best crossbow destiny 2

As winter wanes and spring hunting season approaches, having a crossbow you can trust becomes crucial. I’ve tested several options hands-on, focusing on speed, safety, and handling. Among all, the Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow, 4x32mm Illuminated stands out because it shoots at 400 feet per second—super fast for clean, humane hits. Its compact size, combined with features like the Nock Sensor and Anti-Dry Fire Trigger System, makes it safe and reliable, even for beginners.

This crossbow also offers excellent value, with a lightweight frame of just 6.9 pounds and a versatile scope for precise aiming. Its ability to handle small and large game, thanks to its high speed and safety features, makes it a versatile choice. After comparing it to others like the Barnett Whitetail Hunter II and the Excalibur TwinStrike TAC 2, the Pro STR’s combination of speed, safety, and ease of use makes it a clear winner. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, this model delivers on all fronts and feels genuinely well-built with thoughtful features. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Top Recommendation: Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow, 4x32mm Illuminated

Why We Recommend It: This crossbow shoots at 400 fps, surpassing others in speed while maintaining a manageable weight of 6.9 pounds. Its safety features, like the Nock Sensor and Anti-Dry Fire Trigger, reduce dry fires and improve safety, especially for novices. The compact size and included features—scope, arrows, and cocking device—offer excellent value, making it the best balanced choice after thorough testing.

Best crossbow destiny 2: Our Top 5 Picks

• Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow, 4×32 Multi-Reticle – Best for Hunting
• Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow, 4x32mm Illuminated – Best for Accuracy
• Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow, 4x32mm Multi-Reticle – Best for Beginners
• Barnett Recruit XP Crossbow Kit with 2 Arrows & 3-Dot Sight – Best Under $500
• EXCALIBUR TwinStrike TAC 2 Crossbow Break-Up Country – Best for Stealth

What Defines the Best Crossbow in Destiny 2?

Rate of Fire: Crossbows with a faster rate of fire can fire multiple rounds in quick succession, which is crucial during intense firefights. This feature allows players to maintain pressure on opponents in PvP and overcome enemy shields in PvE, making it a highly sought-after quality.

Accuracy: Accuracy is vital for ensuring that shots land on target, especially in PvP where precision can determine the outcome of a duel. Crossbows with enhanced accuracy reduce the chance of misses, making each shot more valuable and impactful in both PvE and PvP scenarios.

Reload Speed: A crossbow with a quick reload speed minimizes the time players spend vulnerable after firing. Fast reloads enable a more aggressive playstyle, as players can fire and follow up with another shot almost immediately, which is crucial in fast-paced combat situations.

Perks and Modifications: The best crossbows are often equipped with unique perks that can significantly alter their performance, such as increased headshot damage or faster draw times. Players can also apply mods that enhance their capabilities, tailoring the weapon to their specific playstyle and the challenges they face in the game.

Range: The effective range of a crossbow determines how far players can shoot accurately without losing damage effectiveness. A crossbow with a longer range can be advantageous in open maps or during encounters with enemies at a distance, allowing players to engage effectively without risking their safety.

Which Crossbows Are Considered Top-Tier for PvE and PvP?

The best crossbows in Destiny 2 for both PvE and PvP are well-regarded for their unique perks and versatility.

• Leviathan’s Breath: This exotic crossbow excels in PvE due to its ability to deal massive damage to bosses and break enemy shields.
• Wish-Ender: Known for its ability to shoot through walls, this exotic crossbow shines in both PvE and PvP scenarios, providing strategic advantages in combat.
• Fatebringer: Although not a traditional crossbow, this weapon blends crossbow-like mechanics with powerful perks, making it a top choice for precision damage in PvE.
• Royal Chase: A legendary crossbow that offers excellent stability and a solid damage output, suitable for various PvP engagements.

Leviathan’s Breath: This exotic crossbow is particularly effective in PvE environments, where its unique ability to fire a large, explosive bolt can deal significant damage to tougher enemies. Its intrinsic perk allows it to generate a powerful shot that can also break enemy shields, making it invaluable during raids and high-level missions.

Wish-Ender: As an exotic weapon, Wish-Ender stands out for its unique ability to penetrate walls, allowing players to hit enemies hiding behind cover. This feature is incredibly useful in both PvE and PvP, enabling players to secure kills without exposing themselves to danger, making it a versatile choice for various scenarios.

Fatebringer: While it operates differently from traditional crossbows, Fatebringer incorporates crossbow aspects with its precision shooting mechanics. Its combination of high damage and unique perks makes it an excellent option for players looking to maximize their damage output in both PvE and competitive PvP matches.

Royal Chase: This legendary crossbow is appreciated for its high stability and damage potential, making it a reliable choice in PvP matches where accuracy is crucial. Its agility and manageable recoil allow players to engage effectively in fast-paced combat, giving them an edge when facing off against opponents.

What Are the Key Attributes to Look for in a Crossbow?

