Embarking on your journey as a ranged warrior in the Lands Between? Finding the best early game bow in Elden Ring can significantly shape your initial experience. This guide from supremeduelist.blog will help you identify those crucial early ranged weapons that can provide both safety and a tactical advantage as you begin to explore Elden Ring. We’ll delve into specific bows, their locations, and strategies to make the most out of your archery build in the game’s opening hours.
Elden Ring offers players a vast array of options when it comes to combat, and for those who prefer a bit of distance between themselves and their enemies, the bow is an excellent choice. This post will break down the most accessible and effective bows you can acquire early on, as well as strategies for how to effectively incorporate these bows into your combat approach, and what to keep in mind as you progress. Let’s take aim and dive into the best early-game bows in Elden Ring.
Why Choose a Bow Early in Elden Ring?
Bows offer several advantages in Elden Ring, especially in the early game. Firstly, they allow you to engage enemies from a safe distance, making exploring dangerous areas less risky. Secondly, they can be effective for pulling enemies one at a time in large groups, turning potentially overwhelming encounters into manageable fights. Finally, bows can exploit enemy weaknesses and allow for some seriously tactical plays, whether it’s headshots on basic soldiers or targeting the weak spots of larger creatures. They’re not just for passive play either; a well-timed shot can interrupt enemy attacks and create openings for melee allies.
The Short Bow: A Reliable Starting Point
The Short Bow is often the first bow players will encounter, and it’s a solid choice for the early game. Its quick draw speed makes it versatile for various situations, whether you’re picking off weak enemies or need to quickly reposition and fire off a follow-up shot. It’s readily available from merchants, and its low requirements make it accessible to almost any starting class. While it lacks the raw power of some later bows, its speed and accessibility make it a reliable companion for the initial hours of your journey.
Short Bow Elden Ring Location
Where to Find the Short Bow?
You can buy the Short Bow from various merchants in the early game. One of the first merchants you will likely encounter is Merchant Kale at the Church of Elleh. He sells the Short Bow for 600 runes, a small price to pay for such a versatile weapon.
The Longbow: A Step Up in Reach and Power
For a little more punch and range, the Longbow is a great option. Compared to the Short Bow, it has slightly more power and a longer reach, allowing you to take down enemies from further away with higher damage per shot. The Longbow is a step up in terms of overall effectiveness for early game, if you can deal with its slower draw speed compared to the Short Bow.
The Longbow is ideal for situations where a bit more precision and power are needed, like taking down pesky archers on rooftops or dealing with larger enemies who don’t close the gap as quickly. For players looking to transition to a more damage-focused archery playstyle, the Longbow is definitely worth seeking out. If you’re interested in optimizing other aspects of your build as well, take a look at our guide on the best samurai build early game elden ring to get an idea of what other effective strategies exist.
Longbow Elden Ring Early Game
Where to Find the Longbow?
The Longbow can be purchased from the Nomadic Merchant near the Coastal Cave for 1200 runes. This merchant is located on the western side of Limgrave, which may be a slight detour from the very beginning but worth it for the investment. You can find him along the road leading south from the Church of Elleh.
The Composite Bow: Versatility and Scaling
The Composite Bow is an excellent choice for players who plan to level up their stats to increase their bow damage. It boasts a unique scaling system that allows it to grow stronger along with your skill, and features faster draw times than the Longbow, making it a good choice for players who like a more mobile combat style. What makes the Composite Bow unique for early game is its flexible scaling, allowing it to grow with your character as you level up.
Its balanced stats and versatile scaling mean that it remains a viable option for the entirety of your early game journey, and even beyond. If you’re looking for a bow that will grow with you and can be used effectively in a variety of situations, the Composite Bow is well worth searching for. The diverse combat options a solid bow provides can also lead you to consider other playstyles, just like the best samurai build early game elden ring showcases.
Composite Bow Elden Ring Stats
Where to Find the Composite Bow?
The Composite Bow is located in the ruins near the Smoldering Church, in the northern part of Caelid. You’ll have to fight past a few enemies to get there. It’s a risky place for new players so be careful or get a partner for the journey!
