Explosive, Tarring, Drenching, and More

If you’re playing as an Archer in Dragon’s Dogma 2, then you’ll want to use special arrow types to make quick work of your enemies. Figuring out how to use Explosive Arrows, Tarring Arrows, and other special arrow types is confusing at first, though.

How to Use Special Arrows in Dragon’s Dogma 2

While you can receive special arrows from chests and purchase them from shops right from the beginning of Dragon’s Dogma 2, you cannot use them without unlocking certain skills for the Archer Vocation first. To do so, head to the Vocation Guild in Vernworth or any major town and speak to the vendor.

At the Vocation Guild, you can spend Discipline to unlock new weapon skills, core skills, and Augments. While core skills and Augments are highly useful, the abilities that let you use special arrows are on the main weapon skills page. Look for the ones that say Explosive Shot, Drenching Shot, etc.

After unlocking a special arrow skill, just equip it in one of your four skill slots and you’ll be able to fire them during combat. Since each arrow type requires a dedicated skill, you’ll have to pick and choose which ones you want to use. There are upgraded versions of these skills as well, but they still use the same arrow types. Remember that arrows have weight just like everything else, so make sure there’s room for them in your pack.

Best Special Arrow Types in Dragon’s Dogma 2

While there are a ton of unique arrow types that have all sorts of effects in Dragon’s Dogma 2, there are a handful of them that rise above the rest. Drenching and Blighting Arrows are decent, especially if you pair the former with a Mage or Sorcerer Pawn that can cast lightning spells, but you really should use Tarring Arrows and Explosive Arrows over anything else.

Tarring Arrows will prime foes for ignition with fire-based spells from Mages and Sorcerers, and many of Dragon’s Dogma 2’s enemies are weak to fire. Even the mighty Griffin will have its health bars melt away when set ablaze. Explosive Arrows are a great all-around arrow type since they deal great damage, but they also have the bonus of being able to knock down larger monsters like ogres and minotaurs. If you hit them with enough Explosive Arrows, they’ll eventually come tumbling down.

Of course, your party composition matters a lot when it comes to your arrow choices, especially if you’re using Tarring Arrows or Drenching Arrows. You’ll need abilities or spells that can capitalize on those ailments, otherwise they won’t do you any good. If you’re traveling without spellcasters, then stick to Explosive Arrows and Blighting Arrows to keep your damage output up.