The Hand Ballista is a simple two-handed crossbow you can find early on in your journey. Here’s where to find it in Elden Ring.
Elden Ring quickly opens up and allows players to explore a massive world only minutes after starting the game. With this freedom, players are able to explore and find many different weapons to try out before they even face the first boss.
Many small environmental structures are littered around the Lands Between. Several players may walk past these structures, thinking of them as nothing more than decoration. Elden Ring greatly rewards exploration, and the Hand Ballista is a perfect example of that. This weapon is unique because it does not scale from any of your stats but offers very high base damage.
Where To Find The Hand Ballista
The Hand Ballista can be found immediately after the world opens up for exploration. Head across the bridge to the southern continent, and climb the small hill directly to the southwest. From here, you should begin to see a small destroyed watchtower with a few dogs and guards patrolling the nearby area. A ballista is at the top of the watchtower, so watch out for incoming bolts from above.
After clearing out the few enemies, head along the right side of the watchtower, hugging its walls. Following the wall around, you’ll eventually find another soldier who will turn and run, shortly turning into the destroyed opening to the watchtower. Once inside, use the ladders to climb your way to the top and take out the guard on the ballista. Across from the ballista is a chest, inside containing the Hand Ballista.
How To Use The Hand Ballista
The Hand Ballista requires 30 strength and 14 dexterity to wield. As opposed to many weapons in this game, this weapon does not scale based on your stats and only offers its base damage. Despite the lack of scaling, this weapon can be upgraded to deal high amounts of damage. This high base damage can be exploited early on with a few upgrades to make this weapon very powerful for the weaker early-game enemies. The Hand Ballista can not be fired while mounted but can be swung for a melee attack. This weapon can also only be fired two-handed and fires Ballista Bolts, which also have high base damage.
This weapon’s skill is Kick. Kick requires no FP to cast and has a great knockback to help distance yourself from enemies who get too close for the Ballista to be effective. This weapon can not be infused with other Ashes of War and will be stuck with Kick. While this skill may not be the best, it can be situationally very useful for this more extensive and heavier ranged weapon as it will limit your movement speed without light armor.
