Players who love Baldur’s Gate will delight in Baldur’s Gate 3 for its more modern approach to a game extremely close to Dungeons & Dragons. This time around, players of this Baldur’s Gate title are in a race against time as they try to find a cure against their illithid tadpole or risk becoming a mind flayer during their assault on Faerun.

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Thankfully, players of Baldur’s Gate 3 have trusty companions to rely on as they build a formidable party against this threat. And for players who want to dominate ranged play, here's which ranged weapons are the best in Baldur's Gate 3.

Updated on April 16, 2024, by Rhenn Taguiam: With Baldur’s Gate 3 making waves yet again in 2024 after winning Game of the Year at the 2024 BAFTA Awards, fans and newcomers to the acclaimed RPG may be interested in giving it a shot and enter the world of the Forgotten Realms. While some of the characters players create can wield powerful magic, others may want to specialize in taking out foes from afar. In this regard, players who plan on saving the Forgotten Realms at a distance should utilize the right ranged weapons, and this list is here to help guide them. This version has also been updated to feature new ranged weapons, with some recommendations including a weapon built precisely to target its creator’s feared rivals, a means to fight ferocious monsters, as well as long-ranged weapons capable of imbuing themselves with special effects.

22 Blightbringer

A Slowing Weapon With A Specific Purpose

Created by the Goblin shaman Kirruk Redrats to fight their sworn enemies among the Dwarves and Gnomes, the Blightbringer is built specifically to kill the aforementioned creatures among the enemy ranks. Sold by Entharl Danthelon in Wyrm’s Crossing, long-ranged combatants who wield this Bow can get +1d4 Attack and Damage when fighting Gnomes and Dwarves (Blightbringer). Not only that, landing a Critical Hit will also Slow down the target (Prey Decelerator), making this extremely potent at the hands of builds that specialize on scoring crits.

At first glance, Blightbringer may not be a long-ranged fighter’s immediate choice for a bow in their Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay. However, players may want to skip prioritizing the bonus damage against Dwarves and Gnomes and instead utilize the Slow-on-crit bonus of the weapon. Being able to rake in as much Attack Roll bonuses as possible to consistently Slow foes on crits can debilitate the enemy’s advance.

21 Gandrel’s Aspiration

Fight Back Against Monstrosities

Most weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3 often come with unique flavor text, with Gandrel’s Aspiration boasting perhaps one of the game's more interesting stories to read. It’s said that when Gandrel witnessed the horrible burning of a vampire spawn, it ushered in a desire to ensure such a creature wouldn’t harm others again. This resulted in an Uncommon Heavy Crossbow capable of eliminating monsters, with its wielders getting Advantage against Monstrosity-type creatures (Feller of Monsters) as well as improved odds of ranged attacks inflicting Turn Undead for a single turn once every Short Rest (Sacred Munitions).

Acquired after defeating Gandrel in Sunlit Wetlands, this Heavy Crossbow can serve as the perfect weapon for players who want to fight larger creatures - something that's very useful in the endgame portion of the RPG. Its Sacred Munitions, capable of Turning the Undead, could be enough to fight the more horrifying enemies of the RPG later down the line.

20 Crossbow Of Arcane Force

Guarantee Extra Force Damage For That Extra Punch

When it comes to choosing a weapon in Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay, the more valuable choices often come in the form of armaments that dish out as much damage as possible. This simple principle makes the Crossbow of Arcane Force quite a viable choice for long-ranged combatants, as its shots guarantee +1d4 Force Damage (Arcane Ammunition).

Its Uncommon nature makes the weapon a convenient find for players, especially when they can acquire it early on when Raider G’r’ath drops it in Creche Y’llek. Equipping this weapon to either Lae’zel or the token long-ranged party member can give players some much-needed base firepower against most threats in the game.

19 Vicious Shortbow

Extra Damage On Crit Makes For A Decent DPS Bonus

Should players become an Unholy Assassin upon visiting the Murder Tribunal, their Baldur’s Gate 3 experience can take them to the Vicious Shortbow. Acquired via purchase from Echo of Abazigal, the Vicious Shortbow at first resembles a traditional Shortbow with a +2 Enchantment, essentially dishing 1d6+2 Piercing against foes. However, where the weapon shines is with its additional effect.

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When players land a Critical Hit with the Vicious Shortbow, the Dolor Amarus effect activates and adds +7 Damage to the Critical Hit. While the damage number seems negligible compared to the Critical Hit’s 16 Damage, the new 23 Piercing Damage total may be enough to eliminate a pesky opponent.

