Specialty Arrows
Below is a chart of specialty arrows I stole from this person on Reddit, who posted it 8 years ago. I don't think they're necessarily balanced, but they are fun!
Arrow Varieties and Prices of : r/DnDBehindTheScreen
I've also made some changes, and will add a column to indicate rarity.
Artisanal Arrows for the Discerning Archer
| Arrow (Quantity) | Effect | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Normal (20) | Normal | 1gp |
| Silvered (10) | Silvered | 20gp |
| Hammerheads (Blunts) (20) | Deals bludgeoning damage. Variant: these arrows do 1 die less damage (e.g. 1d6 instead of 1d8) but on a critical hit these arrows apply the stunned effect to the target until the start of your next turn. | 1gp Variant: 2gp5sp |
| Broadheads (20) | Deals slashing damage. Variant: these arrows do 1 die less damage (e.g. 1d6 instead of 1d8) but on a critical hit these arrows apply a bleeding effect. The target takes 1d4 slashing damage at the end of its next turn unless it uses its bonus action to hold its wound closed (must have a free hand). This effect ends if the target is healed or after 3 turns. | 1gp Variant: 2gp5sp |
| Corkscrews (20) | More effectively travels through water. As long as the arrow was fired from outside the water, ignores the ranged weapon attack underwater combat rules described on pg.198 of the PHB. | 3gp |
| Rope arrow (5) | A 25ft rope is attached to the end of this strengthened arrow. | 3gp |
| Fire Arrows (10) | Open "cage" with flammable material included. Must be ignited before fired to take effect. Deals 1d4 extra fire damage and ignites non-worn, non-carried flammable materials. | 3gp |
| Blinding arrows (5) | Arrows with a small clay head with an opening inside, containing a reactive chemical. On hit, the chemical releases a bright flash, blinding the target until the start of your next turn. Deals bludgeoning damage. | 3gp |
| Smoking arrows (5) | Arrows with a small clay head with an opening inside, containing a reactive chemical. On hit, the chemical releases smoke in a 10ft sphere, heavily obscuring vision in that area. The smoke lasts for 10 rounds, unless removed by a strong wind. Deals bludgeoning damage. | 3gp |
| Poisoncloud arrows (Magical) (5) | On hit, the arrow releases poisonous gas in a 10ft sphere, lightly obscuring vision in that area. The cloud lasts for 10 rounds, unless removed by a strong wind. Creatures take 1d4 poison damage on entering the cloud, or 1d4 poison damage on the start of their turn if they are in the cloud. | 50gp |
| Magefire arrows (Magical) (5) | Fire arrows that magically ignite once fired. Deals 1d6 extra fire damage and ignites non-worn, non-carried flammable materials. | 20gp |
| Explosive arrows (Magical) (5) | These arrows explode on hit. All creatures within a 10ft radius must make a 15DC dex saving throw or take 2d10 fire damage. Ignites non-worn, non-carried flammable materials. | 50gp |
| Ice arrows (Magical) (5) | These arrows are cold to the touch. On hit, the target takes 1d8 cold damage and must pass a 15DC con saving throw or suffer -10ft to their movement speed and have disadvantage on dex saving throws for 3 rounds (does not stack). | 50gp |
| Acid arrows (Magical) (5) | On hit, the target takes 1d8 acid damage and must pass a 15DC con saving throw or suffer -2 to their AC and have disadvantage of con saving throws for 3 rounds (does not stack). | 50gp |
| Thunderclap arrows (Magical) (5) | These arrows release a thunderous explosion on hit. All creatures within a 10ft radius must make a 15DC con saving throw or take 2d8 thunder damage, are pushed back 5ft and fall prone. Loose objects are automatically pushed 5ft away. | 50gp |
| Lightning arrows (Magical) (5) | These arrows cast a streak of lightning in their wake. Any creatures within 5ft of a line between you and your target (including your target, but not yourself) must make a DC15 dex saving throw or take 1d8 lightning damage. | 50gp |
| Mindpiercers (Magical) (5) | On hit, the target takes 1d8 psychic damage and must pass an int saving throw or has disadvantage on intelligence and wisdom saving throws for 3 rounds. | 50gp |
| Holy arrows (Magical) (5) | These arrows shine with a holy brilliance. On hit, deals 1d8 radiant damage. An evil-aligned target must pass a DC15 wis saving throw or be frightened of the attacker for 10 rounds or until the line of sight is broken. | 50gp |
| Unholy arrows (Magical) (5) | These arrows reek of unholy corruption. On hit, deals 1d8 necrotic damage. A good-aligned target must pass a DC15 wis saving throw or be frightened of the attacker for 10 rounds or until the line of sight is broken. | 50gp |
NOTE: Any of the arrows listed may be +1, +2, +3 or arrows of slaying, as described in the DMG. These increase their value. Any of the magical arrows may also be silvered (+100gp) or use a head variant (blunt, broad, corkscrew)