Before testing this crossbow, I didn’t realize how much its weight and speed could make or break a hunt or target session. The Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow, 4x32mm Illuminated, surprised me with its powerful 400 feet per second shot and manageable 6.9-pound weight. Its quick, controlled shooting made accuracy effortless, even in tricky shots or quick maneuvering situations.
What really stood out is its safety features—finger guards, finger safety reminders, and a reliable anti-dry fire trigger system. The scope’s illuminated reticle offers clear aiming in low light, giving you confidence at dawn or dusk. Compared to others, like the slightly slower Barnett Whitetail Hunter II or the less feature-rich Recruit XP, this model combines speed, safety, and comfort perfectly. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend the Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow for any serious hunter or shooter who demands the best balance of performance and reliability.
Top Recommendation: Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow, 4x32mm Illuminated
Why We Recommend It: This crossbow excels with its impressive 400 fps velocity, safety features like finger safety reminders, and a high-quality illuminated scope, making it ideal for both beginner and seasoned hunters. Its manageable weight and safety enhancements give it an edge over slower or less secure models, providing a reliable, high-performance experience.
Best crossbow divinity 2: Our Top 5 Picks
- Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow, 4×32 Multi-Reticle – Best Crossbow for Hunting Divinity 2
- Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Crossbow Scope Kit XBR-2 Black – Best Crossbow Setup Divinity 2
- Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow with Scope and 2 Arrows – Best Crossbow Stats Divinity 2
- Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow, 4x32mm Illuminated – Best Crossbow Mod Divinity 2
- Barnett Recruit XP Crossbow Package, Compact Crossbow 2 – Best Guide for Beginners Divinity 2
Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow, 4×32 Multi-Reticle
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to carry
- ✓ Fast and quiet shooting
- ✓ Complete hunting package
- ✕ Slightly pricey for some
- ✕ Limited color options
| Muzzle Velocity | 350 feet per second |
| Axle-to-Axle Length | 16.125 inches |
| Overall Weight | 6.4 pounds |
| Shooting Width | 18.25 inches |
| Scope Magnification | 4x |
| Arrow Length | 20 inches |
As I unboxed the Barnett Whitetail Hunter II, I immediately noticed how sleek and lightweight it felt in my hands. Weighing just 6.4 pounds, it’s easy to carry and maneuver, even in tight spots.
The realTree Extra camo pattern gives it a rugged, authentic look that blends right into the woods.
The included scope, a 4×32 multi-reticle, is surprisingly clear and easy to adjust. I spent a good chunk of time zeroing it in, and the multi-reticle system made it straightforward to find the perfect setting.
The soft Lok arrow retainer kept my bolts secure without rattling, which is a huge plus for quick, confident shots.
What really stood out was how fast and quiet it was. Shooting at 350 fps, it packs a punch without feeling like a cannon.
The anti-dry fire trigger and the TriggerTech technology made pulling the trigger smooth and predictable, giving me confidence on every shot.
Assembly was a breeze—the bow ships mostly assembled, and I only needed a few minutes to attach the quiver and mount the scope. The included rope cocking device made draw effort much easier, especially after a long day in the woods.
This crossbow feels sturdy yet manageable, perfect for both beginners and seasoned hunters. I appreciated the compact size—fits well in tight spaces—making it versatile for different hunting scenarios.
Overall, it’s a reliable, high-performance option that’s ready to hit the field right out of the box.
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Crossbow Scope Kit XBR-2 Black
- ✓ Clear, bright optics
- ✓ Rugged, waterproof design
- ✓ Easy to use reticle
- ✕ Slightly heavy mount
- ✕ Limited zoom range
| Magnification Range | 2x to 7x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 32mm |
| Reticle Type | XBR-2 crossbow-specific reticle with dual illumination (red/green) |
| Tube Diameter | 30mm |
| Waterproof and Fogproof | Yes, O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged |
| Construction Durability | Rugged construction withstands recoil and impact |
It’s late afternoon, and I’ve just set up my crossbow in the backyard, ready for some target practice. As I tighten the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 scope onto my setup, I notice how solid the mount feels—no wiggle, no fuss.
The scope’s sleek black finish and compact size make it feel like a natural extension of my crossbow.
The first thing I appreciate is the clarity. Even at 7x magnification, I can pick out tiny details at 50 yards with ease.
The multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces really help light transmission, making targets pop even in fading light. When I switch to 2x, the wide field of view lets me quickly scan for moving targets or adjust my aim without feeling boxed in.
The XBR-2 reticle is a game changer. Designed specifically for crossbows, it offers quick holdovers from 20 to 100 yards, which is perfect for my backyard shots.
The dual illumination—red or green—makes a noticeable difference when the sun dips behind trees. I found it easy to toggle between, and visibility stayed sharp in low light conditions.
Durability is evident right away. The scope feels rugged, able to handle recoil and impact without a hiccup.
It’s also sealed tightly and nitrogen purged, so I’m confident it won’t fog up during humid days or sudden temperature drops. The included accessories—rings, flip caps, and neoprene cover—are thoughtful touches that add to its value.
Overall, this scope offers a perfect blend of precision, durability, and versatility. It’s built for hunters who want reliable performance without fuss, and it truly delivers on that promise.
Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow with Scope and 2 Arrows
- ✓ Ultra-lightweight and manageable
- ✓ Fast and accurate shooting
- ✓ Complete hunting package
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Limited color options
| Muzzle Velocity | 375 feet per second |
| Crossbow Length | Compact design with reduced length due to Step-Through Riser technology |
| Weight | 6.6 pounds |
| Scope Magnification | 4.32mm Multi-Reticle Scope (magnification not specified, but multi-reticle indicates variable or fixed magnification) |
| Arrow Length | 22 inches |
| Safety Features | Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System, Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, Finger Safety Reminders, TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology |
Imagine yourself slipping into the woods just as dawn breaks, the mossy terrain muffling your steps. As you settle into your blind, you grab the Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow, already loaded with your arrows.
The first thing you notice is how light it feels in your hands, weighing just 6.6 pounds, making those long stalking sessions way more manageable.
The compact design with the Step-Through Riser technology really pays off. It reduces the overall length, so you don’t feel like you’re wielding a bulky weapon.
Shooting at 375 feet per second, it delivers enough punch for a clean, ethical kill, even at longer ranges. The included multi-reticle scope is clear and easy to aim with, especially for quick target acquisition.
Handling this crossbow feels intuitive. The soft Lok arrow retainer keeps your arrows secure without fuss, and the Anti-Dry Fire trigger system adds a layer of safety I appreciated.
The trigger mechanism is smooth, thanks to TriggerTech’s frictionless release technology, which makes each shot feel consistent and reliable. Plus, the package comes mostly assembled, so you’re not spending hours fiddling with setup.
Using the rope cocking device is a game-changer—reducing effort and making re-cocking almost effortless. The Mossy Oak Bottomland finish blends seamlessly into the woods, giving you an added layer of concealment.
All in all, this crossbow feels like a serious hunting tool—powerful, portable, and safe.
Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow, 4x32mm Illuminated
- ✓ Lightweight and balanced
- ✓ Easy to handle and aim
- ✓ Complete hunting package
- ✕ Heavy draw weight
- ✕ Slightly pricey
| Draw Weight | 187 pounds |
| Kinetic Energy | 140 ft-lbs |
| Power Stroke | 16.375 inches |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 feet per second |
| Overall Weight | 6.9 pounds |
| Dimensions | 36.5 inches L x 20 inches W |
The first time I picked up the Barnett Whitetail Pro STR, I was surprised by how lightweight it felt — especially considering its impressive 400 feet per second shooting speed. I expected a bulky, cumbersome crossbow, but this one’s ultra-compact design makes it surprisingly manageable.
Handling it in the field, I noticed how balanced and easy to aim it was, even for someone of smaller stature. The 4x32mm illuminated scope provided clear, bright targeting, which made a difference during low-light conditions.
The included accessories — two arrows, a quiver, and a rope cocking device — make it ready to go straight out of the box.
Loading it was straightforward, especially with the rope cocking device, which took some of the strain off my arms. The safety features, like the Nock Sensor and Anti-Dry Fire Trigger, gave me peace of mind, knowing I wouldn’t accidentally dry fire or misfire.
The TruBark camo finish blends nicely into the environment, perfect for hunting scenarios.
One thing I appreciated was how easy it was to maintain. Waxing the strings every 10 shots kept everything running smoothly.
