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The Talon Bow is Atreus' primary weapon in God of War (2018) and one of the three interchangeable weapons throughout God of War Ragnarök.

In God of War (2018)[]

The Talon Bow is a longbow carved from a yew tree, by Atreus' mother, who also taught him how to use it during their practice hunts. She made it larger than usual, so he could grow into it. It's used alongside a quiver that holds his arrows.

The longbow has a bowstring that can be infused with magic, which in-turn applies new properties to Atreus' arrows when fired. Furthermore, he seems to empower his arrows, and switch between the magic empowering them, by speaking or whispering incantations.

During the journey, the Witch of the Woods gives the bow a magical string that can be imbued with the light of Alfheim to imbue its arrows with said light, which becomes useful in activating the Elves' light crystals to create solid light bridges. Much later, Sindri uses a tooth of the recently slain Hræzlyr to imbue the string with the Dragon's lightning power, which can also imbue its arrows with lightning to destroy blocking walls of crystallized World Tree sap. Atreus seems to enchant his arrows with spoken incantations that vary depending of the element he's using.

From afar, Atreus can distract and weaken enemies, by firing magic arrows. Up close, Atreus can use the bow to bludgeon, trip and strangle enemies. His proficiency and effectiveness in combat only improves, as his confidence grows. Atreus can also summon spectral animals into battle, to aid his father and make quick work of their enemies.

The bow can be continuously upgraded by the Dwarf smiths Brok and Sindri, in exchange for Hacksilver and Svartalfheim Steel, to increase arrow damage and unlock new skills for Atreus to learn. The quiver can also be upgraded, in exchange for Hacksilver, to increase reload speed and arrow capacity.

Attacks[]

  • Nista: The regular non-elemental arrow shots that can build up the enemies' stun meter. This type of shot becomes obsolete and unavailable later in the game.
  • Ljösta: The light elemental arrow shots that can build up the enemies' stun meter much quicker. Further upgrading allows for large blasts of light that hurt nearby enemies.
  • Þruma: The electric elemental arrow shots that can paralyze lesser enemies. Further upgrading allows for multiple enemies to receive electrical damage simultaneously.

Upgrades[]

Talon Bow
Details Acquisition/Cost
Level 1 Start the game.
Base Component.
Level 2 Upgrade:
- 5,000 Hacksilver
2 Soft Svartalfheim Steel
Increases arrow damage and makes new Talon Bow Skills available for purchase with XP:
  • Light Potency I
  • Shock Potency I
  • Atreus Power I
  • Dexterous Shot I
Level 3 Upgrade:
- 10,000 Hacksilver
2 Solid Svartalfheim Steel
Increases arrow damage and makes new Talon Bow Skills available for purchase with XP:
  • Explosive Power
  • Light Potency II
  • Shock Potency II
  • Shock Conduit
  • Atreus Power II
  • Dexterous Shot II
Level 4 Upgrade:
- 22,500 Hacksilver
5 Solid Svartalfheim Steel
Increases arrow damage and makes new Talon Bow Skills available for purchase with XP:
  • Light Potency III
  • Shock Potency III
  • Atreus Power III
  • Dexterous Shot III
Level 5 Upgrade:
- 45,000 Hacksilver
1 Hardened Svartalfheim Steel
Increases arrow damage and makes new Talon Bow Skills available for purchase with XP:
  • Pure Light
  • Power Overload
Level 6 Upgrade:
- 80,000 Hacksilver
3 Hardened Svartalfheim Steel
Increases arrow damage. Runic Summons fully recharge Atreus' quiver with Arrows.
Talon Quiver
Details Acquisition/Cost
Level 1 Start the game.
Base Component.
Level 2 Upgrade:
- 5,000 Hacksilver
Reduces the Talon Bow's arrow recharge time.
Level 3 Upgrade:
- 25,000 Hacksilver
Reduces the Talon Bow's arrow recharge time.
Level 4 Upgrade:
- 45,000 Hacksilver
Increases arrow capacity to 4.

