Bow only build

[Kai]

I'm in NG+ and I want to change up my build. What late game bow/crossbow/greatbow should i use and what infusion should i put on it? What's the best rings/armor should i wear (besides Hawk Ring and Durgo's Hat)? I'm thinking about using Sanctum Crossbow since I'm already a hexer but damn casting dark orb all day does kinda get boring. Thanks for the tips

[Citizen of Zozo]

You know, although I think Dark Souls 2 has the most unique variety of weapons in all three Souls games... the bows are a little lackluster compared to DS3. DS3 really stepped up the bow game by adding WA's and allowing shortbows to quickfire out of a roll.
That said: All bows benefit from the Leo Ring. So that's a given on a bow build. The Bow of Want (which is a Faith bow) has a unique lightning arrow attack. The Hunter's Blackbow and the regular Shortbow compete for fastest fire rate and stamina cost per arrow. What makes crossbows stand out is the fact that they can be powerstanced. Lots of burst damage there.

I'm not much of a bow guy personally. I see them as just a tool that I pull out in certain situations rather than a main weapon, but I hope you see success with your build.

[Chinese Blin]

on an additional note, if it is within your range, i would suggest having a bow uninfused and a bow infused, pair them with the proper elemental arrow for a nice damage boost in a good part of the enemies (normal arrows some times work better)

[juicy]

Lightning infused bow of want is the best bow in the game I reccomend you use it.

[Kai]

so, should i stat dump into FTH and END??

[Dark Souls ii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y_SddXxtY0&ab_channel=ymfah

[Maresterchief]

you can get the hawk ring earlier than intended if you get the silvercat ring and drop into the salamander pit @ cardinal tower, helps a little with bows
i also like to pick up a firedrake stone from the same place and infuse a random bow with it, so i can easily light up tar pits and such without fire arrows