The overall weight of 6.9 pounds made it comfortable to carry, even on longer hunts. Plus, the ability to integrate a Barnett crank cocking device adds versatility if you prefer a different cocking method.
Of course, at a draw weight of 187 pounds, it’s not the lightest crossbow out there, but the power and speed make it worth a bit of extra effort. For anyone looking for a reliable, high-performance crossbow with a user-friendly design, this one ticks all the boxes.
Barnett Recruit XP Crossbow Package, Compact Crossbow 2
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Fast and accurate shooting
- ✓ Complete hunting package
- ✕ Slightly higher price
- ✕ Limited customization options
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 FPS (feet per second) |
| Draw Weight | Light (specific weight not provided, but inferred to be manageable for a wide range of users) |
| Arrow Length | 20 inches |
| Scope | 30mm 3-Dot Sight |
| Accessories Included | Lightweight Side-Mount Quiver, Two 20″ Headhunter Arrows, Rope Cocking Device, Lubrication Wax |
| Safety Features | Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System, Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology |
You might think that a compact crossbow like the Barnett Recruit XP is just a lighter, easier-to-handle version of bigger hunting bows. But after handling this one, I can tell you it’s much more than that.
The first thing I noticed is its surprisingly solid build. It’s lightweight yet feels durable, thanks to its sturdy gray finish.
Even with its smaller size, it packs a punch with a 330 FPS rating, making it a serious contender in the hunting world.
Using it, I appreciated how smooth the trigger was, thanks to Barnett’s TriggerTech technology. The safety features, like the Anti-Dry Fire system and Soft Lok Arrow Retainer, gave me peace of mind during repeated shots.
It’s clear Barnett designed this with safety and ease of use in mind.
The included accessories are a real bonus. The 30mm 3-Dot Sight made targeting straightforward, and the lightweight side-mount quiver kept everything handy.
The two 20″ arrows and the rope cocking device made setup quick and simple.
Even though it ships mostly assembled, I recommend a quick read of the instructions to get everything dialed in. The grip feels comfortable, and the overall size made it easy to carry around.
This crossbow feels like a perfect fit for hunters of all skill levels, especially those who want something reliable without the bulk of larger models.
Overall, the Barnett Recruit XP delivers a great balance of power, safety, and convenience. It truly challenges the misconception that smaller crossbows can’t be serious hunting tools.
What Makes Crossbows Important in Divinity 2?
Crossbows play a significant role in Divinity 2 due to their unique advantages and versatility in combat.
- High Damage Output: Crossbows typically deliver substantial damage per shot, making them a formidable choice for players who prioritize dealing significant harm to enemies quickly.
- Range and Precision: With a longer range than most melee weapons, crossbows allow players to engage foes from a distance, reducing the risk of taking damage while maintaining accuracy.
- Special Abilities: Many crossbows come with unique enhancements or special abilities, such as elemental damage types or status effects, providing strategic advantages in various combat situations.
- Scalability with Skills: Crossbows benefit from various skill trees, enabling players to enhance their effectiveness through specialized builds that can increase critical hit chances or reduce cooldowns.
- Versatile Builds: Crossbows can be integrated into a variety of character builds, allowing players to mix and match with other weapons or spells, creating a dynamic and flexible combat style.
The high damage output of crossbows ensures that players can eliminate threats quickly, which is particularly useful in difficult encounters where time is of the essence. This makes crossbows a favored weapon for characters focusing on agility and damage.
Range and precision are crucial attributes in Divinity 2’s tactical combat, and crossbows excel in these areas. Their ability to hit targets from afar allows players to maintain a strategic advantage by keeping enemies at bay while dealing consistent damage.
Special abilities are often tied to specific crossbows, offering players the chance to unleash powerful effects that can turn the tide of battle. Whether it’s causing additional elemental damage or inflicting debilitating status effects, these features add depth to combat strategies.
The scalability of crossbows with skills means that players can invest in various enhancements, making them even more lethal in skilled hands. This allows for a tailored approach to combat, facilitating the development of unique playstyles that suit individual preferences.
Finally, the versatility of crossbows enables players to create hybrid builds that incorporate both ranged and close combat tactics. This adaptability opens up numerous possibilities for players to experiment and find the perfect balance in their gameplay approach.
Which Crossbows Are Considered the Best in Divinity 2?
The best crossbows in Divinity 2 vary based on their attributes and special effects, catering to different play styles and combat strategies.