18 The Long Arm Of The Gur

Extra Damage To Undead Incentivizes Smites

Long-ranged combatants who want to be undead slayers in their Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough should consider acquiring The Long Arm of the Gur from Security Vault 3 of the Counting House. Described as the weapon owned by a hunter whose traumatizing encounter with a public vampire burning as a child motivated his career, the Rare Heavy Crossbow may convince even a melee-specializing Paladin to opt for a long-ranged build.

The weapon’s +2 Enchantment boosts its overall damage to 1d10+2 Piercing, with Piercing Shot and Brace as additional Weapon Actions. However, where the weapon shines is with its Revenant Scourge, an effect that adds a +1d4 Bonus to both Attack and Damage Rolls when fighting undead creatures - monster types that are abundant in the game and equally suitable for further boosts via Smites.

17 Bow Of The Banshee (1d6+1 Piercing)

Damage On Frighten With Frighten Attempts Hinders Enemy Advance

When players travel to the Grymforge for the first time, their boat journey may be interrupted by Corsair Greymon, the owner of the Bow of the Banshee. Should he not make it to the Grymforge, the wielder of the Bow of the Banshee can enjoy at least 1d6+1 Piercing Damage, making the weapon a named variant of the Shortbow.

However, the Rare Shortbow excels whenever players hit an opponent with attacks. Thanks to Blood-Curdling Emission, hits will always attempt to Frighten opponents, boosting both Attack Rolls and Damage Rolls against them with a +1d4.

16 Hellrider Longbow (1d8+1 Piercing)

First-Move, Fairy Fire Advantage Enhance Ranged Specialists

In the world of the Forgotten Realms, Hellriders were city guards of the mighty Elturel that rivaled the most powerful armies at the time, with the Hellrider Longbow an example of acute marksmanship in the bygone era. When players purchase this weapon from Rivington’s Ferg Drogher in their Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough, they get access to an Uncommon Longbow that can deal 1d8+1 Piercing Damage.

While the weapon gives the traditional slate of Longbow Weapon Actions such as Hamstring Shot and Brace, its additional effects can make the weapon a worthwhile addition to a ranged combatant’s arsenal. Its Fiendish Fire ensures that creatures hit with the weapon may be affected by Faerie Fire at no cost. Meanwhile, Heightened Awareness guarantees +3 Initiative Rolls and Advantage of Perception Checks, allowing a character to outmaneuver foes in dangerous situations.

15 Harold (1d10+1 Piercing)

Auto-Bane Checks Can Debilitate Enemy Performance Constantly

When players meet the elusive Zhentarim in their Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough, they have the opportunity to work for Zarys and obtain Harold. This seemingly unimposing Rare Heavy Crossbow deals a measly 1d10+1 Piercing Damage, giving players access to Piercing Shot and Brace that is common for the weapon type.

However, the weapon shines once it’s used to hit an opponent. Should Harold strike true, the opponent hit must succeed a CHA Save or suffer Bane for two turns, effectively penalizing their Attack Rolls and Saves with -1d4. The fact that this effect can happen whenever Harold attacks can debilitate its target’s combat performance, making this a valuable addition to a ranged specialist’s arsenal.

14 Firestoker

Burning Damage Encourages Explosive Plays

Where there’s a crossbow, there’s likely a way to set bolts on fire for maximum damage. And this is exactly what the Firestoker does. This Uncommon Crossbow can be found in the Grymforge and has an effective range of 18 meters. As with other Hand Crossbows, this relies on loading ammunition, as well as being dippable ammo. It has Piercing Shot that can open Gaping Wounds to targets in order to make them more vulnerable. In turn, this weapon is ideal for long-ranged Baldur’s Gate 3 builds.

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Moreover, it has Mobile Shot that allows players to attack while moving, making it a handy way of practical repositioning in combat. What perhaps makes Firestoker shine is its Burned Alive feature, wherein each of its attacks deals 1d4 Piercing Damage to Burning opponents. This incentivizes builds focusing on burning opponents first

13 Githyanki Crossbow

Extra Psychic Damage At Half HP Encourages Risky Plays

With the Githyanki essentially coming from another dimension, it makes sense for their depiction in Baldur’s Gate 3 to have them as a rather alien species. This is reflected in their weapons, as the Githyanki Crossbow seems ordinary by Dungeons & Dragons standards but it has a unique appearance nonetheless. Said to be fashioned of metal not native to Faerun, players can only acquire this by fighting Gityhanki Raiders.

