Shortbow

Shortbow

Attack	65 Physical
Critical	100
Scaling	Str E, Dex E
Requires	Str 8, Dex 10
Effect
Guard
Type	Light Bow
Attack Type	None
Skill	Barrage
FP Cost	2
Weight	2.5
Upgrades With	Smithing Stones, to +25
Sell Price	100

The Shortbow is a Light Bow in Elden Ring.

When to Use It

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

Why Players Pick It

The one to just upgrade. Bandit starting weapon, 600 runes otherwise, 8 Str / 10 Dex, and it ships with Barrage. At 159 max it is within 7 physical of the class leader, so hunting a better light bow buys you very little.

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

Its scaling runs Str at E and Dex at E, so Str and Dex are the stats worth levelling, and you need Str 8 and Dex 10 before you can lift it. 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

A small bow for firing arrows from a distance. Other than its ability to fire off arrows in rapid succession, it is also well-suited for use on horseback. To use a bow, arrows must also be equipped.

How to Get Shortbow Guide

Starting weapon for the Bandit.
Purchased for 600 Runes from the Nomadic Merchant southeast of Coastal Cave, beneath the collapsed structure.
2% chance to be dropped by Marionette Soldiers wielding them.

Where to find Shortbow Location?

Map credit by Map Genie.

All Light Bows

Name	Physical	Crit. Boost	Range	Weight	Str.	Dex.	Sell Price	Skill
Composite Bow	65 -	100 -	29	3	E 15	D 15	200	Mighty Shot
Harp Bow	62 -	100 -	29	2	E 9	E 9	200	Barrage
Misbegotten Shortbow	68 -	100 -	25	3	D 16	E 8	100	Barrage
Red Branch Shortbow	65 -	100 -	29	2.5	E 8	D 16	100	Barrage
Shortbow	65 -	100 -	29	2.5	E 8	E 10	100	Barrage