid choice for hybrid builds focused on incantations.
• Pulley Bow: While not technically a greatbow, the Pulley Bow deserves mention for its unparalleled range. It excels at sniping distant enemies, making it invaluable for exploration and strategic engagements.

The Importance of Greatarrows

Greatbows are only as good as the greatarrows they fire. Always use appropriate greatarrows for your weapon and situation:

• Radahn’s Spear Greatarrows: Best paired with the Lion Greatbow to maximize gravity damage.
• Golem’s Great Arrows: Ideal for the Golem Greatbow due to their high physical damage.
• Serpent Arrows: Apply poison buildup, great for slowly whittling down tough enemies.
• Fire Arrows: Deal fire damage and can ignite flammable objects.
• Dwelling Arrows: Basic arrows, good for starting out, but not as powerful as the others.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Greatbows

1. Is the Lion Greatbow really the best overall?

It depends. For raw damage potential and stagger against large targets, yes. However, the Pulley Bow’s range is unmatched for sniping, and the Golem Greatbow offers exceptional physical damage. The “best” one depends on your build and situation.

2. What stats do I need to effectively use the Lion Greatbow?

You’ll need decent Strength (around 34-35) and Dexterity (around 18-20) to wield it effectively. Scaling is decent with both stats.

3. Where do I find Radahn’s Spear Greatarrows?

You create them from Radahn’s Remembrance at Enia in the Roundtable Hold.

4. Are greatbows viable for endgame content?

Absolutely. With the right build and upgraded weapon, greatbows can deal substantial damage to endgame bosses and enemies, providing a safer ranged approach to challenging encounters.

5. How do I aim greatbows effectively?

Practice is key. Get used to the trajectory of the arrows and learn how to compensate for drop-off at long ranges. The Talisman Arrow’s Reach will also help.

6. What are some good talismans for a greatbow build?

• Arrow’s Reach Talisman: Increases arrow range.
• Arrow’s Sting Talisman: Increases arrow damage.
• Ritual Sword Talisman: Boosts attack power when at full health.
• Shard of Alexander: Boosts the attack power of skills. Very useful with Radahn’s Rain.

7. Is it worth upgrading greatbows to +10?

Yes. Upgrading any weapon to its maximum level is crucial for maximizing its damage output and scaling. Find Somber Smithing Stones to upgrade special weapons such as greatbows.

8. Can greatbows be used on horseback?

Yes, but the aiming is more challenging. It’s generally better to dismount for more precise shots.

9. What’s the best armor for a greatbow build?

Armor is largely a matter of preference, but prioritize armor with good poise to avoid being staggered by enemy attacks while aiming.

10. Are there any ashes of war that work well with greatbows?

Unfortunately, greatbows cannot be infused with Ashes of War, but their unique weapon skills often compensate for this limitation.

11. Is the Albinauric Bow any good?

The Albinauric Bow has an excellent Arcane scaling. This makes it an ideal choice for inflicting blood loss.

12. How important is Vigor for a greatbow build?

Very important. As a ranged character, you’ll still need a decent health pool to survive close-range encounters or accidental hits.

13. What is the range of the Pulley Bow?

The Pulley Bow has the largest attack range of all bows and greatbows. It has a range of 55.

14. Are greatbows effective in PvP?

Greatbows can be effective in PvP with proper setup and strategy, allowing you to punish aggressive opponents from a distance. However, skilled players can dodge arrows, so prediction and timing are key.

15. What’s the easiest way to obtain Radahn’s Remembrance early in the game?

Defeating Radahn early can be tough, but summoning NPC allies can significantly ease the fight. Focus on dodging his attacks and chipping away at his health while the summons distract him. The summons can be located through various summoning pools on the beach, such as the one near the teleporter.

Greatbows in Elden Ring are a force to be reckoned with, offering a unique and rewarding playstyle for those who master their intricacies. Whether you prefer the devastating power of the Lion Greatbow or the sniper-like precision of the Pulley Bow, there’s a greatbow to suit your Tarnished’s needs. Experiment with different builds, arrows, and strategies to find the setup that works best for you, and you’ll be raining death upon your enemies from afar in no time.

This guide provides only information on the game Elden Ring. If you’re interested in learning more about educational games in general, please visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.