Skills-wise, the Githyanki Crossbow also has Brace (Ranged) that allows players to have an Advantage on Damage Rolls while stationary. Moreover, its Piercing Shot also lets players turn enemies vulnerable with Gaping Wounds. However, what’s more interesting is its Psychic Vengeance feature, essentially the equivalent of a melee-based Baldur’s Gate 3 Cantrip that allows players to deal 1d4 Psychic damage on attacks with this weapon if they have 50 percent or less HP.

12 Sharran Crossbow

More Potent Heavy Crossbow Fit For Any Ranged Plays

Sometimes, the mark of a masterclass weapon lies not in a complicated design but rather in a sleek one, and such is the case with Sharran Crossbow. This weapon in Baldur’s Gate 3 looks like an ordinary crossbow, with the symbol of the god Shar engraved on the handle. Being an Uncommon Item, this crossbow is rather easy to find similar to items from games such as Dungeons & Dragons. Players can find this item hidden in a chest behind the rothes in Grymforge, though more locations may be revealed once Baldur’s Gate 3 gets out of early access.

Disguised as “Light Crossbow +1,” players need to pass a check in order for this item’s true name to be revealed. This weapon also comes with the Piercing Shot, capable of weakening foes with Gaping Wounds. Despite its rather mundane nature, the 1d8+1 Piercing and the nifty Piercing Shot make the Sharran Crossbow a must-have for anyone who wants a consistent ranged build.

11 Titanstring Bow (1d8+1 Piercing)

Fighters Get A Chance To Shine In Ranged Battles

Should players complete “Find the Missing Shipment” for the Zhentarim or encounter Lann Tarv in Moonrise Towers, characters of Baldur’s Gate 3 can get the Titanstring Bow. This Rare Longbow is said to contain proof that archers aren’t always thin and lithe fighters, but rather warriors strong enough to pull a bowstring far back at such a pace and strength that their arrows hit with ferocity.

On top of the Longbow’s Hamstring Shot and Brace Weapon Actions, its 1d8+1 Piercing Damage is further modified by its Titan Weapon effect. With this ability, players now add their STR Modifier to the Titanstring Bow’s Damage Rolls, incentivizing the use of this weapon by Fighters and other melee-oriented Classes.

10 Spellthief

Spell Slot On Crit Can Encourage Sniper Mage Plays

Players consider the Arcane Archer as one of the more popular spellslinging Fighter Subclasses in Dungeons & Dragons, and the Spellthief bow allows Baldur’s Gate 3 players to have a similar experience. This weapon, which is originally possessed by Auntie Ethel in the Riverside Teahouse, resembles a typical bow with a yellow magical sheen.

This bow has Brace (Ranged), allowing players to gain Advantage on Damage Rolls while staying immobile - making it a nifty alternative to other Baldur’s Gate 3 Feats. Not to mention, Hamstring Shot may be able to help players slow enemies down to disable any chances of them regrouping. What’s perhaps most intriguing about this bow is the Arcana Vehemence feature, essentially allowing players to regain a Level 1 Spell Slot with a Critical Hit with this weapon once every Short Rest. This weapon becomes an ideal companion for Spellcasters who want to stay safe in the backline.

9 Ne’er Misser

Short Rest Magic Missile Enhances Martial Fighter’s Arsenal

For a weapon sold by Roah Moonglow in Moonrise Towers, the Ne’er Misser can enhance a Baldur’s Gate 3 character’s ranged arsenal more than other weapons they can simply obtain. At first glance, the Rare Hand Crossbow deals 1d6+1 Force Damage, unlike its traditional Hand Crossbow counterparts.

While the weapon still possesses the Piercing Shot and Mobile Shot Weapon Actions, the armament earns its name for its additional effect. When equipped, the Ne’er Misser gives players access to a one-time Magic Missile as a 3rd-Level Spell, which they can use once per Short Rest.

8 Hellfire Hand Crossbow

Hellstalker, Scorching Ray Facilitate Thematic Fire, Sneaky Plays

Should players defeat Yurgir in the Gauntlet of Shar, the Hellfire Hand Crossbow can provide a ranged combatant with one of the deadliest Hand Crossbows in Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay. On top of traditional Weapon Actions such as Piercing Shot and Mobile Shot, the weapon hides its special effect beneath its seemingly typical 1d6+2 Piercing Damage.

