The Heavy Crossbow is a two-handed crossbow-type rangedweapon which fires a group of short-ranged bolts. The secondary ability, Reload, replenishes its entire ammo supply and inflicts critical damage in the next primary attack.
Each volley consists of five rounds for full damage. Therefore, when launched with insufficient ammunition, it will only inflict partial damage.
Before firing, the heavy crossbow launches a small hook that pulls an enemy towards you, rooting them for a short time in the process.
If the enemy was attacking upon being grappled, the hook interrupts the attack until after the bolts are launched.
The Reload ability refills the entire supply of ammunition, regardless of how much ammo was left previously, and also makes the next shot from the main attack deal critical damage, the value of which is simply double of its primary attack.
Kill Rhythm can be used to speed up Reload and general attack speed.
Ice ArmorRotG or Foresight can be used to prevent taking damage while reloading.
Notes
There is a short "soft interrupt" effect to the Hook skill (temporarily suspends enemy attack charging). This should prevent immediate enemy attacks after hooking.
Due to the nature of the way this weapon deals critical damage, it is impossible to reach the critical DPS displayed for this weapon, as consecutive critical hits cannot be fired.