In Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), the Widowhail Crude Bow stands out as one of the most efficient and cost-effective weapons for a Ranger. Thanks to its relatively high drop rate and low RNG, acquiring a perfectly rolled Widowhail isn't just a dream—it's a real possibility. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned veteran, knowing how to obtain this bow and understanding how it works can significantly impact your gameplay. In this guide, we'll walk you through the different ways to get a Widowhail and how to maximize its potential to boost your damage output.

Why is Widowhail Crude Bow So Popular in PoE 2

Widowhail isn't just any ordinary bow. It holds an enviable position in the game as both an excellent leveling item and a powerful late-game weapon. For Rangers, it serves as a prime weapon choice early in the campaign due to its relatively low requirements, and it continues to be effective well into endgame content. The key to its strength lies in its unique modifier: "Increased bonuses gained from Equipped Quiver." This means that the Widowhail's effectiveness is determined by how powerful your quiver is, making it an ideal option for maximizing your character's damage output.

In terms of damage scaling, Widowhail works differently than other bows. Its damage stats are secondary to the bonus it provides from your quiver. This makes Widowhail an extremely versatile weapon, as it allows players to stack quiver bonuses more efficiently than most other bows in the game. Ideally, you'll want a Widowhail with at least 220% on its only modifier, which can provide a significant damage boost, especially when paired with a high-quality quiver.

How to Obtain Widowhail Crude Bow in PoE 2

There are three primary methods for acquiring the Widowhail Crude Bow in Path of Exile 2: random drops, using an Orb of Chance, and trading with other players. Each method has its pros and cons, so let's break down the most effective ways to secure this powerful weapon.

1. Random Drop from Enemies

Despite its desirability, Widowhail is a relatively common drop in PoE 2. You'll find it dropping from monsters level 25 and above, which means you have a chance to obtain it starting from Act 2 of the campaign. While it's not guaranteed that Widowhail will drop from every monster kill, the chances increase significantly as you progress through the game.

One thing to keep in mind is that while you cannot specifically increase the chances of Widowhail dropping, you can improve the overall item rarity. By equipping gear that boosts your "Increased rarity of items found," you can increase the likelihood of unique items dropping in general. Additionally, grinding higher-level areas, such as juiced Waystones in the endgame, can further improve the frequency of unique item drops, including Widowhail.

2. Using an Orb of Chance

Another method for obtaining Widowhail is through the use of an Orb of Chance on a white Crude Bow. While this method technically works, it's not the most efficient or reliable way to get your hands on the bow. The main issue with this approach is the relatively high failure rate. Orbs of Chance are better suited for gambling on high-tier items like Astramentis, Dream Fragments, or Headhunter, all of which are more difficult to obtain and offer greater rewards when using Orbs of Chance.

Moreover, due to Widowhail's frequent drop rate, it's often more cost-effective to acquire it through other means—namely, trading with other players. You also won't find many white Crude Bows on the POE2 trade market, as most players prefer using their Orbs of Chance on rarer, more valuable items.

3. Trading with Other Players

Trading with other players, particularly on the trade site, is arguably the most efficient method for acquiring a Widowhail Crude Bow. In both Softcore and Hardcore leagues, players often find Widowhails for sale at relatively affordable prices. This is because the bow has a high drop rate and isn't as rare or expensive as some other unique items in the game.

The key advantage here is that the trade site lets you buy a Widowhail with a specific roll that meets your needs, saving you the time and frustration of grinding for the perfect version. While prices can fluctuate depending on the current state of the market and the roll of the bow, Widowhail is generally available at a reasonable cost, especially when compared to more sought-after unique items in the game.

How Does Widowhail Work in PoE 2

The real strength of Widowhail lies in its unique modifier: "Increased bonuses gained from Equipped Quiver." This modifier boosts the damage output from your quiver by a factor of 1.5x to 2.5x, depending on the roll. Essentially, the better your quiver, the more powerful your Widowhail becomes. The idea is that Widowhail doesn't focus on its own stats but rather enhances the effectiveness of your quiver, which is a unique and effective scaling mechanic for Rangers.

Ideally, you want a Widowhail with a roll of at least 220% increased quiver bonuses. However, Widowhails with higher rolls—such as 240% to 248%—are not only more powerful but also much cheaper than those with the perfect 250% roll. While a perfectly rolled Widowhail with 250% increased quiver bonuses will be extremely expensive, it's often more practical and budget-friendly to settle for a slightly lower roll and save some of your PoE 2 Currency.

The benefit of this approach is that you can still achieve an incredibly high damage output without the massive cost of a perfectly rolled Widowhail. Players who are new to the game or those looking to optimize their Ranger builds on a budget will find that even a Widowhail with a 240% roll can significantly boost their damage without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Widowhail Crude Bow is one of the most cost-effective and versatile weapons available to Rangers in PoE 2. Whether you obtain it through random drops, Orb of Chance, or trading with other players, it remains one of the best weapons for maximizing quiver bonuses and scaling your damage output.

For players looking to get the most out of their Widowhail, aim for a bow with at least 220% increased quiver bonuses, though a 240%+ roll will give you near-perfect damage scaling for a fraction of the cost. By understanding how Widowhail works and using the best methods to acquire it, you can enhance your Ranger's power in PoE 2 and tackle even the toughest challenges the game has to offer. And with its relatively high drop rate, you'll be well on your way to acquiring a Widowhail without spending a fortune in PoE 2 Currency.

MMOexp POE 2 Team