Bows and arrowsare common long-range weapons in games, particularly in fantasy RPGs or other games with historical settings. Archers are tremendous assets in any battle-based game, especially tactical ones, and the prevalence of archery in games has led to some epic bow designs over the years.
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However, the crossbow lives in the shadow of the traditional bow and arrow weapon set, which is a shame considering how epic the weapon is. While the crossbow is severely underrated as a weapon option for archers, there are a number of unique designs out there. A few notable gaming heroes have picked up the crossbow, too.
10Link’s Crossbow (The Legend Of Zelda)
Among crossbows, few are as infamous and recognizable as Link’s crossbow, featured in the strangeLegend of Zeldaspin-off,Link’s Crossbow Training. This odd entry for the Nintendo Wii was a Zelda-themed shooter set in the world ofTwilight Princess.
In the game, Link’s crossbow has a nice design, which adds to its memorability. Link commonly picks up a bow in most Legend of Zelda games, so it’s not a stretch for him to adapt his skills as an archer to the crossbow. It would be fun to see Link’s crossbow return in a future mainline Zelda game.
9BioShock’s Crossbow
The crossbow weapon in theBioShock seriesis primarily featured in the first game, though it makes a few reappearances in other BioShock games. It is the last and by far the best long-range weapon in the game, adding to its significance as a prime example of video game crossbows.
BioShock’s crossbow has three different ammunition types, which increase the amount of damage you can inflict with it, as well asa few upgradesworth investing in. While it can be tricky to master, it’s well worth the effort, as it has the power to instantly kill some enemies with a single shot.
8Full Moon Crossbow (Elden Ring)
While other crossbows and other bows inElden Ringmay deal out more damage, the game’s Full Moon Crossbow has one of the best designs. The crossbow’s attached disc is reminiscent of a full moon and gives the weapon an elegant design, fitting for its lore as a creation reflecting peace brought about by marriage.
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Its power as a weapon is balanced, too, and in particular it’s effective for long-range, magical attacks. You can find it at the Raya Lucaria Academy in a bell tower.
7Gastrophetes (Final Fantasy)
Crossbows rarely appearas weapon optionsin the Final Fantasy series, but are increasingly appearing in more recent entries. Among Final Fantasy’s crossbows, the Gastrophetes is the strongest.Final Fantasy 12in particular highlights the power and usefulness of Gastrophetes.
While, compared to other crossbows, its design is fairly simple, with a bronze-gold body and a small blue gem at the tip, its size and look shouldn’t be underestimated. It is one of the best ranged weapons in Final Fantasy 12 and the ultimate version of the crossbow.
6Lara Croft’s Crossbow (Tomb Raider)
Lara Croft wields a number of unique ranged weapons, and a crossbow is among them. Lara’s crossbow appears prominently inTomb Raider: The Last Revelation as one of a number of weapons to choose from. While the crossbow is fairly simple in design, it is a very useful weapon in the game.
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Lara’s crossbow has three different ammo types, with the poison ammo the most helpful of the three. The crossbow is also one of the two weapons that you’re able to use the laser sight with, helping you fire accurately on your enemies.
5Arbalest (Fire Emblem)
Surprisingly, only oneFire Emblemgame has included crossbows in its armory of weapon options. In Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn, Snipers, Marksman, Warriors, and Reavers can wield this weapon type. Among the handful of crossbows in the game, Arbalest is the strongest as well as the rarest, as it can only be obtained as a treasure late in the game.
Arbalest, like other crossbows of Radiant Dawn, is effective against Pegasi and Bird Laguz and is extremely accurate. As the strongest of the crossbows, Arbalest has a good critical hit rate and might, making it a great weapon choice.
4Bianca (Dragon Age)
Among the few crossbows that appear in theDragon Ageseries, Bianca is by far the most iconic. Featured in Dragon Age 2 andDragon Age Inquisition, it is the main weapon of Varric Tethras. Compared to other gaming crossbows, Bianca has one of the fiercest looks, with a giant metal X sitting at the front of the weapon.
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As a crossbow, Bianca is unique for a couple of reasons. It not only is a great range weapon, but adapts to melee combat with a retractable bayonet. Bianca also has an intriguing origin story and mystery around its name, giving the weapon lore that few other crossbows have.
3Bowgun (Resident Evil)
The Bowgun is a reoccurring weapon in theResident Evilseries since the second game, a unique retro weapon among the series’s armory. While its stats and usefulness vary from game to game, the Bowgun shines brightest inResident Evil 4.
The Bowgun is one of Ada Wong’s primary and strongest weapons in Resident Evil 4, as it shoots explosive bolts rather than standard arrows. It is best as a long-range weapon, as some of the ammo’s explosions could damage you as well.
2Enhanced Dwarven Crossbow (Skyrim)
Crossbows appear as the chief long-range weapon of the Dawnguard, who appear inSkyrimthrough the Dawnguard expansion. Among the different crossbow variations, the Enhanced Dwarven Crossbow is the ultimate option and certainly worth pursuing as your best ranged attack weapon.
While crossbows take longer thanstandard bowsto reload, the Enahnced Dwarven Crossbow has the quickest reload time. It also has the highest attack power and may be effective against heavily armored enemies. Its biggest downside is its increased weight, but it is a small disadvantage compared to the benefits of the weapon.
1Amicia’s Crossbow (A Plague Tale: Requiem)
Amicia’s crossbow inA Plague Tale: Requiemis the most beneficial among her small arsenal. you’re able to unlock it in Chapter 5 of the game, and will need to work your way through upgrading your quiver to increase how many bolts you can carry with you for the weapon.
The crossbow is well worthprioritizing upgrades for, as it is the game’s most effective weapon option for you. With the crossbow, you can more easily knock out enemies than you can with Amicia’s sling.
