Can the crossbow penetrate through metal?

Crossbows can penetrate metal, but their effectiveness depends on several factors, including the type of metal, its thickness, and the crossbow's draw weight and bolt design. A high-powered crossbow with specially designed bolts may penetrate thinner or softer metals, but thicker or harder metals, like steel, are typically resistant to penetration. Generally, crossbows are more effective against softer materials or unarmored targets rather than metal.