Elden Ring has revolutionized the viability of ranged

 From Software's Elden Ring has revolutionized the viability of ranged combat across the Soulsborne franchise. While bows were once considered niche tools in Dark Souls and Bloodborne, used primarily for pulling enemies rather than defeating them outright, the Lands Between has given them new life. With enhanced scaling, a wider range of bow types, and powerful Ashes of War that complement ranged playstyles, bow builds are now more than capable of Elden Ring Runes competing with traditional melee and magic users.

Whether your goal is to obliterate bosses from afar or tactically eliminate enemies before they even detect you, this guide breaks down the best bows and greatbows in Elden Ring, complete with their stats, locations, and how they fit into current S-Tier and A-Tier rankings.

The Rise of the Bow Meta in Elden Ring

What makes bows so much stronger in Elden Ring than in previous Souls games comes down to several key design changes:

Weapon Scaling and Upgrade Paths -Many bows now have scaling that benefits directly from Dexterity and even Strength or Faith, allowing hybrid builds to shine.

Arrow Variety -From Poisonbone to Bloodbone arrows and explosive bolts, the sheer diversity of ammunition types lets players tailor their damage type to specific encounters.

Ashes of War Compatibility -Skills like Mighty Shot and Through and Through allow bows to deal burst damage or pierce through multiple enemies, massively improving DPS potential.

Improved Accuracy and Range -Sniping from extreme distances has become far more rewarding, especially with the use of talismans like the Arrow's Sting Talisman and Blue Dancer Charm.

With these changes, bow builds are no longer a gimmick-they're a legitimate endgame strategy, especially for players who prefer tactical, high-precision gameplay.

S-Tier Bows - The Best of the Best

1. Black Bow

Type: Bow

Scaling: D Strength / B Dexterity

Location: Found in the upper levels of Leyndell, Royal Capital.

Why It's S-Tier:

The Black Bow is easily the best overall bow in Elden Ring due to its incredible versatility. It combines the rapid draw speed of a shortbow with the range and power of a longbow. Its unique ability to use Barrages and Mighty Shots makes it ideal for both PvE and PvP.

In the hands of a Dexterity build, this weapon turns your Tarnished into a silent assassin capable of wiping out enemies before they even react.

2. Greatbow

Type: Greatbow

Scaling: D Strength / D Dexterity

Location: Dropped by elite bow knights or found near the Bridge of Sacrifice.

Why It's S-Tier:

The classic Greatbow is unmatched for raw stopping power. When used with Great Arrows, it deals devastating damage that can stagger or even outright kill many humanoid enemies. Its long draw time is balanced by sheer destructive potential, making it perfect for boss fights or ambush scenarios.

Combine it with Radahn's Spears or Bone Great Arrows for explosive damage output.

3. Lion Greatbow (Radahn's Greatbow)

Type: Greatbow

Scaling: C Strength / D Dexterity

Location: Obtained by trading the Remembrance of the Starscourge with Enia at Roundtable Hold.

Why It's S-Tier:

The Lion Greatbow is a spectacle of destruction. When paired with Radahn's Spears, it unleashes powerful gravitational-infused projectiles that explode on impact, dealing both physical and magic damage.

It also benefits from Starscourge Radahn's unique synergy, allowing players to role-play as one of the mightiest warriors in the Lands Between.

A-Tier Bows - Deadly Alternatives

1. Erdtree Greatbow

Type: Greatbow

Scaling: D Strength / D Faith

Location: Looted from the chest at the top of the Minor Erdtree Church in Leyndell.

Why It's A-Tier:

The Erdtree Greatbow shines in Faith builds, as it scales with both Strength and Faith. It fires Golden Great Arrows that deal Holy damage, making it highly effective against undead and aberrant enemies.

When used with buffs like Flame, Grant Me Strength or Holy-Shrouding Cracked Tear, it becomes a radiant powerhouse.

2. Horn Bow

Type: Bow

Scaling: D Strength / C Dexterity / D Intelligence

Location: Siofra River, on a corpse near the Siofra River Bank Site of Grace.

Why It's A-Tier:

The Horn Bow is an underrated gem for hybrid builds that mix Dexterity and Intelligence. It passively boosts magic damage and pairs perfectly with Magicbone Arrows.

If you're running a sorcery build and want a physical ranged backup weapon, this bow is ideal. It provides consistent magic-scaling damage without needing to cast spells directly.

3. Pulley Bow

Type: Bow

Scaling: D Strength / C Dexterity

Location: Found atop the northeast cliffs of Mt. Gelmir.

Why It's A-Tier:

The Pulley Bow sits between the short and longbow categories, offering excellent range and solid scaling. It's especially effective for open-field combat or long-distance boss sniping.

Thanks to its strong Dexterity scaling, it complements lightweight builds and pairs beautifully with talismans that boost ranged attack power.

Tips for Building a Ranged Character

If you're planning to specialize in bows or greatbows, here are a few essential tips to make the most out of your setup:

Use Lightweight Armor:

Mobility is key for dodging enemy attacks while maintaining range. Armor sets like the Black Knife or Land of Reeds set keep you agile.

Stack Ranged Damage Buffs:

Equip the Arrow's Sting Talisman for increased damage and the Arrow's Reach Talisman to extend your effective range. These talismans turn even basic arrows into deadly projectiles.

Diversify Your Arrows:

Always carry a mix of Bloodbone, Poisonbone, and Fire Arrows. Status buildup can devastate bosses and high-health enemies over time.

Combine with Stealth Mechanics:

Utilize crouching and terrain advantage. Bows synergize perfectly with stealth gameplay, letting you clear dungeons without taking a single hit.

Consider a Hybrid Setup:

Pair your bow with a lightweight melee weapon or casting tool. The Moonveil Katana or Sacred Relic Sword work great for backup when enemies close the distance.

Conclusion

The era of melee supremacy is over-bows have finally earned their place among Elden Ring's strongest weapons. Whether you're a tactical sharpshooter using the Black Bow or a godlike destroyer wielding Radahn's Lion Greatbow, ranged builds now stand toe-to-toe with any melee or caster archetype.

For players looking to craft their perfect loadout faster, it's worth investing time-or 

Elden Ring Items buy even buying Elden Ring Items from trusted marketplaces-to assemble the right gear. Once your build is optimized, you'll discover that the Lands Between offers no shortage of targets for your deadly precision.