Ballistae are misc structures that act as an automated defense. A ballista can hold 40 missiles of the same type, which will be depleted one at a time as it fires. By default, a ballista will shoot at any creature in an arc (±45 degrees) within a 28 meters range in front of it, including player characters and tamed animals. Care should be taken when loading the ballista, as it will begin shooting after the first missile is loaded if you are standing within the firing arc.
Targeting can be overridden by using trophies. The ballista will target and shoot only enemies corresponding to the trophy which is used. Only one trophy can be active at once, and it is not consumed, allowing for a single trophy to be used on any number of ballistae. Default targeting can be applied by using the same trophy again, or by dismantling and rebuilding the ballista.
Considering their hostility to friendlies, such as other players and tames, in default targeting mode, caution and placement location is highly advised. Building structures which can be opened and closed, such as wooden doors or wooden gates, in front of the ballista to block their field of vision ensures safe passing when needed.
Ballistae have a slow and inaccurate aim, but quick shooting speed. Building traps to immobilize fast-moving enemies in the ballista's range increase their effectiveness greatly. For bigger and/or slower enemies, the ballista might need higher elevation to be effective, especially against flying creatures.
Due to its universal target range, ballistae can be used to train blocking skills. However, ballistae cannot be parried, so using tower shields in combination with wooden missiles due to lower damage is recommended. They can also serve as protection against other players in multiplayer servers, while still being mindful of the ballista targeting its owner.