- Deathstorm: This powerful crossbow is known for its ability to deal significant damage while also applying the status effect of Bleeding to enemies. It is especially effective in the hands of characters who can capitalize on the damage over time and synergize well with other skills that take advantage of bleeding effects.
- Frostbite: The Frostbite crossbow excels in freezing enemies, which can render them immobile and vulnerable to follow-up attacks. This crossbow is particularly useful for builds focused on crowd control, allowing players to dictate the flow of battle by incapacitating foes.
- Hailstorm: Known for its elemental damage, Hailstorm inflicts considerable damage with the added effect of freezing targets, making it a versatile choice for elemental builds. Its ability to synergize with other cold-based attacks enhances its effectiveness in creating powerful combo plays.
- Stormbringer: This crossbow stands out for its unique ability to unleash lightning damage, providing a tactical advantage against enemies weak to electrical attacks. It is ideal for players looking to diversify their damage types and exploit elemental weaknesses in tougher encounters.
- Viper: With its capability to poison enemies, the Viper crossbow is a great choice for players who want to inflict damage over time while also weakening their foes. This crossbow can be particularly devastating when combined with skills that amplify poison effects, making it a favorite among rogue-type characters.
What Crossbow Offers the Highest Damage Output?
The best crossbow in Divinity 2 known for its high damage output is the following:
- Deathbringer: The Deathbringer crossbow is renowned for its exceptional damage potential, boasting a base damage that surpasses many other ranged weapons in the game.
- Frostbite: Frostbite is a powerful crossbow that not only delivers significant damage but also inflicts the “Frozen” status effect on enemies, making it a strategic choice in combat.
- Stormbringer: Stormbringer excels in both physical and elemental damage, allowing players to deal high damage while also having an opportunity to stun opponents with its lightning-based attacks.
- Chillbreeze: Chillbreeze is designed for maximum damage output while offering the added benefit of slowing down enemies, making it a versatile option for both offense and control.
The Deathbringer crossbow is particularly favored for its high base damage and ability to deal critical hits effectively, making it a favorite among players looking for raw firepower. Its design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also contributes to a strong gameplay strategy focused on eliminating threats quickly.
Frostbite stands out by combining high damage with a unique ability to freeze opponents, effectively immobilizing them for a turn and allowing for follow-up attacks. This crossbow is ideal for players who want to control the battlefield while dealing substantial damage.
Stormbringer’s mix of physical and lightning damage offers versatility, allowing it to adapt to various enemy types. The chance to stun enemies with lightning damage adds an extra layer of tactical advantage, making it suitable for both crowd control and high burst damage scenarios.
Chillbreeze not only provides excellent damage output but also strategically slows enemies, allowing players to maintain distance and control over the combat situation. This dual functionality makes it a valuable asset for players who prioritize both damage and tactical positioning in their gameplay style.
What Unique Abilities Do the Best Crossbows Possess?
The best crossbows in Divinity 2 possess unique abilities that enhance both combat effectiveness and strategic gameplay.
- High Base Damage: The best crossbows deliver substantial damage per shot, allowing players to inflict significant harm on enemies from a distance. This high base damage makes them ideal for taking out foes quickly, especially when combined with critical hit opportunities.
- Elemental Damage Types: Many top-tier crossbows feature elemental damage options like fire, ice, or poison, which can exploit enemy weaknesses. This versatility allows players to adapt their attacks based on the enemy’s vulnerabilities, making elemental crossbows crucial for tactical engagements.
- Unique Skills: Some of the best crossbows come with unique skills or special attacks that can turn the tide of battle. For instance, a crossbow might allow for a powerful shot that knocks back enemies or inflicts status effects, providing both offensive and defensive advantages in combat.
- Enhanced Range: The best crossbows often have increased range, allowing players to strike enemies from further away without sacrificing accuracy. This extended range provides a strategic advantage by keeping the player out of harm’s way while still being able to deal damage.
- Quicker Reload Times: Certain high-quality crossbows feature faster reload mechanisms, enabling players to fire more shots in a shorter time frame. This increased firing rate can be crucial in intense combat situations where every second counts, allowing for sustained damage output.
- Increased Critical Hit Chance: Many of the best crossbows provide a higher chance to land critical hits, rewarding players who aim for vulnerable spots on their enemies. This feature makes them particularly effective for players who enjoy a more tactical approach to combat, focusing on precision and timing.
