TL;DR
- Crossbows offer three distinct loading methods: hand-drawn (fastest), goat’s foot lever (balanced), and windlass (slowest but most powerful)
- Pasha’s Crossbow delivers the best balance of speed and damage for sustained combat
- Reinforced Heavy Crossbow provides unmatched single-shot power for stealth takedowns
- Strategic bolt selection (poisoned vs. penetrating) dramatically impacts weapon effectiveness
- Location accessibility often requires specific quest completion before acquiring top-tier weapons
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Crossbows represent the most accessible ranged weapon system in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, offering exceptional damage output with minimal skill requirements. Their pre-loaded capability makes them perfect for ambush scenarios and stealth eliminations where timing matters more than archery expertise.
While operation seems straightforward, selecting the optimal crossbow requires understanding three distinct loading mechanisms that dictate combat rhythm. Hand-drawn models provide rapid firing cycles, goat’s foot lever systems deliver balanced performance, while windlass-operated weapons sacrifice speed for devastating single-shot potential. Remember that raw power ratings only tell part of the story—your actual damage output depends heavily on bolt selection, Marksmanship proficiency, active perks, and engagement distance.

Critical Insight: Many players underestimate how bolt specialization transforms crossbow effectiveness. Poison-tipped ammunition pairs exceptionally with faster-firing models for debilitating effects, while armor-piercing bolts maximize the penetration potential of high-power weapons.
5. Field Crossbow

This entry earns its placement as the dominant early-game ranged option, delivering 350 power through its goat’s foot lever loading system. What makes it particularly valuable is its ability to eliminate armored targets with a single torso shot when paired with penetrating ammunition and appropriate damage-enhancing perks.
Acquisition Strategy: Consistently available from hired hand Jakesh’s merchant stall positioned uphill from Nebakov mill. For players struggling with early combat encounters, this weapon provides a reliable power spike that can carry you through the first major story arcs.
4. Ornate Hunting Crossbow

As the most potent hand-drawn crossbow available in the Trosky region, this model delivers 200 damage with significantly improved firing rhythm. The trade-off requires more precise aiming, but it becomes exceptionally lethal when utilizing poisoned projectiles for sustained damage over time effects.
Location Details: Can be looted from Nebakov Fortress (accessible after completing For Whom The Bell Tolls), discovered in Semine castle chests, or purchased from a huntsman located west of Maleshov in the second region.


3. Reinforced Heavy Crossbow

This engineering marvel utilizes windlass loading mechanics, resulting in the slowest weapon cycle in the game—even exceeding handgonne reload times. Mounted combat remains impossible with this weapon, but its monumental 550 power rating makes it perfect for initiating engagements or executing silent takedowns where one perfectly placed shot determines the outcome.
Procurement Method: Exclusively sold by Master Wenceslas operating from the southeastern district of Kuttenberg.

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2. Ornate Field Crossbow

Representing an enhanced iteration of the standard Field crossbow, this model provides a modest but meaningful 30-power increase to 380 total. While the upgrade seems incremental, it maintains reliable armor penetration capabilities without sacrificing operational versatility across diverse combat scenarios.
Acquisition Path: Awarded automatically upon concluding the initial region storylines. If accidentally sold, recovery remains possible through repurchase from Wenceslas in Kuttenberg.
1. Pasha’s Crossbow

Despite ranking third in raw damage statistics among our top selections, Pasha’s crossbow claims the premier position due to its exceptional firing cadence. Operating within the fastest hand-drawn category while delivering 240 damage per shot, it outperforms every conventional bow with nearly identical draw speed. For marksmen who consistently land their projectiles, no superior crossbow exists within the game’s arsenal.
Quest Requirements: Obtainable during the second region by completing the Magic Arrow objective. Engage with Pasha at Devil’s Den (this character becomes accessible throughout Devil’s Pack). Without revealing narrative details, success hinges on aligning with this individual’s perspectives during mission execution.
Common Beginner Mistake: Many players fixate exclusively on power ratings while ignoring loading mechanisms. The Reinforced Heavy Crossbow’s 550 damage seems superior, but its windlass operation makes it impractical for sustained firefights. Instead, reserve it for specific scenarios where a single decisive shot matters most.
Advanced Tactics: Combine Pasha’s Crossbow with poison bolts for hit-and-run warfare, whittling down enemy forces while maintaining mobility and firing rhythm advantages.
Perk Synergy: The Weapons Unlock system in similar games demonstrates how specialized skills enhance weapon performance—apply this principle by pairing crossbows with Marksmanship perks that reduce reload time or increase bolt velocity.
For players transitioning from other tactical shooters, understanding that KCD2’s crossbow mechanics share similarities with Complete Guide approaches to weapon mastery. The strategic thinking required for optimal crossbow deployment parallels the planning needed in Class Guide optimization from military shooters.
Pro Tip: Always carry multiple crossbow types suited to different engagement profiles. The Field Crossbow serves well for general combat, while the Reinforced Heavy Crossbow excels in assassination missions or boss encounters.
Action Checklist
- Acquire Field Crossbow from Jakesh near Nebakov mill for early game dominance
- Complete For Whom The Bell Tolls quest to access Nebakov Fortress for Ornate Hunting Crossbow
- Purchase Reinforced Heavy Crossbow from Master Wenceslas in Kuttenberg
- Finish Magic Arrow quest in second region to obtain Pasha’s Crossbow
- Experiment with different bolt types to discover optimal pairings for each crossbow model
No reproduction without permission:Game Guides » Top-5 crossbows in KCD2. What is the best crossbow and how to get it in Kingdom Come 2 Master crossbow selection in KCD2 with expert insights on damage types, loading mechanics, and acquisition strategies
