Bow Sniper Build

D-Tier Dexterity Build • Elden Ring
Bow Sniper Build
  • Black Hood
    Helm
    Black Hood Reduces noise from movement for stealth archery
  • Black Knife Armor
    Chest Armor
    Black Knife Armor Light armor that reduces sound of footsteps
  • Black Knife Gauntlets
    Gloves
    Black Knife Gauntlets Lightweight gloves for precise archery
  • Black Knife Greaves
    Legs
    Black Knife Greaves Completes the stealth archer set
  • Erdtree Greatbow
    Right Hand (Primary)
    Erdtree Greatbow Massive greatbow with incredible range and damage potential
  • Pulley Bow
    Left Hand (Secondary)
    Pulley Bow Faster firing bow for sustained combat and status arrows
  • Arrow's Reach Talisman
    Talisman
    Arrow's Reach Talisman Increases bow range by 65%
  • Arrow's Sting Talisman
    Talisman
    Arrow's Sting Talisman Raises attack power of arrows by 10%
  • Assassin's Crimson Dagger
    Talisman
    Assassin's Crimson Dagger Critical hits restore HP
  • Green Turtle Talisman
    Talisman
    Green Turtle Talisman Raises stamina recovery speed by 17.7%
  • Flask of Crimson Tears 8
    Flask of Crimson Tears
    Restores HP. Moderate allocation for ranged safety.
  • Flask of Cerulean Tears 7
    Flask of Cerulean Tears
    Restores FP. For special arrow skills and abilities.
  • Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Dexterity-knot Crystal Tear + Winged Crystal Tear
    Effects
    Temporarily boosts Dexterity by 10
    Reduces equipment load for enhanced mobility
  • Radahn's Spear 99
    Radahn's Spear
    Massive damage greatbow arrows for maximum single-shot potential.
  • Serpent Arrows 99
    Serpent Arrows
    Poison buildup arrows for status application and area denial.

Patch Viability

Still Viable (Patch 1.10)

Survived All Nerfs

Bows are underpowered in Elden Ring but playable with dedication.

Stat Distribution (Level 150)

  • Vigor: 40 (Basic survivability for ranged combat)
  • Mind: 15 (Minimal FP needs for skills)
  • Endurance: 35 (Stamina for drawing heavy bows repeatedly)
  • Strength: 20 (Erdtree Greatbow requirements)
  • Dexterity: 80 (Maximum bow scaling and damage)
  • Intelligence: 8 (Base stat)
  • Faith: 8 (Base stat)
  • Arcane: 9 (Base stat)

How to Get Erdtree Greatbow

  • Found in Leyndell, Royal Capital on a carriage
  • Location: Near the outer wall, on a large ballista carriage
  • Requires 20 Strength, 14 Dexterity to wield
  • Uses Greatarrows which deal massive damage

Arrow Types and Usage

  • Radahn's Spear: Highest damage arrows for one-shot potential
  • Golem's Great Arrow: Massive impact and knockdown
  • Bone Arrows: Standard damage with good availability
  • Serpent Arrows: Poison buildup for area control
  • Lightning Arrows: Elemental damage for variety

Gameplay Strategy

  • Range Advantage: Engage enemies from maximum possible distance
  • Stealth Priority: Use terrain and positioning for surprise attacks
  • Hit and Run: Fire and relocate to avoid retaliation
  • Arrow Management: Conserve special arrows for tough enemies
  • High Ground: Always seek elevated positions for better angles
  • Patience Required: Wait for perfect shots rather than sustained combat

PvP Notes

  • Niche Role: Best for area denial and long-range support
  • Map Dependent: Requires good sightlines and verticality
  • Predictable Movement: Easily countered by aggressive rushdown
  • One-Shot Potential: Radahn's Spears can eliminate low-vigor builds
  • Surprise Factor: Rarely seen, can catch opponents off-guard

Alternative Equipment

  • Bow: Lion Greatbow for different aesthetic
  • Secondary: Serpent Bow for poison specialization
  • Armor: Sage Set for different stealth look
  • Talisman: Ritual Pot Talisman for throwable support