Shortbow vs Longbow in RuneScape: An Archer’s Dilemma? Not Really.
You’re diving into RuneScape archery. You have a bow in hand. You face the classic question: “Should I choose a shortbow or a longbow?” It’s like deciding between a speedy hummingbird and a chill eagle. They both fly, but one is definitely faster.
Let’s be clear. Is one bow categorically better? Not exactly. It depends on your play style and goals. Yet, you’re looking for clarity, not ambiguous advice. Let’s break down these bows like a frog in biology class—minus the formaldehyde.
Shortbows vs. Longbows: The Nitty-Gritty Differences
Imagine: shortbows are fast, longbows are slow and steady. Here’s the simple comparison:
- Attack Speed: Shortbows fire arrows faster than middle school gossip. “Shortbows attack faster but have a shorter range compared to longbows.” Profound stuff, right?
- Attack Range: Longbows have a longer range. Picture picking off goblins from far away. “Longbows have longer range but slower speed.” A trade-off classic in weaponry.
The Pantheon of RuneScape Bows: Best in Show
With the basics down, let’s explore the best bows that leave others with envy.
Best Bows for Ranged Supremacy in OSRS
Looking for the top bow for ranged quests in Old School RuneScape? Here’s what you need, aspiring archer.
- Best Short Bow: The Magic Shortbow. This bow isn’t just good; it’s magic-ally good. Why? “The magic shortbow is one of the most powerful ranged weapons for mid-level players.” Its fast speed and ability to use rune and amethyst arrows makes it a Slayer task’s doom in a good way.
- Best Longbow: The Yew Longbow. Stronger than the maple longbow, it’s reliable. “The yew longbow can use arrows up to rune.” A dependable workhorse of the longbow family.
- Highest DPS Bow: The Twisted Bow. Get ready for high damage. “The Twisted Bow is one of the most powerful Ranged weapons in OSRS.” It’s “the best in slot Ranged weapon due to its damage.” Want facial explosions (digitally)? This bow delivers.
- Best Ranged Weapon Overall: The Seren Godbow. For top accuracy and power, this bow tops the charts. “The highest hitting ranged weapon, aside from those in Daemonheim, is the Seren godbow.” Avoiding dungeons? This is number one.
- Best Archery, Period: Bow of Faerdhinen. With +128 ranged attack bonus, it’s like bringing a cannon to a knife fight. “Best Ranged weapons Ranged level Ranged weapon Bonus 80 Bow of Faerdhinen +128 ranged attack bonus.” Yes, it’s the highest for attack and strength in OSRS.
Magic Shortbow vs. Longbow: A Head-to-Head
Let’s compare: Magic Shortbow versus Longbow. What’s the verdict?
- Magic Shortbow vs. Longbow Differences: Speed versus range, but with magic flair. The magic shortbow wins speed, while the longbow, even magical, has its longer reach and slower pace. “What is the difference between a magic shortbow and a longbow?” Speed and reach—simple.
Shortbow vs. Shieldbow: The Defensive Archer’s Choice?
Enter the shieldbow, the awkward family member. It’s like a refined shortbow that lacks punch.
- Shortbow vs. Shieldbow: Shieldbows prioritize defense over damage. “Compared to shortbows, they offer lower damage but an extended range of 8 and defensive perks.” Lower damage, longer range, plus defense. Great for cautious archers.
Shortbows and Longbows in Other Games
The shortbow and longbow debate isn’t just RuneScape’s issue. It spans multiple games!
- Veilguard: Shortbow Speed Focus. In Veilguard, shortbows deliver rapid-fire arrows. “Unlike the Longbow, a Shortbow is built for quick shots against enemies.” Speed reigns royalty in that archer kingdom.
- Icewind Dale: Longbow Accuracy & Power. In Icewind Dale’s cold climes, longbows shine with precision. “What’s the difference between Shortbow and Longbow in Icewind Dale? Longbows hit harder and more accurately, but are slower, heavier, and pricier.” Accuracy, power, and deep pockets needed for longbows.