However, Hellfire Hand Crossbow users have additional combat prowess courtesy of two effects. First, players can use Scorching Ray as a 3rd-Level Spell once per Short Rest, giving them an emergency Spell to cast against numerous foes. Lastly, the Hellstalker ability can inflict Burning when attacking while Invisible of Hiding, emphasizing sneaky Rogue plays.

7 The Dead Shot

Boosts For Guaranteed Hits Are Great For Ranged Players

When players encounter Fytz the Firecracker in the Lower City’s Stormshore Armoury, they can purchase one of the most potent long-ranged weapons in the game: The Dead Shot. Once owned by the archer Frederik Durlusk, this Very Rare Longbow deals 1d8+2 Piercing Damage alongside the Hamstring Shot and Brace Weapon Actions.

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Interestingly enough, the Dead Shot lives true to its name with its special properties. Thanks to Improved Critical, players using this weapon only need 1 less to score a Critical Hit, which can stack with other similar effects. Meanwhile, Keen Attack ensures players can use double the Proficiency Bonus when rolling for Ranged Attacks unless they have Disadvantage, greatly boosting the probability of attacks scoring guaranteed hits as the weapon’s name specifies.

6 Giantbreaker

Attack Roll Penalty To Foes Can Turn The Tide In Combat

A lot of the most precious Magic Items in Dungeons & Dragons have associations with legends, particularly when heroes of old used them to defeat ancient evils. In Baldur’s Gate 3, such an item is the Giantbreaker. Classified as a Rare Magic Weapon, players can find this through the Merchant Brem in the Zhentarim Hideout, but only after helping them find the missing equipment. According to the item, this crossbow was used to defeat various hill giants.

When used, the Giantbreaker gives players new to Baldur’s Gate 3 access to Piercing Shot that can easily leave opponents vulnerable with Gaping Wounds. Not only that, Brace (Ranged) allows players to gain an Advantage on their Damage Rolls while not being able to move. Perhaps more impressively, the Heavy Hitter feature means the Giantbreaker’s attacks have a chance of causing enemies to go Reeling, making them have -1 Attack Roll penalties.

5 The Joltshooter

Lightning Charges For Extra Damage Encourages Lightning Plays

Serving as one of many mythical items in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Joltshooter seems to be the favored weapon of legendary Yree the Sparkstruck, a deep gnome who left the Underdark for adventuring. This sleek-looking bow is known for its tendency to have arcs of lightning surrounding it, reflecting its nature as a Rare Magic Weapon. Players can acquire this weapon as one of the rewards in the “Rescue the Grand Duke” Quest, and its appearance may have Baldur’s Gate 3 release more NPCs wielding such an item.

With this weapon, players can do Brace (Ranged), where they gain Advantage on Damage Rolls while remaining stationary. Meanwhile, this weapon also lets them do the Hamstring Shot, which essentially shoots foes that can reduce their speed up to 50 percent to avoid pesky escapes. Lastly, its Electric Blood feature gives players two Lightning Charges whenever dealing damage to this weapon, enabling them to use the Joltshooter in conjunction with other items with effects that cost Lightning Charges.

4 Shar’s Spear Of Evening

Sneak Plays With Blind Immunity Fit For Rogue Builds

One of the most interesting qualities of Spears in Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay is their versatility, transforming them into one-handed or two-handed weapons and efficient throwing or ranged weapons. Such is the case of Shar’s Spear of Evening, a story-locked item acquired after completing Shadowheart’s personal quest should she choose to kill Nightsong.

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Upon acquisition of Shar’s Spear of Evening, Shadowheart or its user can tap into its full slate of dark abilities. Aside from its +2 Weapon Enchantment that augments traditional Rush Attack and Maiming Strike Weapon Actions, its user also gets Blind Immunity as well as Shar’s Blessing. The latter gives the spear users Advantage on Saves when Lightly or Heavily Obscured, while the weapon also deals +1d6 to Lightly or Heavily Obscured creatures.

3 Orphic Hammer

Spell Resistance Can Deal With Mages Quickly

Despite the Orphic Hammer being a Warhammer, its nature as a throwing weapon makes it one of the more unique ranged armaments in a player’s Baldur’s Gate 3 experience. The weapon is rather tricky to acquire, as players can get it by either making a deal with Raphael or stealing it from the House of Hope.

However, getting this Legendary Weapon does make it easier for players to eliminate pesky enemies like mages. Aside from its +3 Weapon Enchantment, its Spell Resistance also gives players Advantage on Saves against Spells. It also has a unique Unshackling Strike and traditional Weapon Action such as Weakening Strike, Concussive Smash, and Backbreaker.