It's no surprise that combat is such a key element in Ubisoft's Viking-themed action romp, Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Generally, this involves the clashing of steel by way of sword fighting, flail-swinging, and hammer-bashing – along with stealthy takedowns.
At the same time, the game offers a slew of awesome bows that can inflict plenty of pain from a distance. Archery makes for a satisfying and underappreciated way to pick off foes more quietly and efficiently.RELATED: The Best Armors In Assassin's Creed Valhalla
It's also quite useful when partaking in some good old-fashioned hunting. The game offers several bows, each of which can be upgraded and customized in various ways. Given these factors and the subjectivity of one's playstyle, it can be tough to pinpoint which are worth seeking out most.
Still, there are some that tend to reign supreme when it comes to their perks and overall statistics. These can make the hero Eivor an offensive threat from long range in addition to being a close-range brawler.
Updated August 1, 2021, by Stephen LaGioia: The already massive AC Valhalla continues to grow even more epic with a steady stream of new content, features, and weapons from Ubisoft. The majestic Wrath of the Druids DLC expanded Eivor's escapades to Ireland, while the anticipated Seige of Paris looks to up the ante even further with a journey to Francia. The lush locales of Ireland offered a slew of new quests, foes, and equipment, while the even more robust Seige of Paris promises to provide an even greater wealth of content. With this in mind, it seemed fitting to refresh and flesh out this list with even more awesome bows for Eivor to thrive with at a distance.
15 Bullseye
Possessed by the Order of the Ancient member Avgos Spearhand in Crepelgate Fort, this deceptively stout bow lives up to its name with sharp accuracy and ample headshot damage of 79.
The weapon is certainly favorable to sharpshooters, as it also rewards players who strike the nogging by spawning a deadly trap. Even when disregarding headshots, though, the Bullseye can get the job done, thanks to its potent attack power and its solid ability to stun and inflict critical damage.
Assuming its users have a steady hand, this thing can drop unsuspecting targets pretty rapidly.
14 Norse Gael Bow
Players might find it hard to be too giddy for this DLC weapon, seeing as it's a starter bow during Wrath of the Druids. But while there are better options out there, this shouldn't be disregarded.
Not only can an upgraded version be quite potent, but it also has the unique ability to lace arrows with damage-over-time poison when weak points are struck. This is complemented by its terrific ability to stun enemies, which makes it easier to target weak spots more frequently.
This bow alone proves an enticing reason to venture into Ireland when playing Valhalla, among others.
13 Ona:Kara Bow
While it's suitable enough in most scenarios, marksmen and survivors alike can really milk a lot of value out of this Wolf-aligned bow. Headshots and criticals are strong suits of this weapon and bolster its already great attack power.
It may not have a ton of upgrade potential, but it is fairly strong and efficient right out of the gate. Moreover, its ranged damage is enhanced when at or near full health, so keep those rations coming! This bow can be obtained by trading with Vinland Merchants for 95 iron, 45 leather, and 2 carbon ingots.
12 Dreka Bow
Excellent with a warrior build in particular, this hunter bow rewards Vikings laced with heavy armor, augmenting its stout attack power even more with increased range damage. Specifically, it can bump up the damage from a distance up to 15. Really, its only detriment is speed, but stealthy, sharpshooting players should be able to drop even some of the stronger baddies with this beast.
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While the bow requires a purchase of 350 Helix Points from the in-game store, it comes fully upgraded and mythical, ensuring you're getting a powerful weapon right off the bat. While some may not find the investment worth it, these purchases are a fast, easy way to land some of AC Valhalla's best bows.
11 Holmegaard Bow
This predator bow can really pack a punch in the right hands, with sky-high statistics in the attack, critical, and headshot categories. Picking off enemies from a distance is a breeze with this potent bow, and it makes for a great way to thin their ranks while kicking off a raid or assault.
This powerhouse becomes even more effective for ration gluttons, as consuming one will increase the critical chance for five seconds. It also yields an additional 15 critical chance bonus. The Holmegaard is truly a bow fit for an assassin.
10 Magyar Hunting Bow
This bow is a challenge reward that is secured when each Hunter delivery at Ravensthorpe's Hunter's Hut is completed. Being the product of deer antlers and maplewood, this relic of Eastern Europe may seem pretty minimalistic.
While its base attack is more on the average side, this Raven-aligned bow shines in most other areas. Not only is it swift, but it's particularly great for those sharp-shooting Valhalla players. It greatly rewards headshots and critical hits, while inflicting ample stun damage at a whopping 121.
On top of this, striking a foe's weak point increases the already potent stun damage even more.