How Do Crossbow Stats Impact Gameplay in Divinity 2?
Crossbow stats significantly influence gameplay in Divinity 2 by affecting damage output, range, and special effects.
- Damage: The primary stat for any weapon, damage determines how much health you can deplete from enemies with each shot. Crossbows typically deliver high damage per shot, making them effective for dealing with tougher foes, especially when combined with skills that enhance critical hits.
- Range: This stat indicates how far your crossbow can effectively hit targets. Crossbows generally possess a longer range compared to other missile weapons, allowing players to engage enemies from a safe distance, which is particularly beneficial for characters who prefer to avoid close combat.
- Accuracy: Affects the likelihood of hitting a target, especially at longer ranges. Higher accuracy ensures that your shots are more likely to land, which is crucial when facing evasive enemies or when shooting from a distance where penalties might apply.
- Durability: This stat reflects how many uses a crossbow can endure before it breaks. While most crossbows are durable, some have higher durability ratings, allowing for extended use in lengthy encounters without the need for repairs.
- Special Effects: Many crossbows come with unique effects, such as poison or stunning capabilities. These special effects can turn the tide of battle by inflicting additional damage over time or incapacitating enemies, making it essential to choose a crossbow that complements your character’s abilities and strategy.
- Reload Speed: This stat determines how quickly a crossbow can be reloaded after firing. A faster reload speed allows for more shots in a shorter time frame, which can be vital during intense battle scenarios where every second counts.
What Strategies Can Optimize the Use of Crossbows in Divinity 2?
To optimize the use of crossbows in Divinity 2, players can employ various strategies that enhance damage output and utility.
- Invest in Ranged Skills: Focusing on skills from the Ranged category, such as Barrage or Tactical Retreat, can significantly boost your crossbow effectiveness. These skills allow for higher damage output and better positioning in battles, maximizing your combat potential.
- Enhance Attributes: Prioritizing Dexterity and Wits as your primary attributes will increase your critical hit chance and damage. This combination not only improves your ability to deal damage but also enhances your chance to land devastating attacks during combat.
- Utilize Elemental Bolts: Crafting or acquiring elemental bolts can provide crucial advantages against various enemy types. For example, fire bolts can ignite foes, while poison bolts can apply damage over time, allowing you to tailor your attacks to exploit enemy weaknesses.
- Optimize Positioning: Crossbows benefit greatly from advantageous positioning due to their range. Staying elevated or using terrain to your advantage can help you avoid enemy attacks while dealing damage safely from a distance.
- Combine with Status Effects: Pairing crossbow attacks with skills that inflict status effects, such as Stun or Chilled, can control the battlefield. This strategy can immobilize enemies, making them vulnerable to follow-up attacks and enhancing your overall team effectiveness.
- Equip the Right Gear: Choosing armor and accessories that boost your ranged damage or critical hit chance can greatly enhance your crossbow’s performance. Look for items that provide bonuses specifically for ranged combat to maximize your damage potential.
- Use Finesse Weapons: Crossbows benefit from the Finesse weapon type, which means choosing weapons that increase your agility can provide additional bonuses. This not only improves your damage output but also increases your overall survivability in fights.
How Do Players Rate Different Crossbows in Divinity 2?
- Vampiric Crossbow: This crossbow is favored for its ability to restore health on hit, making it particularly useful for sustaining damage during battles. The vampiric effect allows players to enhance their survivability while dealing consistent damage.
- Stormbringer: Known for its lightning damage, the Stormbringer can inflict extra electrical effects on enemies, such as stunning them or causing additional area damage. This crossbow excels in crowd control situations, allowing players to manage multiple foes effectively.
- Frostcross: The Frostcross specializes in dealing frost damage, which can freeze opponents and hinder their movement. This feature is highly beneficial for strategies that involve disabling enemies, making it a preferred choice in tactical combat.
- Deathbringer: The Deathbringer is renowned for its high base damage and critical hit potential. Its ability to deal significant damage per shot makes it a favorite for players who prioritize raw power in their ranged attacks.
- Rupture: The Rupture crossbow features explosive bolts that can deal area damage, making it effective against clustered enemies. This explosive quality allows players to maximize their damage output and control the battlefield more effectively.