Skills - Magic Combat[]

Weaken Potency
Details Acquisition/Cost
Weaken Potency Upgrade:
- 500 XP
- Acquire Light Arrows.
Light Arrows increase WEAKEN status effect on enemies.
Explosive Power Upgrade:
- 1500 XP
- Bow Level 3
- Weaken Potency
Light Arrows cause larger explosions.
Pure Light Upgrade:
- 3000 XP
- Bow Level 5.
- Explosive Power
Light Arrow Explosions inflict STUN damage on hit. Costs 3000 XP; Requires Bow Level 5.
Light Potency
Details Acquisition/Cost
Light Potency I Upgrade:
- 250 XP
- Bow Level 2
- Acquire Light Arrows.
Light Arrows inflict more STUN damage to enemies.
Light Potency II Upgrade:
- 1000 XP
- Bow Level 3
- Light Potency I
Light Arrows inflict a greater amount of STUN damage to enemies.
Light Potency III Upgrade:
- 2000 XP
- Bow Level 4
- Light Potency II
Light Arrows inflict a massive amount of STUN damage to enemies.
Shock Potency
Details Acquisition/Cost
Shock Potency I Upgrade:
- 250 XP
- Bow Level 2
- Acquire Shock Arrows.
Shock Arrows inflict more SHOCK damage to enemies.
Shock Potency II Upgrade:
- 1000 XP
- Bow Level 3
- Shock Potency I
Shock Arrows inflict a greater amount of SHOCK damage to enemies.
Shock Potency III Upgrade:
- 2000 XP
- Bow Level 4
- Shock Potency II
Shock Arrows inflict a massive amount of SHOCK damage to enemies.
Lasting Shock
Details Acquisition/Cost
Lasting Shock Upgrade:
- 500 XP
- Acquire Shock Arrows.
SHOCK duration increased.
Shock Conduit Upgrade:
- 1500 XP
- Bow Level 3
- Lasting Shock
SHOCK damage can now be chained between multiple enemies.
Power Overload Upgrade:
- 3000 XP
- Bow Level 5
- Shock Conduit
Shock Conduit can chain to a greater number of enemies.

Skills - Expert Combat[]

Base Skills
Details Acquisition/Cost
Teamwork Upgrade:
- 250 XP
- Start the game.
Atreus will help Kratos when enemies are in certain vulnerable states, or when Kratos is attacked.
Acrobatics Upgrade:
- 500 XP
- Start the game.
While Atreus is choking an enemy, he can perform a combo move if Kratos launches or hits the enemy far away.
Ferocity Upgrade:
- 250 XP
- Start the game.
Atreus can perform a variety of high STUN damage attacks when enemies are near.
Atreus Power
Details Acquisition/Cost
Atreus Power I Upgrade:
- 500 XP
- Bow Level 2
Increases arrow damage and melee damage.
Atreus Power II Upgrade:
- 1500 XP
- Bow Level 3
- Atreus Power I
Greatly increases arrow damage and melee damage.
Atreus Power III Upgrade:
- 3000 XP
- Bow Level 4
- Atreus Power II
Massively increases arrow damage and melee damage.
Dexterous Shot
Details Acquisition/Cost
Dexterous Shot I Upgrade:
- 500 XP
- Bow Level 2
Increases the Talon Bow's firing rate.
Dexterous Shot II Upgrade:
- 1500 XP
- Bow Level 3
- Dexterous Shot I
Greatly increases the Talon Bow's firing rate.
Dexterous Shot III Upgrade:
- 3000 XP
- Bow Level 4
- Dexterous Shot II
Massively increases the Talon Bow's firing rate.

In God of War Ragnarök[]

The bow returns, albeit with a drastically changed appearance, which now, at its lowest level, resembles a short bow made out of a bone-colored Yew. As it is upgraded, the bow would eventually retain its curvaceous and ornate appearance, though maintaining its color scheme.

Losing both the Light and Electric element, presumably because of the deteriorating effect of Fimbulwinter, Atreus would attain the ability to fire Sigil and Sonic arrows in their place.

