When it comes to ranged combat in Elden Ring, few tools offer the raw power and versatility of Great Arrows. Whether you’re looking to stagger foes from afar or bring down massive enemies before they even reach you, these massive projectiles are a favorite among Strength-Dexterity hybrid builds and dedicated archers alike. In this guide, we’ll explore how to get the most out of your Great Arrows — from acquiring the best types to knowing when and where to use them effectively.
What Are Great Arrows in Elden Ring?
Great Arrows are a specialized type of ammunition designed exclusively for Greatbows, which are larger and slower than standard bows but deliver exceptional power and knockback. Unlike regular arrows, Great Arrows can stagger enemies, interrupt spellcasting, and pierce through multiple targets with the right setups.
They require a Greatbow to use — think of them as the long-range equivalent of a colossal weapon. When paired with the right stats and positioning, they can turn the tide of battle in both PvE and PvP encounters.
How to Get Great Arrows
There are several ways to acquire Great Arrows in Elden Ring, depending on your progression:
Vendors: The Nomadic Merchant in Caelid sells the standard Great Arrow early on. Later, Hermit Merchant in the Capital Outskirts and Twin Maiden Husks (after giving them the right Bell Bearings) can offer a wider selection.
Crafting: While most Great Arrows can't be crafted, specific types like Bone Great Arrows are available once you find the proper crafting cookbook.
Enemy Drops: Some enemies, like the Leyndell archers, drop specialty Great Arrows, including Golden and Lightning-imbued variants.
Tip: Stock up whenever you find a vendor. Due to their weight and limited availability compared to standard arrows, planning ahead is essential.
Types of Great Arrows and Their Best Uses
Each type of Great Arrow serves a different purpose, and knowing when to use them is critical for maximizing your build’s effectiveness:
Standard Great Arrows: Balanced damage, readily available. Best for general use.
Radahn’s Spear: Used with Radahn’s Lionbow, these pack explosive AoE damage. Excellent for crowd control and high-health enemies.
Lightning Great Arrows: Ideal against enemies weak to Lightning, such as dragons or certain undead.
Golden Great Arrows: Deal Holy damage and are effective in areas like Nokron and against Death-based enemies.
Bone Great Arrows: Lightweight and craftable, these are useful for stealth-focused players who want a budget option.
Best Greatbows for Great Arrows
To fully leverage Great Arrows, you’ll need the right Greatbow:
Erdtree Greatbow: Scales with Faith and pairs perfectly with Golden Great Arrows.
Lion Greatbow: A must-have for Radahn builds. It synergizes with Radahn’s Spears and boosts Strength/Intelligence scaling.
Greatbow: The standard version, found early in the game, offers solid base damage and is a reliable choice for most builds.
Greatbows scale mainly with Strength, so players investing in heavy melee builds can effectively use Great Arrows as a long-range option without significantly altering their stat allocation.
Tips for Using Great Arrows Effectively
Positioning Is Key: Greatbows have a long draw time. Always attack from a safe distance or high ground to avoid interruption.
Use Terrain to Your Advantage: Firing from ledges, cliffs, or behind cover lets you maximize damage while minimizing risk.
Charge Shots When Possible: A fully drawn shot dramatically increases damage and knockback potential.
PvP Considerations: While harder to land against agile opponents, a well-timed Great Arrow can stagger enemies mid-attack or punish flask usage.
Status Builds: Combine with status-inflicting variants (when available) to apply Poison or Bleed from a distance.
Great Arrows in Elden Ring aren't just oversized bolts — they’re a flexible, devastating tool for those willing to master their timing and weight. While they require commitment in terms of stats and equipment, the payoff is immense for players who enjoy a methodical, tactical approach to combat.
Whether you’re sniping from a cliff in the Altus Plateau or setting up ambushes in PvP invasions, Great Arrows add a unique edge to your arsenal. Don’t overlook them — in the Lands Between, a well-placed shot can be just as powerful as any spell or sword.