I still remember the first time I loosed an arrow in the Lands Between, feeling the tension in the bowstring like a coiled spring of anticipation. It was a simple shot, but it opened my eyes to a truth many Tarnished overlook: the true power of a bow or crossbow isn't just in the wood and steel you hold, but in the ammunition you choose to nock. Over the years, since the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion reshaped our battles, I've come to view each arrow and bolt not as mere consumables, but as keys to unlocking different tactical realities. They are the whispered secrets of the battlefield, as fleeting and potent as a dragon's breath on the wind. Managing them, however, can feel like trying to hold moonlight in your hands—constantly slipping away, forcing you to farm, craft, and barter. This is my chronicle, from my own journeys in 2026, of the projectiles worth the weight in your quiver.
14. Igon’s Harpoon: A Specialist's Tool
Let's start with a tool from the DLC that taught me about synergy. Igon’s Harpoons are, frankly, underwhelming on their own. Their base damage trails behind standard Great Arrows, making them feel as blunt as a practice sword in most fights. However, their purpose is not to stand alone. When paired with Igon's Greatbow, these harpoons transform. Their damage receives a significant boost, turning them from mediocre to mighty. Acquiring them is a test of resolve, not combat. You must see Igon's questline through to its end to obtain his Bell Bearing, which you then give to the Twin Maiden Husks. No shortcuts—this is a reward for honoring a warrior's final journey.
13. Rotbone Arrows (Fletched): The Elusive Blight
For those who wish to spread the crimson curse from afar, Rotbone Arrows are the Bow-user's best—and most frustrating—option. While crossbows have better tools for Scarlet Rot, these fletched arrows are your archer's answer. The catch? Crafting them requires Aeonian Butterflies, resources that don't respawn naturally. Securing a steady supply is a grind as monotonous as watching moss grow on a forgotten tombstone. Your best bet is to farm the Basilisks in the dreaded Lake of Rot. Arm yourself with the Nomadic Warrior’s Cookbook [15] from southern Caelid and prepare for a tedious but potentially rewarding endeavor.
12. Rabbath’s Greatbolt: Magical Artillery
The DLC's Rabbath's Cannon demanded a new kind of ammunition, and Rabbath's Greatbolts answered the call. These are for the Ballista enthusiasts, offering a way to deal substantial Magic damage from a siege weapon. Like their elemental cousins from the base lands, they explode on impact, creating a satisfying and destructive bloom of energy. To get them, you must brave Rabbath’s Rise, descend from the Shaman Village, and retrieve the Spellmachinist’s Bell Bearing for the Twin Maiden Husks. It’s a trek, but for a magical artillery barrage, it's worth every step.
11. Perfumer’s Bolt: A Build-Defining Choice
Here’s a lesson in hidden mechanics. Perfumer's Bolts seem like inferior Explosive Bolts at first glance—they explode for less damage. But their secret is the Perfumer's Talisman, which boosts their damage by a hidden 20%. This creates a crossroads:
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For a sidearm crossbow: You likely need that talisman slot for other purposes, making standard Explosive Bolts the pragmatic choice.
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For a dedicated crossbow build: Perfumer's Bolts become a cornerstone of your power.
They drop from Pages, found commonly in Leyndell. The farming isn't terrible, as they drop in batches of five with a decent rate.
10. Lightning Greatbolt: The Reliable Workhorse
In the base game, Ballista ammo choices are slim. For reliability, Lightning Greatbolts are my go-to. Let's compare them to their main competitor:
| Feature | Lightning Greatbolt | Explosive Greatbolt |
|---|---|---|
| Damage Type | Lightning ⚡ | Fire 🔥 |
| Environmental Bonus | +Damage in rain/water | -Damage when wet |
| Trajectory | Straighter, longer range | Higher arc, shorter range |
| Purchase Location | Hermit Merchant (Mountaintops) | Various limited finds |
The environmental interaction is key. Fighting near water? Your Lightning bolts will hit like a storm god's wrath. They are the consistent, predictable choice you can buy in bulk from the Hermit Merchant south of the Stargazer’s Ruins.
9. Radahn’s Spear: Honoring a General
These are not the hardest-hitting Greatbow arrows by default, though they fly with the speed of a falling star. Their true value is twofold:
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They deal 20% more damage to Gravity enemies (e.g., Fallingstar Beasts).
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They receive a massive 20% damage boost (40% in NG+) when used with the Lion Greatbow.
Once you've bested Starscourge Radahn, you can buy an infinite supply from Enia for 800 Runes each—a tribute to the general that keeps on giving.
8. Sleepbone Bolts: The Tactical Nap
With the DLC introducing rapid-fire crossbows, status effects became more potent than ever. Sleepbone Bolts are your only tool for putting enemies to sleep with a crossbow. While sleep isn't universally useful, against certain formidable foes (like the Godskins), a well-timed volley can turn an impossible fight into a manageable one. Craft them after buying Fevor's Cookbook [2] from the Isolated Merchant near Raya Lucaria.
7. Meteor Bolt: The Sorcerer's Sidearm
For the magic-inclined Tarnished, the Meteor Bolt and Full Moon Crossbow combo is a match made in the stars. These bolts have higher physical damage than other elemental types and get an extra damage boost when fired from the Full Moon Crossbow. This synergy allows for incredible buff stacking. You can stand in a Terra Magica zone and unleash magical bolts that hit with the force of a small comet, a strategy less cumbersome for a ranged fighter than for a melee one. Buy them infinitely from the Isolated Merchant near Raya Lucaria for 120 Runes.
6. Serpent Arrow: The Easy Venom
If you want to poison from a distance without the hassle of Scarlet Rot, Serpent Arrows are your best friend. They inflict a hefty 78 Poison buildup, the highest among ranged options. Their greatest advantage is accessibility. Skip farming the snail enemies and head straight to the Isolated Merchant in Dragonbarrow, who sells them without limit for 120 Runes. They are the reliable, purchasable toxin for any archer's toolkit.
5. Burred Bolt: The Bleeding Edge
And here we reach one of the most devastating tools in the arsenal. Burred Bolts inflict 65 Bleed buildup per shot—the highest of any ammunition. In a world where hemorrhage can decimate health bars, these are gold dust. Pair them with the Pulley Crossbow, which fires a three-shot burst, and you can bleed a target faster than a surgeon's scalpel. You can buy them from the Imprisoned Merchant in the Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum, but be warned: the journey is perilous, guarded by a Sanguine Noble. Many Tarnished, myself included, found it simpler to claim his Bell Bearing for the Twin Maiden Husks, a decision as cold and final as the bolts themselves.
In 2026, the Lands Between are no less dangerous. But with this knowledge, your quiver is no longer a simple container; it's a curated collection of possibilities. Each arrow is a choice, a strategy, a tiny spear of fate you get to cast. Choose wisely, Tarnished, and may your aim be true.