Arbalest

Arbalest

Attack	69 Physical
Critical	100
Scaling	None
Requires	Str 18, Dex 12
Effect
Guard
Type	Crossbow
Attack Type	None
Skill	Kick
FP Cost	0
Weight	6
Upgrades With	Smithing Stones, to +25
Sell Price	100

The Arbalest is a Crossbow in Elden Ring.

When to Use It

Early game. It is found around Stormveil Castle, in the opening stretch of a run, so it is one of the first real upgrades you can carry.

Why Players Pick It

Highest physical of any crossbow at max, 308 on regular Smithing Stones to +25, and highest non-DLC base at 69. Costs the steepest requirements in the class, 18 Str / 12 Dex, and ties for heaviest at 6.0. 's own page flags the counter-argument: the Pulley and Full Moon Crossbows can out-damage it under the right conditions, at the cost of pricier ammo or higher ammo consumption, so "best" here depends on what you are loading. Found on a Stormveil Castle rampart, available before Godrick.

Upgrades

Ordinary Smithing Stones carry it all the way to +25, and because it is not a Somber weapon it will also hold a grease or a weapon buff, which is a damage source the unique blades simply do not have.

Build

It scales with nothing, so the Str 18 and Dex 12 it asks for is all the investment it wants. Any Ash of War and any affinity will sit on it, so its scaling can be re-cut towards whichever stat you are already levelling.

Notes

Large crossbow made from composite materials. One of the largest of all bolt-firing devices. Its limbs are more pliable than metallic ones, allowing bolts fired from this weapon to pierce even helms forged of steel.

How to Get Arbalest Guide

Location: Stormveil Castle.
Found on a corpse on a castle rampart of Stormveil Castle, along the direct path from the Stormveil Main Gate to the inner courtyard. It is located beside an Exile Soldier who operates an explosive Ballista.

Where to find Arbalest Location?

Map credit by Map Genie.

All Crossbows

Name	Physical	Magic	Crit. Boost	Range	Weight	Str.	Dex.	Int.	Sell Price	Skill
Arbalest	69 -	0 -	100 -	42	6	-18	-12	0	100	Kick
Crepus's Black-Key Crossbow	68 -	0 -	100 -	47	5	-14	-16	0	200	Kick
Full Moon Crossbow	50 -	50 -	100 -	42	4	-10	-10	-14	500	Kick
Heavy Crossbow	64 -	0 -	100 -	42	5.5	-14	-10	0	100	Kick
Light Crossbow	58 -	0 -	100 -	42	4	-12	-8	0	100	Kick
Pulley Crossbow	65 -	0 -	100 -	42	4	-16	-16	0	100	Kick
Soldier's Crossbow	54 -	0 -	100 -	42	3.5	-10	-8	0	100	Kick