9 Spartan Bow
It should be no surprise that a bow bearing the "Spartan" name would be a solid option in battle. Being a Light Bow, however, this weapon tends to stress speed, evasiveness, and range over raw power.
Its base stats aren't much to write home about, though its traits can be enhanced and exploited nicely, especially with a stealth-oriented fighter. It holds a subtle but impactful perk that temporarily raises a critical hit chance by 30 points after dodging an attack.
Unlike most bows, this one isn't obtained in the game itself, but rather through Ubisoft Connect. Simply select the Rewards option from this service, where you can buy the Spartan Bow for 100 Uplay coins.
8 Hunbeorth's Bow
This fine product of Lincolnscire trees will be obtained as a gift from Aelfgar when kicking off The Thegn of Lincoln quest. RELATED: Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Everything You Need To Know Before Playing The Siege Of Paris
This Bear-aligned weapon is a great bow in terms of raw stats, boasting one of the highest attack points among Light Bows. Though it especially rewards precision, as hitting weak points on a target will increase its already potent stun damage by 20. It's also one of the lighter, more compact weapons in the game.
7 Death-Speaker
Out of the three major categories, Hunter Bows are widely considered the best, most potent options for their sheer strength. The more warrior-esque fighters will want to shoot for these in particular.
When it comes to the ominously named Death-Speaker, there are many things going for it. It's a great bow for survivalists, as striking weak points will have a respectable 25% of your health restored. Though critical hit chances, stun, and headshot damage are also pretty solid.
This handy Raven bow can be bought from the merchant in Repton for 360 Silver.
6 Arc Of Elan
This Wolf bow is an offensive beast, coming with a sky-high base attack of 92 and above-average stun of 73. Moreover, the weapon rewards players who favor flashiness and using handy abilities often.
In fact, each successive hit will briefly raise your ability damage for up to 16 total bonus damage. The weapon's three available Rune Slots also allow for ample enhancements and buffs. The Arc of Elan is obtained by finishing the alliance quest arc "A Breviary of Broken Hearts" in Essexe.
5 Shadow-Strike
Predator Bows are distinct in their zooming mechanic, which allows for players to strike a target from vast distances. While they're not for everyone, some of the better ones can really make an impact when used properly. The Shadow-Strike is especially useful for creeping on enemy strongholds from a distance and picking off powerful foes.
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While it's a bulkier, more sluggish bow with average stun damage, its raw power makes it an appealing choice for offensive-oriented players. This rare weapon can be purchased with Helix Credits from the microtransactions store.
4 Skadi's Wrath
Though its speed is more tepid for a Light Bow, Skadi's Wrath has it going on in most other areas. This Bear Bow from the Kingdom of Mercia can pack quite the punch with its 61 base attack and sky-high stun damage of 89.
Moreover, its critical hit chance gets a nice boost when hitting enemy weak points. The weapon can be found in the church of Ledecestre in Ledecestrescire – specifically inside a chest in the building's cellar.
3 Noden's Arc
Unlike many on this list, Noden's Arc is obtained pretty late in the robust campaign. It can be had just south of the lake in northern Eurvicscire, near the Brunton Turret. You'll need to wield the Excalibur Greatsword and hack at a seemingly unbreakable ore rock during sunset.
This little Easter egg hunt is quite worth the reward, as it's an offensive beast. The base stats of this ancient relic of a bow are consistently high across the board. It's especially great when attacking from a distance, as it holds a perk that rewards ranged shots with even higher damage.
2 Sagittarius Bow
This one-handed Wolf Bow is easily one of the best Hunter Bows, which is saying quite a bit. Aside from its speed, the thing is a monster, with a 68 base attack, 54 stun, and 65 critical hit chance.
Though it also has the useful perk of bumping up its otherwise weak speed when hitting a foe's weak points. Specifically, it grants a solid 10 speed for a five-second duration. Put simply, there's a reason the Roman legions relied on this bow to stave off attackers at Hadrian's Wall.
This offensive powerhouse can be unearthed from the sewers under Jorvik, which is accessible through the northern Multangular Tower.
1 Petra's Arc
This coveted Wolf Predator Bow can be had when finishing any four Legendary Hunts, and it's quite worth it. The weapon boasts the highest raw power of any bow in Assassin's Creed Valhalla, sitting at a whopping 88 base attack, 81 headshot damage, and 66 critical chance. Furthermore, players good at avoiding damage can milk even more effectiveness from this weapon, as Petra's Arc bumps up critical damage when at full health.
NEXT: Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Best Weapons, Ranked