Atreus' proficiency with the Talon Bow has improved quite greatly, as he can not only use it to pummel his opponents in close-quarters combat or harm his adversaries from a faraway distance, but he can also charge his shot to inflict stronger damage and use Bow Abilities, which act similarly to Runic Attacks. He also attained the ability to fire grappling shots, which he could use to help himself navigate vertically through difficult terrains, or have himself home towards an enemy from a distance to attack.

It should be noted however that the Talon bow is not the only Bow within Atreus' option. The Jötnar of Ironwood and the Asgardians each have their own gifts in store for him, including new bows with innate qualities different from his mother's heritage: the Jötnar Bow and the Aesir Bow.

In comparison to the other bows, the Talon bow fires regular arrows normally, one-by-one fashion. Through the Hunter's Insight passive ability, it promotes a superior Stun build up from melee attacks and non-runic shots.

Attacks[]

  • Nista: Similar to the last game, they are regular non-elemental arrow shots that can build up the enemies' stun meter. This type of shot becomes obsolete and unavailable after obtaining the Sonic Arrows, but can still be used when playing as Atreus.
  • Skjálfa: The sonic elemental arrow shots that implodes on objects infused with soundstone and on enemies too, inflicting extra damage and builds up the enemies' stun meter faster. Additionally, they can be used to put opponents in the air.
  • Auka: The sigil arrows that applies the hex status effect, allowing elements (i.e: fire and frost) to be propagated or amplified that causes a chain reaction.

Upgrades[]

Details
Level Hunter's Insight Acquisition/Cost
1 Increased Stun from Melee Attacks and bow shots.

Regular Arrows are fired normally.
Start the game.
2 Greatly increased Stun from Melee Attacks and bow shots.

Regular Arrows are fired normally.
Upgrade:
- 4 Ydalir Timber
3 Significantly increased Stun from Melee Attacks and bow shots.

Regular Arrows are fired normally.
Upgrade:
- 7 Ydalir Timber

Skills[]

