Summary
Many open-world games give players rich character-building options, letting them specialize in melee combat, wield magical powers, or play as rangers who rely on bows and arrows. Historically, the bow has been a highly effective weapon, requiring precision and skill, and this appeal has led many action open-world games to incorporate archery as a powerful combat option.
Using a bow in games is often highly satisfying, with many titles adding unique, powerful skills or customizable bows with various arrow types that enhance the excitement of archery. Taking down enemies from a distance can sometimes simplify intense combat encounters or give players an essential advantage against challenging bosses. Below are some of the best open-world games that not only feature a range of bows and arrows but also allow players to create specialized archer builds with nearly limitless damage potential.
Elden Ringis renowned for its incredibly deep itemization, featuring an expansive range of weapons, armor, talismans, and other gear to discover and master. With19 bows split into three types— Light bows, Classic bows, and Greatbows — alongside dozens of arrow types with varied damage effects and several ranged abilities,Elden Ringoffers exceptional options for crafting powerful archer builds.
Although manyElden Ringplayers view bows as relatively weak compared to the game’s array of potent melee or magical weapons, it’s entirely possible to complete the game and defeat every boss using a bow as the primary weapon, as demonstrated by dedicated players. While it may not be for everyone to go to such extremes,players shouldn’t overlook ranged weapons. A well-timed arrow can prove especially lethal against certain challenging enemies or bosses, giving players a strategic advantage in tough encounters.
Building on the groundwork laid byOriginsandOdyssey, which introduced multiple bow types to the series,Assassin’s Creed Valhallaincludes a variety of bows — Light, Predator, and Hunter — each with its strengths and weaknesses. Players can find,upgrade, and customize over 20 unique-looking bows, each equipped with a special perk that can provide an archer build with a valuable advantage in combat.
The game’s selection of bows allows for diverse ranged combat options, making it easy to eliminate quest-marked targets from a distance. Additionally, the Wolf Skill Tree offers various passive and active skills to further enhance character depth for players who favor archery. However, there are some drawbacks: arrows are limited in capacity, which can lead to running out during extended battles. The bows also tend to struggle against the game’s relentless melee-focused bosses, and key assassinations still require the hidden blade for confirmation.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimis celebrated for its flexible character-building options, and theStealth Archer build remainsa fan favorite for its sheer lethality. Delivering critical shots from stealth at long range often allows players to clear encounters before enemies even realize what’s happening, making this build especially powerful.
With a dedicated Archery skill tree, options to enhance Stealth, and a range of supportive spells — including the ability to charm animals as allies for added distraction —Skyrimoffers a variety of tools to craft a formidable archer. Add to that the satisfying, tactile feel of shooting a bow, and it’s easy to see why many players gravitate toward creating archer characters each playthrough.
Dragon’s Dogma 2builds on the robust combat system of the original, and the Archer class (known as Archer Vocation) sees some exciting updates. Players can start as an Archer, collecting up to 17 unique bows along the way, although all fall under a single bow type. For those wanting more specialized ranged abilities, anadvanced Magick Archer Vocationcan be unlocked, focusing on long-range combat with powerful magic attacks.
The game offers a rich variety of ranged and magical skills to experiment with, letting players find the perfect setup for their playstyle. Thanks to the unique Pawn system, players can form an entire squad of Archers, creating an unstoppable wave of arrows to overwhelm foes — a unique and exhilarating option rarely available for archery enthusiasts.
The bow has long been a favorite in theMonster Hunterseries, with many players adopting it as their go-to weapon. InMonster Hunter: World, the bow offers a great balance between raw damage and stun effects, allowing hunters to immobilize certain monsters and quickly deal high amounts of damage. The oversized bow design may take some getting used to, and players can also try light and heavy bowguns for a slightly varied ranged combat experience.
The game featuresfour in-depth bow upgrade paths— Independent, Bone, Ore, and Defender — enabling players to craft custom and powerful archer builds. However, positioning is crucial when wielding the bow inMonster Hunter: World, as the character becomes nearly immobile while aiming and charging attacks. Timing is key, as players might struggle to dodge the fast, heavy-hitting monsters if caught off guard during a charge, making precision and awareness essential for successful bow gameplay.
Horizon Forbidden Westtakes archery to new heights, building on everything that madeHorizon Zero Dawn’s bow combat great. Although both games are set in a post-apocalyptic future, Aloy’s primary hunting tools are herthree types of upgradable bows— Hunter, Warrior, and Sharpshot. Each bow can be equipped with elemental arrows, allowing players to strategically exploit the weaknesses of various mechanical creatures. For those favoring a stealth approach, weaker machines can even be taken down with a single, well-placed shot.
The game’s skill tree has also received significant upgrades, expanding archery-focused abilities and enhancing Aloy’s combat potential. A dedicated archer build (combining Hunter and Infiltrator skills) can become one of the most formidable setups, allowing players to rely almost exclusively on their bows. With thrilling encounters against giant machines like the Thunderjaw,Horizon Forbidden Westoffers an exhilarating, fluid combat experience that makes mastering archery both rewarding and endlessly fun.
InGhost of Tsushima, whileJin Sakai’s journey as a samuraiplaces primary focus on his katana, the game still offers surprisingly flexible archery options. Players can wield two types of bows — the Half Bow and Longbow — both of which can be customized and upgraded. Each bow can greatly benefit from ranged skills that unlock powerful effects like explosive or fire shots, allowing players to eliminate entire groups of Mongols with a well-aimed arrow. TheIki Islandexpansion has even added archery challenge side activities to test players' skills with the bow.
Certain armor sets further amplify Jin’s archery prowess, alongside a range of collectible Charms that enhance his ranged abilities. With these tools, players can shape Jin into a master archer, hunting enemies from a distance and using his katana only for close encounters or boss fights. The Longbow, in particular, offers a satisfying power, with heavy arrows that knock enemies off their feet, making it an exhilarating choice for dispatching unsuspecting foes from afar.
