How To Change Arrow Type In Elden Ring

Hey there, Tarnished! Grab your runes, 'cause we're diving into something super important. You know, aside from, like, becoming Elden Lord and stuff. We're talking about arrows. Specifically, how to change 'em in Elden Ring. Because let's be real, nobody wants to accidentally use their expensive, fancy arrows on some measly little rat, right? Right.
Why Bother Changing Arrows Anyway?
Good question! Why should you bother? Well, think of it this way: you wouldn’t use a sledgehammer to crack a nut, would you? Okay, maybe you would, but you shouldn't. Same with arrows. Different enemies have different weaknesses (and resistances!). Using the right arrow for the job can be the difference between a swift victory and, well, becoming lunch for some horrifying creature.
Imagine trying to take down a skeletal enemy with just normal arrows. You'll be there all day! But toss in some holy arrows? Suddenly, those skeletons are rethinking their entire existence. See the difference? Plus, different arrows have different status effects! Poison, bleed, frostbite... the possibilities are endless (and incredibly satisfying).
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Different Arrow Types: A Quick Rundown
Alright, so what kinds of arrows are we even talking about? Elden Ring has a surprisingly robust archery system. Here's a quick, non-exhaustive list of some of the arrow types you'll encounter:
- Standard Arrows: Your basic, run-of-the-mill arrows. Good for general use, but not particularly effective against anything specific. They're like the plain toast of the arrow world.
- Fire Arrows: Set enemies on fire! Need I say more? Okay, I will. They’re great for dealing extra damage over time. Plus, who doesn't love setting things on fire? Just be careful you don't set yourself on fire.
- Holy Arrows: As mentioned before, these are fantastic against undead enemies. Think of them as tiny, pointy crucifixes of doom.
- Poison Arrows: Slowly chip away at an enemy's health. Perfect for annoying, tanky bosses that you don't want to get too close to.
- Bleed Arrows: Cause blood loss buildup. When the meter fills, enemies take a chunk of damage. Super satisfying to pull off!
- Frost Arrows: Inflict frostbite. Slows enemies down and deals a burst of damage. Great for crowd control or just making enemies miserable.
- Dwelling Arrows: These arrows don't deal that much damage... However they are extremely accurate, so you can strike your target at incredible distances.
- Bone Arrows: Crafted with thin beast bones, these arrows are quick to produce, but weaker than other arrows.
- Serpent Arrows: Inflicts poison, can be combined with serpent bow.
- Golden Arrows: Imbued with golden power, deals extra damage to those that live in death.
And that's just scratching the surface! There are even more specialized arrows out there waiting to be discovered. So get exploring, Tarnished!

The Nitty-Gritty: How to Actually Change Arrows
Okay, enough preamble. Let's get to the meat of the matter. How do you actually change your arrows in Elden Ring? It's actually pretty straightforward, but it can be easy to miss if you're too busy staring at the terrifying monstrosities trying to eat your face.
Here's the breakdown:
- Open Your Equipment Menu: This is where the magic happens. Hit the "Start" button (or whatever button opens your menu on your platform).
- Navigate to the Equipment Tab: You should see a bunch of different tabs. Look for the one that says "Equipment" (duh).
- Select Your Ranged Weapon: Find your bow or crossbow in the equipment list and select it.
- Look for the Arrow Selection: This is usually indicated by a small icon of an arrow next to your bow's name. It might say something like "Arrow" or "Bolts" depending on whether you're using a bow or a crossbow.
- Cycle Through Your Options: Use the left and right bumpers (LB/RB or L1/R1, depending on your platform) to cycle through the different arrow types you have equipped.
- Confirm Your Selection: Once you've found the arrow type you want, simply release the bumper. The selected arrow type should now be displayed next to your bow.
- Close the Menu and Get Shooting: Close the equipment menu and get back to the action! Your character will now use the selected arrow type when you fire your bow or crossbow.
See? Easy peasy. Now you can rain down fire, poison, and holy wrath upon your enemies with pinpoint accuracy (assuming your aim is good, which, let's be honest, is often questionable).

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Even with these simple instructions, it's easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Forgetting to Equip Arrows: This is the most common mistake of all. You can buy all the fancy arrows you want, but if they're not actually equipped, you'll just be firing your default arrows (or nothing at all!). Make sure to equip your arrows in the equipment menu before heading out into the world.
- Running Out of Arrows: Nothing's worse than lining up the perfect shot, only to realize you're out of arrows. Keep an eye on your inventory and make sure you're stocking up on arrows regularly. You can buy them from merchants, craft them yourself, or find them scattered throughout the world.
- Using the Wrong Arrows: Accidentally using your precious, rare arrows on weak enemies is a waste. Pay attention to what you're shooting at and choose your arrows accordingly. A little bit of strategy can go a long way.
- Unequipping the Bow Altogether: This isn't arrow-related, exactly. But sometimes, in the heat of combat, you can accidentally unequip your bow while trying to switch weapons. This leaves you hilariously vulnerable. Try to be mindful of what you are doing!
Pro Tips for Arrow Mastery
Okay, you know the basics. But let's take it to the next level, shall we? Here are a few pro tips to help you become a true arrow master:

- Craft Your Own Arrows: Crafting your own arrows is a great way to save money and ensure you always have a supply on hand. You'll need to find the right crafting recipes (usually in cookbooks) and gather the necessary materials.
- Experiment with Different Arrow Types: Don't be afraid to try out different arrow types and see what works best for you. You might be surprised at how effective some of the more unconventional arrows can be.
- Learn Enemy Weaknesses: Knowing your enemies' weaknesses is crucial for effective archery. Pay attention to what types of damage they're resistant to and what they're vulnerable to.
- Master Aiming Techniques: This one's obvious, but it's worth mentioning. Practice your aiming and learn to compensate for bullet drop and enemy movement.
- Use Arrow's Reach Talisman: You can increase the effective range of all bows with this talisman. It makes a significant difference when you are trying to snipe targets from afar.
- Combine Arrows with Weapon Arts: Some bows have weapon arts that can enhance your arrows or provide special effects. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your playstyle.
- The Shortbow is your Friend!: It can be hard to avoid the temptation of wielding a longbow, but shortbows are extremely light which allows you to be mobile while firing off shots.
Where to Get More Arrows
Alright, so you're all fired up (pun intended) and ready to rain arrows upon your enemies. But where do you get more arrows in the first place?
- Merchants: The most straightforward option. Various merchants throughout the Lands Between sell different types of arrows. Check their inventories regularly, as they sometimes stock new items.
- Crafting: As mentioned earlier, crafting is a great way to create your own arrows. Find the crafting recipes and gather the necessary materials.
- Looting: Keep an eye out for arrows scattered throughout the world. You can often find them in chests, on corpses, or lying around in enemy camps.
- Killing Enemies: Some enemies, especially archers, will drop arrows when they die. This is a good way to replenish your supply while exploring.
- Starting Classes: Some starting classes will give you a good supply of arrows to start with, like the Samurai class.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, Tarnished! Everything you need to know about changing arrows in Elden Ring. With a little practice and experimentation, you'll be raining down destruction upon your enemies in no time. Now go forth and conquer... with a bow and arrow in hand!
Just remember to always aim true, don't run out of arrows, and try not to get eaten. Good luck, and may the grace guide thee!