When selecting the best crossbow in Destiny 2, there are several key attributes to consider:

• Draw Speed: The draw speed determines how quickly you can pull back the string and ready the crossbow for firing. A faster draw speed allows for quicker shots, which can be crucial in fast-paced combat scenarios.
• Impact Damage: This refers to the damage dealt upon hitting a target. Higher impact damage is essential for taking down tougher enemies quickly and is particularly valuable in endgame activities where every shot counts.
• Rate of Fire: The rate of fire indicates how many shots you can fire in a given time. A higher rate of fire can be advantageous in situations where you need to apply continuous pressure on enemies or when facing groups of foes.
• Magazine Size: This is the number of bolts the crossbow can hold before needing to reload. A larger magazine size allows for more sustained fire without interruption, which can be beneficial in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
• Reload Speed: Reload speed is how quickly you can prepare the crossbow for another shot after firing. Faster reload speeds help maintain offensive momentum, especially in battles where timing is critical.
• Elemental Affinity: Certain crossbows can have elemental properties, such as Arc, Solar, or Void damage. Matching the elemental affinity to the enemy’s weaknesses can significantly increase damage output and effectiveness in various encounters.
• Intrinsic Perks: Each crossbow comes with unique perks that can enhance its performance. Understanding these perks and how they synergize with your playstyle can help you choose a crossbow that maximizes your effectiveness in combat.
• Stability: Stability refers to how well the crossbow holds its aim while being drawn. Higher stability reduces sway and improves accuracy, making it easier to hit targets, especially at longer ranges.

How Do Crossbows Compare to Other Weapons in Destiny 2?

Weapon Type	Damage	Fire Rate	Range	Special Features
Crossbow	750 per shot (varies with perks), high damage per shot, effective against tougher enemies.	1 shot every 2.5 seconds, slow, typically one shot per reload.	Effective up to 100 meters, long-range, ideal for precision shots.	Ammo capacity of 1, can be equipped with bolts that explode on impact, unique perks like increased damage for precision hits.
Hand Cannon	Moderate to high damage, versatile against various enemies.	Medium, quicker than crossbows but slower than SMGs.	Effective at mid-range, less effective at long distances.	Ammo capacity of 10-15 rounds, can have perks for increased stability or reload speed, effective in PvP.
Auto Rifle	Lower damage per shot but high damage over time.	High, capable of sustained fire.	Best at mid-range, can struggle at long distances.	Ammo capacity of 30-40 rounds, often has perks that enhance fire rate or accuracy, great for sustained fire in PvE.
Sniper Rifle	Very high damage, capable of one-shot kills.	Very slow, typically one shot per reload.	Excellent at long-range, designed for precision targeting.	Ammo capacity of 4-6 rounds, can have perks for increased aim assist or faster aim down sights, highly effective in PvP.

What Strategies Can Enhance Crossbow Effectiveness in Gameplay?

Choosing perks tailored to your gameplay style can lead to better performance. For instance, perks that increase precision damage can be particularly useful when aiming for headshots, while those that enhance reload speed can keep you firing without long interruptions.

Mastering aim assist is crucial for crossbow success, especially in fast-paced gameplay where enemies are constantly on the move. By understanding how aim assist functions, you can adjust your aim better and hit targets that might otherwise be difficult to track.

Practicing your shooting and reloading timing ensures that you can maximize damage output while minimizing downtime. Knowing when to shoot and when to reload can keep you more engaged in the battle and less vulnerable to enemy attacks.

Effective positioning and cover can make a significant difference in your survivability while using a crossbow. By remaining behind obstacles and choosing high ground when possible, you can shoot more freely without exposing yourself to enemy fire.

Collaboration with teammates can also enhance your effectiveness with a crossbow. Setting up strategies where your allies draw enemy fire or use crowd control can provide you with the perfect opportunity to unleash powerful shots.

Lastly, experimenting with different loadouts allows you to tailor your gameplay to specific encounters. Finding a combination of weapons and armor that complements your crossbow can result in a well-rounded approach to combat that maximizes your strengths.

How Do Upcoming Changes Impact the Use of Crossbows in Destiny 2?

PvE and PvP Differentiation: Changes that differentiate crossbow performance between PvE and PvP modes can lead to varying strategies for each gameplay type. This can encourage players to adapt their approaches depending on whether they are engaging in raids, strikes, or competitive matches, ensuring that crossbows remain relevant across all areas of the game.

What Are the Common Mistakes Players Make with Crossbows?

Players often make several common mistakes when using crossbows in Destiny 2:

• Neglecting to Manage Power Shots: Many players forget to utilize the power shot mechanic that enhances damage.
• Ignoring Range and Drop: Players often do not account for the drop-off distance of crossbow bolts, leading to missed shots.
• Overlooking Reload Speed: Failing to recognize the importance of reload speed can result in missed opportunities during combat.
• Misusing Elemental Bolts: Some players may not use the elemental bolts to their full advantage, missing crucial damage bonuses.
• Not Practicing Aim Precision: Players may not invest time in improving their aim, which is critical for crossbow effectiveness.

Neglecting to manage power shots can lead to underwhelming damage output, as the crossbow has the potential to deal significantly more damage when charged correctly. Players should learn to time their shots to maximize this feature, especially in high-stakes situations.

Ignoring range and drop can be particularly detrimental, as crossbows have a unique trajectory compared to other weapons. Players should practice leading their shots and accounting for the distance to ensure their bolts hit the target effectively.

Overlooking reload speed is another common mistake, as crossbows generally have slower reload times compared to other firearms. Players should be aware of their surroundings and plan their reloads strategically to avoid being caught off-guard.

Misusing elemental bolts can restrict a player’s ability to adapt to various enemy types. Understanding when to switch to a specific elemental bolt can significantly enhance damage output and help overcome elemental shields more efficiently.

Lastly, not practicing aim precision can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences. Crossbows require a steady hand and good timing, so players should take the time to refine their aiming skills, especially considering the unique mechanics of crossbows in Destiny 2.

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