Essential Early Game Arrows
Having the right bow is crucial, but it’s equally important to have the right arrows. The default arrows are suitable for the very beginning, but as you progress, you’ll want to acquire better arrows. Standard arrows, which you can buy from merchants, are a good starting point, but look out for crafting recipes that allow you to create elemental arrows or bone arrows for additional damage. Bone arrows, for instance, do additional damage and are a good upgrade over standard arrows. Elemental arrows such as fire or poison can add a layer of tactical depth to your archery style.
Crafting Arrows
Finding and buying arrows is easy enough but you can also craft your own if you are willing to put in the time. Finding crafting recipes can be done either via purchase from merchants or finding them throughout the game. These can often be a great source of stronger arrows. The ability to craft arrows can be an incredible boon to the player, enabling you to create an abundance of ammo without having to grind for runes.
Expert Advice on Bow Usage
“Don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed headshot in the early game,” says Evelyn Thorne, a seasoned Elden Ring archer. “It can often one-shot weaker enemies or stagger larger foes, giving you an edge in combat.”
Mastering the usage of your bow takes time and practice, but the rewards are definitely worth the effort. You must remember to adapt to your enemies’ weaknesses, change your arrow types, and always be mindful of your spacing. Also, using the environment is key to making an archery build in Elden Ring work. Whether it is finding a good vantage point, using terrain to hide and shoot, or utilizing the environment as a distraction; remember that archery isn’t just about having a bow, it is about how and where you use it.
Aiming and Combat Tips
- Lock-on Targeting: Use the lock-on feature to maintain focus on a single target, improving accuracy while moving.
- Aiming Without Lock-on: Practice aiming manually without lock-on for precise shots on weak points or multiple targets.
- Draw Speed: Be aware of the draw speed of your bow, as it affects timing your shots. The Short Bow offers the fastest draw, while the Longbow is slower.
- Environmental Awareness: Use the terrain to your advantage. Get to high ground for a better vantage point or use cover for protection from enemy fire.
- Ranged Attack Timing: Practice ranged attacks in tandem with your melee attacks, creating openings for a melee approach by inflicting ranged damage.
- Arrow Type: Always vary your arrows depending on the enemy. For example, fire arrows are great against beast type enemies while others may resist fire.
“Remember to use your arrows strategically, it’s not just about having the most damaging,” adds Thorne. “Poison or rot arrows can provide valuable crowd control options, while bone arrows give you that extra burst of physical damage”
What About Strength or Dexterity?
When deciding which build you want, it is important to consider what stats work best for the early game bows in Elden Ring. While most bows scale primarily with Dexterity, some also have a secondary scaling in Strength. Your stat investment should reflect the type of bow you choose and the playstyle you are going for. Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to focus only on these, some bows may even have an arcane stat. For example, some builds will focus solely on dexterity while others will have equal stats across the board, creating a flexible build. It all depends on your specific build goals. If you find yourself needing additional guidance on early game builds, you can consult resources like our best samurai build early game elden ring guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which bow is best for a beginner in Elden Ring?
A: The Short Bow is the best for beginners due to its low stat requirements, easy access, and good balance between draw speed and damage. It allows you to get familiar with the mechanics of ranged combat.
Q: Where can I buy the most arrows in the early game?
A: The Nomadic Merchant at the Coastal Cave offers a good selection of arrows in the early game. He should be your go to for restocking on ammo for bows.
Q: How can I improve my aim with a bow in Elden Ring?
A: Practice aiming without lock-on, pay attention to the distance to your target and the draw speed of your bow. Also, remember to factor in the arrow type, as some arrows travel farther than others.
Q: Can I upgrade my early game bow?
A: Yes, you can upgrade most bows at the blacksmith, which will increase the base damage and stat scaling of the bow. It is highly recommended to spend the runes and materials to upgrade your main bow.
Q: Are there bows that scale with magic?
A: Yes, but these are generally found later in the game. Early game bows primarily scale with Dexterity, and sometimes Strength.
Conclusion
Choosing the right early game bow in Elden Ring can drastically change how you approach the game’s challenges. The Short Bow and Longbow offer reliable starting options, while the Composite Bow can be considered the superior choice if you are willing to venture into Caelid for it. Remember to upgrade your chosen bow and experiment with various arrow types to maximize your damage output and tactical options.
As always, we at supremeduelist.blog are here to guide you through your adventures in the Lands Between. So, pick up your bow, notch your arrows, and explore the world at your own pace, always aiming for success and glory. Happy hunting, Tarnished!
Leave a Reply