What’s the Best Bow in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of the best bow in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a hotly debated topic among players, and for good reason. Bows are crucial tools in Eivor’s arsenal, offering stealth takedowns, long-range engagements, and a tactical edge in battles. While personal preference plays a role, certain bows consistently rise to the top in terms of raw power, unique perks, and overall effectiveness. The short answer to the question is Petra’s Arc is generally considered by many to be the best bow in the game. However, this doesn’t mean it’s the only viable option. Let’s dive deep into what makes Petra’s Arc stand out, explore other top contenders, and address frequently asked questions to help you choose the perfect bow for your Viking journey.
Why Petra’s Arc Reigns Supreme
Petra’s Arc is a Superior Predator Bow belonging to the Wolf class. In its base state, it’s already among the most powerful bows in the game, offering high damage for ranged engagements. However, what truly sets it apart is its unique perk: increased damage when the player is at full health. This encourages skillful play and rewards players who can avoid taking damage. For seasoned veterans who have mastered stealth and combat mechanics, Petra’s Arc can deliver devastating shots from afar and make quick work of even the toughest adversaries. It excels in long-range encounters, allowing you to pick off enemies before they even get close, and its high base damage means you don’t need to rely solely on the health bonus to be effective. Its Predator Bow classification also gives it a first-person view, allowing for more precise aiming.
To acquire this coveted weapon, you will need to complete any four Legendary Animal Hunts. While this might take some time, the reward is absolutely worth the effort.
Other Top-Tier Bows to Consider
While Petra’s Arc often claims the top spot, other bows in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla offer exceptional performance and unique features catering to different playstyles. Here are a few of the strongest and most popular alternatives:
Noden’s Arc
Noden’s Arc is a mystical Predator Bow, known for its unique acquisition method and powerful capabilities. Often considered one of the easiest legendary weapons to get once you know the trick, this bow can be obtained by striking a specific rock with Excalibur at sunset. This combination of ease of access and high power makes it a favorite for many players. As a Predator Bow, it also has the first-person view. Noden’s Arc is associated with the Celtic god of hunting, healing, and dogs, and as such, is often regarded as an ‘alien space bow’ for its Isu origins.
Sagittarius Bow
The Sagittarius Bow is another excellent option, particularly for those who prefer a Hunter Bow. This bow is found hidden underground within the northern Multangular Tower in Jorvik. Its stats are well-balanced and offer a reliable mix of damage, speed, and stealth capabilities. While it may not hit as hard as a Predator Bow, the Hunter class offers a third-person perspective, which many players find more versatile in chaotic combat scenarios.
Other Notable Mentions
- Death-Speaker: A formidable bow that offers a solid balance of power and speed.
- Arc of Elan: A decent option for those who prefer a fast firing rate.
- Shadow-Strike: Provides a stealthy approach to ranged combat, suitable for players who favor covert operations.
- Skadi’s Wrath: A powerful bow with a focus on damage output.
- Hunbeorth’s Bow: Another solid choice, offering reliability and consistent damage.
Bow Classifications: Predator, Hunter, and Light
Understanding the different types of bows in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is crucial when choosing what works best for your playstyle:
- Predator Bows: These are the strongest bows in terms of damage. They use a first-person perspective, which allows for precise aiming at long distances, making them perfect for picking off enemies from afar. However, this perspective can be less useful in close-quarters combat.
- Hunter Bows: Offer a balanced approach, with a mix of damage, speed, and a third-person perspective. They’re ideal for medium-range engagements and tend to be more versatile in different combat situations.
- Light Bows: While not discussed here as the best options, these bows have a high firing rate and excel in rapid attacks. They’re best suited for quick engagements and for creating openings for melee attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further illuminate your bow choices in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla:
1. How do I get Petra’s Arc?
Petra’s Arc is obtained by completing any four Legendary Hunts. These hunts are spread throughout the game world and involve defeating powerful, unique beasts.
2. What’s so special about Predator Bows?
Predator Bows are known for their high damage output and first-person perspective, making them ideal for long-range, precise shots.
3. How do I get Noden’s Arc?
Noden’s Arc is obtained by striking the rock on the island (located southwest of Ravensthorpe) at sunset with the Excalibur sword.
4. Where is the Sagittarius Bow located?
The Sagittarius Bow can be found underground in the northern Multangular Tower in Jorvik.
5. What are the different bow types in the game?
The three bow types are Predator Bows, Hunter Bows, and Light Bows, each catering to different playstyles.
6. Is there an “alien” bow in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
Yes, Noden’s Arc is often referred to as an ‘alien’ or Isu bow due to its origins.
7. What are some other strong weapons besides bows?
Other top weapons include Mjolnir (Thor’s Hammer), Excalibur, and Gungnir (Odin’s Spear), all of which are powerful and offer unique perks.
8. Which is the easiest legendary weapon to acquire?
Noden’s Arc is often cited as one of the easiest legendary weapons to obtain, due to its specific but straightforward acquisition process.
9. What’s the best weapon type for melee combat?
Two-handed swords like Excalibur are often considered the best melee weapons due to their reach and stun stats.
10. Where do I find the powerful Isu weapons?
Isu weapons like Mjolnir, Excalibur, and Gungnir are obtained through specific quests and challenges, often involving collecting armor sets or defeating zealots.
11. Is there a legendary bow from the other Assassin’s Creed series?
In Horizon Forbidden West, The Legendary Warrior Bow, Carja’s Bane, can be unlocked by winning four Gauntlet Runs.
12. Can I get Berserker Bow?
Yes, the Berserker Bow can be found during the “Seeds of the Past” quest, in a cache in the Greenhouse.
13. Why does Eivor wear the hidden blade openly?
Eivor wears the hidden blade openly as a badge of honor, staying true to Viking culture and codes rather than concealing it.
14. What is the most powerful ability in the game?
The Incendiary Powder Trap is often regarded as one of the most powerful abilities for the damage and utility it provides.
15. What are some of the best armor sets in Valhalla?
Some of the best armor sets in the game include the Brigandine Armor Set, Thor’s Armor Set, and Niflheim Armor Set.
Conclusion
Choosing the best bow in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla ultimately depends on your preferred playstyle, but Petra’s Arc stands out as a top contender due to its raw power and unique perk. Other bows like Noden’s Arc and the Sagittarius Bow also provide excellent options, each with its own strengths. By understanding the different bow types and their characteristics, you can select the perfect weapon to help Eivor conquer England. Happy hunting!