Training with Bows: Leveling Your Ranged Skills
Want to level your ranged skill? Here’s how to train efficiently.
- Best Bow for Ranged Training: Shortbows are your go-to for training. “Shortbows are the preferred weapon for free players. They fire quicker and deal more damage than equivalent shieldbows while maintaining accuracy.” Fast firing plus decent damage equals training success.
Crafting Your Arsenal: Bow Fletching 101
Feeling crafty? Let’s discuss creating your own bows.
Longbow Crafting: From Logs to Launchers
- Making a Basic Longbow: Level 10 Fletching opens longbow crafting. “How to make a longbow in OSRS? Cut logs with a knife to create a longbow (u), earning 10 experience, then attach a bowstring for another 10 experience.” Knife + Logs + Bowstring = Longbow; it’s simple!
- Crafting a Magic Longbow: For the magically adept, level 85 Fletching allows crafting magic longbows. “Players make a magic longbow with 85 Fletching by cutting magic logs into an unstrung magic longbow, getting 91.5 experience. String it for another 91.5 experience.” Magic logs = magic longbow arrival.
Shortbow Fletching: Short, Sweet, and to the Point
- Fletching a Shortbow: Similar to longbows but simpler. “To fletch a Shortbow, use a knife on wood to create a short bow.” Then, attach a bowstring to complete it. Knife + Log + Bowstring = Shortbow. Direct and effective like the bow itself.
Beyond Bows: Other Ranged Weaponry
RuneScape has more than bows. A full range of ranged weapons awaits exploration.
- Ranged Weapon Variety: From crossbows to darts, there’s a weapon for every need. “What Ranged weapons should I use in RuneScape? Dual-wielded Name Reqs Accuracy (Tier) Blightbound crossbow and off-hand 92 2577 (92) Ascension crossbow and off-hand 90 2458 (90) Primal crossbow Mk. 5 99 2458 (90) Elite Death Lotus dart 88 92 2343 (88).” A wealth of crossbows, darts, and more available.
- Upgrading from Rune Crossbow: The Dragon Crossbow. When your rune crossbow feels ordinary, upgrade to the dragon crossbow. “What’s after a rune crossbow? The dragon crossbow is stronger than the rune crossbow.” Because dragons always mean better, right?
Ammunition Matters: Arrows for Your Arsenal
A bow without arrows is just a fancy stick. Let’s examine arrow specifics.
- Magic Shortbow Arrow Options: Rune and Amethyst. These arrows make the magic shortbow shine. “What arrows can the magic shortbow use?”
- The magic shortbow is a strong ranged weapon for mid-level players. It has a fast attack speed and can fire rune and amethyst arrows. This makes it effective for completing Slayer tasks.” Rune and amethyst arrows complement the magic shortbow.
Free-to-Play Bow Power: Keeping it F2P Friendly
Is RuneScape free? Shortbows are your ally.
- Best Non-Member Bow: Shortbow. For free players, the shortbow is the best for ranged training and combat. “What is the best non-member bow in RuneScape? The shortbow is preferred for free players.” It is free, effective, and easy to find – the ideal F2P archer’s choice.
Gameplay Mechanics Revisited: Speed vs. Range, Again
Let’s recap the core difference once more for clarity.
- Shortbow vs. Longbow Mechanics: It’s about trade-offs. “Is the shortbow better than the longbow in OSRS? Shortbows attack quickly but have a shorter range than longbows. Longbows have longer range but attack slower.” Speed versus range – the classic archery discussion.
Armor Up: Protecting Your Ranged Ranger
Don’t forget to dress for success! Armor matters, even for ranged fighters.
- Best Ranged Armor: Dragonhide. It’s popular, effective, and stylish in a pixelated fashion. “What is the best armor for range in RuneScape? Dragonhide armor is recommended for ranging.” Dragonhide is the go-to armor for ranged fighters.
So, should you choose the shortbow or the longbow? Now you have knowledge to make a decision. Or just pick whichever looks cooler. Either way, happy shooting!
