U4GM - Best Elden Ring Items for a Bow-Only Run
Elden Ring offers a vast world filled with numerous weapons, armor, and tools that cater to various playstyles. For players who wish to embark on a bow-only run, this challenge requires careful selection of the right items that complement the bow's range and versatility. A bow-only build demands high accuracy, tactical positioning, and the ability to manage distance effectively. In this article, we’ll go through some of the best Elden Ring items that can enhance your bow-focused playthrough, as well as tips on how to optimize your loadout for this unique challenge.
1. Bow Weapons
The first and most obvious choice for a bow-only run is the bow itself. There are several types to consider:
Longbow: This is a reliable and solid choice early in the game. It offers good range and damage output without much requirement for investment. The Longbow is excellent for players who prefer a balanced approach to ranged combat.
Red Branch Shortbow: A more specialized weapon, this bow is perfect for players who want to maximize their speed. The Red Branch Shortbow has faster draw times, making it a great choice for quick engagements, but sacrifices some range and power.
Greatbow: For those who want to deal significant damage from a distance, the Greatbow is a powerhouse. Though it has slower draw times, its long-range and devastating impact make it a preferred option for late-game bow users. However, its slow firing speed means you'll need to be strategic in your positioning.
Composite Bow: With high dexterity scaling and fast draw speed, the Composite Bow offers excellent mobility and precision. It is ideal for players focusing on speed and quick bursts of damage.
2. Ammunition (Arrows)
Choosing the right type of arrows is crucial for maximizing your effectiveness in a bow-only run. While standard arrows can get the job done, there are several specialized options that can help you deal with tougher enemies and bosses.
Stormhawk Axe: The Stormhawk Axe is a great choice when facing enemies with high mobility or those that fly. These specialized arrows allow you to hit airborne targets with ease, giving you an edge when dealing with elusive bosses or enemies.
Poison Arrows: If you want to play strategically, poison arrows can apply a toxic buildup to enemies. This is incredibly useful for whittling down the health of bosses or powerful foes over time.
Explosive Arrows: For those who prefer big damage, explosive arrows are a powerful option. These arrows deal area-of-effect damage, making them useful for clearing out groups of enemies or dealing with larger monsters.
3. Talismans and Accessories
While bows are your primary weapon, Talismans can significantly enhance your performance by boosting your dexterity, increasing your attack power, or providing defensive benefits. Here are a few of the best Talismans for a bow-only run:
Radagon's Scarseal: This Talisman increases your dexterity and damage output, which is crucial for improving your bow's performance. The trade-off is a slight decrease in defense, but the boost in damage is invaluable.
Bull-Goat's Talisman: If you prefer a more tanky approach with your ranged combat, the Bull-Goat's Talisman increases poise, allowing you to withstand attacks while staying mobile. This is especially useful in PvP scenarios.
Shabriri's Woe: For those who want to increase their damage, Shabriri’s Woe amplifies the damage output when your health is low. This is perfect for players who want to play more aggressively, trading health for higher damage output.
Arrow's Reach Talisman: This Talisman increases the range of your bows, allowing you to take advantage of your range even more effectively, which is crucial in a bow-only run.
4. Armor Setups
Although armor can weigh you down, it is essential to find a good balance between protection and mobility. The goal of a bow-only build is to stay light and nimble to avoid close combat, so look for armor sets that won’t hinder your stamina and mobility.
Black Knife Set: Known for its light weight and solid defense, the Black Knife set is a great choice for bow users. It provides decent protection while allowing you to maintain high mobility.
Night's Cavalry Set: This armor set is slightly heavier but offers excellent protection. For players who prefer a tankier build while using a bow, this is a good choice.
Raging Wolf Set: For players who want to retain mobility while still getting reasonable defense, the Raging Wolf set is ideal. It provides a good balance between weight, defense, and stamina.
5. Incantations
Even as a bow-only player, incantations can be incredibly helpful for dealing with certain types of enemies or bosses. You don’t have to rely on melee combat to make use of these abilities.
Flame, Grant Me Strength: This incantation boosts your strength, which can be handy if you decide to use a hybrid bow build and occasionally engage in melee combat with daggers or other light weapons.
Bountiful Healing: While your focus will be on ranged combat, having a healing incantation can be a lifesaver during longer boss fights or exploration. It allows you to heal without needing to use healing items.
Ancient Dragon’s Lightning Strike: A powerful offensive incantation, this is great for bosses or enemies that get too close. It can be used in conjunction with your bow to give you extra range and offensive options.
6. Buy Elden Ring Items
For those who don't have the time or patience to farm certain items or weapons, there’s always the option to buy Elden Ring items from trusted sources. You can find many rare bows, arrows, and Talismans from third-party vendors or marketplaces. Keep in mind that buying items may not always be the most rewarding experience in terms of gameplay, as the true satisfaction often comes from acquiring these items through your own efforts.
A bow-only run in Elden Ring is a rewarding but challenging experience. By selecting the right Elden Ring items, including powerful bows, specialized arrows, and useful Talismans, you can create a build that offers both versatility and power at range. Whether you prefer the finesse of the Composite Bow or the raw power of the Greatbow, there’s a suitable option for every type of player. Incorporate the right support tools, such as incantations and armor, to further enhance your performance. And for those who wish to speed up their progression, you can always buy Elden Ring items from various trusted sources. Just remember, the key to success in a bow-only run is patience, precision, and preparation.or experimenting with different armor combinations, managing your weight effectively will be a key to your success.