Avowed's Arsenal: Ranking the Most Devastating Arquebuses in 2026

In the shattered lands of the Living Lands, where whispers of ancient gods still echo through the ruins, a Ranger's survival often hinges on a single, thunderous shot. The arquebus, a weapon as temperamental as a caged storm and as demanding as a jealous lover, reigns supreme in Avowed's ranged arsenal. These firearms demand patience—a breath held during the agonizing reload, a moment of stillness amidst chaos—but reward it with the authority to rewrite an enemy's fate in an instant of smoke and fire. For those who build their prowess around critical strikes and calculated distance, the arquebus is not merely a tool; it is the final, decisive argument in any confrontation. Yet, not all these powder-and-metal beasts are created equal. From simple upgraded workhorses to legendary artifacts humming with otherworldly power, the choice of firearm can define an adventurer's journey through the dangers of Eora.

The Foundation: The Legendary Arquebus

Sometimes, perfection is found not in unique enchantments, but in flawless execution. The Legendary Arquebus represents the absolute pinnacle of what a standard, non-unique firearm can become through dedicated refinement. It is the product of relentless effort—a gathering of rare materials and precious Adra—forging a weapon of raw, uncomplicated power. Think of it as a masterfully tuned musical instrument, where every component sings in perfect harmony to produce a single, devastating note.

While it lacks the flashy perks of its unique brethren, its statistics speak for themselves:

• Physical Damage: 369

• Stun Build-up: 364

• Stamina Cost per Shot: 25

• Critical Hit Chance: 3%

These numbers form a reliable bedrock of power. In the hands of a skilled Ranger, perks like Marksmanship, Critical Strike, Sniper, and Staggering Shot can elevate this raw data into a symphony of destruction. It is the trusty steed of the firearm world—dependable, strong, and capable of carrying you through the longest journeys when more exotic options remain out of reach.

The Scattergun Surprise: Izmalt's Meteoric Apparatus

Who says an arquebus must only speak to distant targets? Izmalt's Meteoric Apparatus shatters that convention, functioning less like a precision rifle and more like a dragon's cough at close quarters. This weapon is for the Ranger who enjoys their personal space and is willing to enforce it violently. Its defining trait, Concussive Grudge, turns a short-range Power Attack into a localized cataclysm, delivering High Stun and sending foes tumbling away like leaves in a gale—an effect rivaling the Ranger's own Power Slide.

The carnage doesn't end with the initial blast. The Meteoric Burst perk ensures that each kill sparks a chain reaction, dealing low Fire Accumulation to nearby enemies. This perk can be evolved into two devastating paths:

1. Lingering Inferno: Creates a patch of searing ground that continuously damages and applies Fire Accumulation.

2. Meteoric Devastation: Increases the Fire Accumulation applied with every kill, turning a battlefield into a spreading conflagration.

It is the embodiment of controlled chaos, perfect for when enemies have the audacity to get too close.

The Frigid Path: Moonstrike & Heavenstrike

Forged from the cold heart of fallen stars during the 'Forged Of Star-Stuff' quest, these twin arquebuses trade raw explosive force for the biting, slowing kiss of frost. They are weapons of elegant control, turning momentum into stillness.

First, there is Moonstrike, the initial form of this celestial firearm. It is a potent weapon in its own right, boasting the Freezing Lash perk for +10% bonus Frost Damage and Ondra's Scorn, which makes Power Attacks deal moderate Frost Accumulation in a small area. However, Moonstrike is often a crossroads decision. It is the cautious first draft of a masterpiece, best used as a secondary weapon—perhaps paired with a two-handed sword—if a player wishes to conserve their star-metal fragments for the quest's other reward.

For those who commit to the icy path, Heavenstrike awaits. An improved version of Moonstrike crafted in Solace Keep, it is the full realization of the concept. It retains the same powerful perks but amplifies the damage and control. Every shot carries the promise of a frostburst, applying Accumulation that can freeze enemies solid, leaving them vulnerable to shattering strikes. While its reload speed is moderate, this can be dramatically offset with gear like the Waverider Gloves or the Gambeson of the Grand Empire. Heavenstrike doesn't just kill; it sculpts the battlefield in glacial silence.

The Apex Predator: One Last Trick

And then, there is the one that stands above all. The 'One Last Trick' arquebus is not just a weapon; it is a phenomenon. Obtained by proving one's Steel Resolve in the Emerald Stair, this firearm starts a journey that demands immense investment to reach its legendary Tier V potential. The reward for such dedication is the most overpowered tool in a Ranger's arsenal.

What sets it apart is a combination of perks that synergize like a perfectly engineered clockwork horror:

• Ricochet: The base perk allows bullets to bounce to one additional enemy. This can be improved to create even more chaotic, pinballing paths of destruction.

• Gunnery: Grants a staggering +20% Reload Speed, mitigating the arquebus's greatest weakness.

While its base damage may seem comparable to others, these perks change the fundamental math of combat. The Ricochet effect is where true madness lies: even Critical Hits bounce. This means a single, perfectly placed shot can chain through a group of enemies, dealing massive critical damage to each one in a sequence of echoing thunderclaps. It turns crowd control into crowd deletion. In the right hands, 'One Last Trick' is less a firearm and more a calculated epidemic, spreading death from one host to the next with ruthless, geometric efficiency. It is, without question, the definitive choice for any Ranger looking to leave an indelible mark on the Living Lands in 2026.