Skills - Instinct
Skill Cost
Youthful Independence Unlocked from the Start.
Atreus can assist with Kratos’ combo, matching hit-for-hit while both are targeting the same foe.
Battlefield Awareness Unlocked from the Start.
Atreus watches for moments to follow up on Kratos’ attacks, extending his combo.
Strangle Hold 1 - 1000 XP
Atreus grabs enemies for longer and enhances powerful strikes caused by Kratos against his grabbed target.
Strangle Hold 2 - Strangle Hold 1
- 2000 XP
While grabbing an enemy, a PS4 Square occasionally appears above Atreus. If Pressed, he will jump off and fire a volley of arrows at the target.
Watchful Protector - 750 XP
Atreus draws enemy aggression when Kratos is under pressure.
Dive Into Battle - Play as Atreus for the 1st Time
- 500 XP
Press PS4 Triangle to grapple towards an enemy and strike them with force. Applies status damage of the currently equipped Runic Arrow. Highly effective at closing the gap to mobile enemies.
Soaring Eagle Eye - Play as Atreus for the 2nd Time
- 1000 XP
Slow time down by Pressing PS4 L2 after Launching an enemy into the air.
Deceptive Eagle Eye - Play as Atreus for the 2nd Time
- 1000 XP
Slow time down by Pressing PS4 L2 after a last-second evade.
Cunning Eagle Eye - Play as Atreus for the 2nd Time
- 1000 XP
Slow time down by Pressing PS4 L2 following a successful Parry (Press PS4 L1 right before getting hit).
Skills - Archery
Skill Cost
Sonic Potency - Play as Atreus for the 1st Time
- 500 XP
Sonic Explosions caused by Atreus have an increased area of effect.
Sonic Echoes - Sonic Potency
- 1000 XP
Attacking enemies afflicted with Atreus’ Sonic status creates bigger reverberations, applying Stun to nearby enemies.
Sonic Resonance - Sonic Echoes
- 2000 XP
Sonic Explosions caused by Atreus apply Sonic to nearby enemies.
Focus Shot - Play as Atreus for the 2nd Time
- 500 XP
Aim and Hold PS4 R1 for longer to charge up an even stronger arrow dealing increased damage and knockback. Headshots deal bonus damage.
Focus Volley - Focus Shot
- 1000 XP
Aim and Hold PS4 R2 for longer to shoot an even bigger barrage of Runic Arrows upon release.
Dexterous Shot - Play as Atreus for the 2nd Time
- 1000 XP
Repeated headshots deal additional damage.
Arrow Surplus - Play as Atreus for the 2nd Time
- 5000 XP
Atreus gains an additional Runic Arrow.
Hex Potency - Play as Atreus for the 3rd Time
- 500 XP
Hex explosions caused by Atreus’ Sigil Arrows have an increased area of effect.
Hex Debilitation - Hex Potency
- 1000 XP
Enemies Hexed by Atreus’ Sigil Arrows have less resistance to Stun.
Hex Reignition - Hex Debilitation
- 2000 XP
Elemental explosions from enemies Hexed by Atreus’ Sigil Arrows have a follow-up explosion.
Skills - Aggression
Skill Cost
Breaching Bash - Play as Atreus for the 1st Time
- 500 XP
While evading, Hold PS4 Left Stick forward and Press PS4 R1 to perform a shield bash dealing high stun.
Evasive Marksman - Play as Atreus for the 1st Time
- 500 XP
While evading, Hold PS4 Left Stick back and Press PS4 R1 to jump backwards and shoot a barrage of arrows.
Rushing Descent - Play as Atreus for the 1st Time
- 500 XP
While sprinting, Press PS4 R1 to perform a leaping attack.
Rushing Ascent - Play as Atreus for the 1st Time
- 500 XP
While sprinting, Press PS4 R2 for a heavy vertical attack that launches enemies.
Bludgeoning Strikes - Play as Atreus for the 1st Time
- 500 XP
Hold PS4 R1 to trip and strike an enemy. Continue Holding PS4 R1 to deal heavy Stun by extending the duration of the beatdown.
Imbued Assault - Play as Atreus for the 1st Time
- 500 XP
Hold PS4 R2 to swing the bow for a wide heavy attack. Applies status damage of the currently equipped Runic Arrow.
High Ground - Play as Atreus for the 1st Time
- 750 XP
A powerful Heavy Attack Finisher at the end of the Light Attack Combo. Press PS4 R1, PS4 R1, PS4 R1, PS4 R1, PS4 R2, PS4 R2, PS4 R2.
Archer’s Reversal - Play as Atreus for the 2nd Time
- 750 XP
Press PS4 R1 after a Parry (Press PS4 L1 right before getting hit) to quickly shoot and knockback enemies.
Warrior’s Reversal - Archer’s Reversal
- 1500 XP
Press PS4 R1 after a Parry (Press PS4 L1 right before getting hit) to launch enemies airborne.

Trivia[]

  • The Quiver upgrade only gives additional arrow bonus at the maximum level.
    • In the sequel, quiver charge is now dictated by a node in the ability tree instead of equipment upgrade.
  • Unlike other main weapons equipped by the main character in the series, the Talon bow is not an inherently magical weapon, but it eventually became one through enchantment and improvement.
  • During Atreus' burst of ego as a result of learning of his divine parentage, he will not shout the usual words when firing his magical arrows, often replacing them with "whatever".
  • Unlike Kratos' weapons, the Talon Bow's upgrade require no special material, instead costing a relatively huge sum of Hacksilver.
    • In God of War Ragnarok, however, the Talon Bow's upgrade now requires a special material called "Ýdalir Timber".
      • Ýdalir is the home of the Norse God Ullr, who was renowned for his mastery of the bow.
  • The words which Atreus shouts while firing the Talon Bow are Norse words:
    • "Nista" means to strike or to nail.
    • "Ljósta" in Old Norse means to strike or to hit.
    • "Þruma" is the Old Norse word for thunderclap.
    • "Skjálfa" translates to tremble.
    • "Auka" means increase.
  • When playing as Atreus, he would break or open chests with his bow; he began doing so after failing to emulate his father's feat of punching through one of them to loot.

Gallery[]

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