Elden Ring: Ansbach's Longbow

Ansbach's Longbow is a unique and powerful weapon introduced in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for the Elden Ring. It stands out due to its special Fan Shot weapon skill, its specific requirements, and its association with the Ansbach Questline. Here's a detailed look at how to obtain and use it:

Where to Get Ansbach's Longbow

To acquire Ansbach's Longbow, you'll need to participate in a pivotal moment in the Ansbach Questline, which involves both assisting or defeating Ansbach and Leda in the Shadow Keep Specimen Storehouse.

Location: The First Floor of the Shadow Keep Specimen Storehouse, which can be accessed after breaking the Great Rune and progressing through the Shadow Keep area.

Summon Signs: You will encounter both Gold and Red Summon Signs on the first floor. The Red Summon Sign allows you to assist Leda in defeating Ansbach, while the Gold Summon Sign lets you help Ansbach against Leda.

Red Summon Sign: If you help Leda, you'll defeat Ansbach early in his quest line and receive Ansbach's Longbow along with Ansbach's Armor Set.

Gold Summon Sign: If you assist Ansbach, you'll be rewarded with Ansbach's Longbow, Leda's Rune (worth 40,000 Elden Ring Runes), and the potential to obtain Ansbach's Armor Set and the Obsidian Lamina Reaper weapon later on.

How to Complete the Questline for Ansbach's Longbow

To ensure you don't miss out on Ansbach's Longbow, follow these steps:

Break the Great Rune: This occurs when you reach the Main Gate of Shadow Keep in Scadu Altus.

Exhaust Dialogue: Before proceeding to the Specimen Storehouse, make sure to speak with key characters like Ansbach, Leda, and others to progress the quest.

Leda's Attention on Ansbach: Guide Leda to focus on Ansbach either by defeating Hornsent or by summoning him to defeat Messmer the Impaler.

Give Ansbach the Secret Rite Scroll: This will trigger Ansbach to leave Shadow Keep and allow you to proceed with the quest.

Summon Signs: After completing the necessary dialogue, head back to the First Floor of the Specimen Storehouse to find the summon signs (Red and Gold).

Ansbach's Longbow: Stats and Weapon Skill

Ansbach's Longbow has the following characteristics:

Type: Bow (physical damage)

Range: 50

Dexterity Requirement: 43

Weight: 4.5

Upgrade Material: Somber Smithing Stones

Unique Skill: Fan Shot

Fan Shot: This unique weapon skill allows you to ready and fire eight arrows in a fan-shaped arc. This skill is ideal for hitting multiple targets at once and dealing significant damage in close-range engagements.

Fan Shot Details

Skill FP Cost: 12 FP

Effect: You prepare eight arrows and release them in a narrow fan-shaped arc, making it an excellent skill for dealing with groups of enemies.

Usage and Build Considerations

Weapon Type: As a bow, Ansbach's Longbow is ideal for ranged combat, and the Fan Shot skill complements this by allowing players to deal with multiple enemies at once.

Stat Requirements: The high Dexterity requirement (43) means that this weapon is best suited for builds that focus on Dexterity, such as archer builds.

Infusions: Note that this weapon cannot be infused with Ashes of War or enchanted with magic, so its effectiveness relies solely on its inherent abilities and your stats.

Conclusion

Ansbach's Longbow is a unique and powerful weapon that can be obtained through a crucial choice in the Ansbach Questline. Whether you assist Leda or Ansbach, this Elden Ring item's bow provides a powerful tool for ranged combat, especially with its Fan Shot ability, which allows you to strike multiple enemies at once. If you're building a character with high Dexterity, this weapon will be a valuable addition to your arsenal. Make sure to complete the required steps in the questline to unlock all of the rewards associated with Ansbach's Longbow, including his armor set and the Obsidian Lamina Reaper later on.