Elden Ring offers a vast and complex world with an assortment of  Elden Ring Runes weaponry for players to choose from. Among the most unique and powerful choices for ranged combat are Great Arrows. These heavy, large projectiles provide exceptional damage and utility for players who prefer a long-range strategy, especially when paired with a bow or crossbow that can handle such massive arrows.

In this guide, we will delve deep into everything you need to know about Great Arrows in Elden Ring. We’ll cover their strengths and weaknesses, how to obtain them, and how to maximize their effectiveness in battle. Whether you're a seasoned archer or new to ranged combat, Great Arrows offer one of the most satisfying ways to take down enemies from a distance.

What Are Great Arrows?
Great Arrows are a category of heavy arrows designed specifically for large bows and crossbows in Elden Ring. These arrows deal significantly higher damage compared to standard arrows, making them an excellent choice for players who prefer to keep a safe distance from their enemies while still dishing out powerful attacks. However, they come with some trade-offs, such as a higher weight and limited range due to their heaviness.

The primary feature that sets Great Arrows apart from standard arrows is their sheer power. They are often used in conjunction with Great Bows, specialized weapons that have the capability to launch these massive projectiles. While you can also use them with standard bows and crossbows, they perform optimally with their intended counterparts.

Characteristics of Great Arrows
High Damage Output: Great Arrows deliver a hefty amount of damage, making them ideal for targeting large enemies or bosses that have high health pools.

Increased Weight: Due to their size and material, Great Arrows are much heavier than regular arrows. This requires a certain amount of strength and endurance to wield effectively.

Limited Ammunition: While Great Arrows are powerful, they are relatively scarce compared to regular arrows. Finding or purchasing them will require some effort, making them a valuable resource.

Requires a Great Bow: To make full use of Great Arrows, you’ll need a Great Bow or another weapon that can handle these larger projectiles. This can restrict your weapon options, as not every bow or crossbow can fire them.

Best Great Bows to Use with Great Arrows
To truly capitalize on the potential of Great Arrows, you need to pair them with a Great Bow. Here are some of the best Great Bows available in Elden Ring for launching these powerful projectiles:

Erdtree Bow

Type: Great Bow

Requirements: 20 Strength, 16 Dexterity

Unique Feature: The Erdtree Bow boasts an impressive attack power and the ability to scale well with both Strength and Dexterity. It's great for players who want flexibility in their ranged combat style, allowing them to use Great Arrows with ease.

Longbow

Type: Standard Bow (can be used with Great Arrows)

Requirements: 11 Strength, 14 Dexterity

Unique Feature: Although it’s not technically a Great Bow, the Longbow can still be used to fire Great Arrows, making it a more accessible option for players who don’t want to invest too heavily in Strength or Dexterity.

Greatbow

Type: Great Bow

Requirements: 18 Strength, 22 Dexterity

Unique Feature: This bow is designed specifically for use with Great Arrows. It has one of the highest damage outputs and is especially effective against large enemies or in PvP situations.

Black Bow

Type: Great Bow

Requirements: 18 Strength, 20 Dexterity

Unique Feature: The Black Bow is an excellent option for players who favor a more agile and dexterous playstyle. It deals substantial damage and is great for both PvE and PvP encounters.

Where to Find Great Arrows
Great Arrows are generally harder to find than regular arrows, and some of them can only be purchased from specialized vendors. Here are the key locations and methods for obtaining them:

Merchant Kalé (Roundtable Hold):

Kalé offers a variety of Great Arrows for purchase, including Fire Great Arrows and Bolt Arrows. Make sure to check his inventory often, as he may stock different types of arrows depending on your progress in the game.

Farming Locations:

Great Arrows can also be dropped by certain enemies or bosses. The Giant Archers in the Consecrated Snowfield drop Fire Great Arrows on occasion, and Stone Giants have a chance of dropping Bolt Arrows.

Merchant in Liurnia of the Lakes:

Some vendors in Liurnia will also offer Great Arrows for sale. This area contains a few tough enemies that drop arrows, so it’s worth farming as you explore the region.

Chest Drops:

Throughout the Lands Between, you’ll find chests that contain special arrow types, including Great Arrows. Be sure to explore dungeons and underground areas where these chests are hidden.

How to Use Great Arrows Effectively
Using Great Arrows effectively requires understanding the balance between their powerful damage and the limitations they impose on your playstyle. Here are some tips for making the most of these powerful projectiles:

Maximize the Range:

Great Arrows are best used at longer ranges, where their massive damage output can really shine. Stand at a distance and aim for weak points or large enemy hitboxes, especially during boss fights.

Targeting Large Enemies and Bosses:

Great Arrows excel at taking down larger foes due to their high damage scaling. When facing a giant boss or creature, using Great Arrows to target weak points (such as heads or legs) can result in massive damage.

Proper Timing:

The heavier nature of Great Arrows means they travel slower than regular arrows, making them less effective against fast-moving enemies. Take your time to line up shots and wait for an opening when using Great Arrows.

Elemental Arrows for Extra Damage:

Combine elemental Great Arrows (such as Fire Great Arrows or Poison Great Arrows) with your weapon to deal additional damage types. These can be particularly effective against enemies weak to certain elements, providing a huge damage boost.

Use with Buffs:

Buffs like Golden Vow or Flame, Grant Me Strength can significantly enhance the damage output of Great Arrows. Ensure that you’re using these buffs before engaging enemies to maximize your impact.

The Pros and Cons of Great Arrows
Pros:
High Damage: Great Arrows deal massive amounts of damage, making them great for taking down powerful enemies quickly.

Long Range: With the right Great Bow, you can engage enemies from incredible distances.

Versatility with Elemental Types: With different elemental Great Arrows available, you can exploit enemy weaknesses and deal additional damage.

Cons:
Slow Speed: Due to their size and weight, Great Arrows travel slower than regular arrows. This can make them difficult to land on fast-moving enemies.

Limited Ammunition: Great Arrows are relatively rare and expensive to craft or purchase, meaning you have to manage your stock carefully.

Heavy Weight: Using Great Arrows requires high Strength and Dexterity, making them less accessible to certain builds, particularly if you’re focusing on mobility or low weight.

Final Thoughts: Are Great Arrows Worth It?
Great Arrows offer an unparalleled experience for players who prefer ranged combat and don’t mind sacrificing mobility for sheer damage output. Their power makes them an excellent choice for boss fights, PvP, and dealing with large groups of enemies. While they do come with their own set of challenges, especially in terms of speed and ammunition, mastering the use of Great Arrows can dramatically enhance your effectiveness in Elden Ring.

If you enjoy playing as a powerful ranged character, the Great Arrows and Elden Ring Items the Great Bows they pair with are definitely worth exploring. Whether you're hunting down bosses or clearing out powerful enemies, these massive projectiles can make all the difference in your journey through the Lands Between.