Raiding bases in DayZ has never been easier—or quieter—than with a crossbow. While traditional firearms offer speed, the crossbow provides a stealthy, cost-effective alternative that can make base raiding nearly undetectable. Here’s how I used just 19 crossbow bolts to dismantle a clan’s wooden base.
Finding the Right Tools
The crossbow is a common find at hunting locations, making it relatively easy to acquire. Beyond availability, it’s also incredibly durable, capable of firing over 1,000 shots before becoming unusable. That durability eliminates the need for constant repairs, ensuring you can focus on gathering bolts and planning your raid.
Ammo Options: Metal vs. Improvised Bolts
Breaking a wooden wall requires only 19 metal crossbow bolts, but if you’re unable to find enough, crafting improvised bolts is a simple solution. With just a stick and a knife, you can create bolts that deal the same amount of damage—125 points per hit. The main downside? Improvised bolts break faster, requiring about 40 of them to complete the job compared to 19 metal bolts.
Crossbow Efficiency
With each shot dealing 125 damage, the crossbow is surprisingly effective for raiding. It only takes:
224 shots to destroy a wooden wall panel.
Another 224 shots to destroy the frame.
While this process isn’t as fast as using weapons like the LAR, it is completely silent, making it ideal for stealthy operations. In my case, it took 12 minutes of shooting to destroy the wall panel and another 9 minutes to finish off the frame.
The Tactical Edge
The true strength of the crossbow lies in its silence and cost-effectiveness. Unlike firearms, the crossbow doesn’t attract unwanted attention, and crafting bolts requires minimal resources. Imagine the efficiency if you and your teammates all used crossbows—raiding bases quietly and efficiently, without needing expensive weapons or ammo.
Final Thoughts
The crossbow is an underrated tool for base raiding in DayZ. Whether you’re a solo player or part of a group, this stealthy weapon offers a unique way to dismantle bases with minimal risk. Give it a try, and you may never go back to noisy firearms for raiding again.
For more game-changing DayZ tips and strategies, stay tuned!