Kenshi is the kind of game where players can be who they want to be, and the options are endless. They can be merchants, thieves, or fighters; there is always the armor and the weapons for it. Despite a large number of available weapons, those that fit in the ranged category aren't really the most popular types in this open-world game.

However, ranged weapons have the potential to be particularly powerful when used correctly and when the right one is found. Luckily, there are seven different options to choose from. This can make it a challenging decision, but still offers the freedom players of Kenshi desire. While there are a fair few options, some are undeniably better than others.

7 Junkbow

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Aptly named the Junkbow, this crossbow isn't particularly great in the damage category. It's the weakest of the bunch, and would only really be good for beginners or someone recently trying out ranged weapons, despite the skill requirement. It will not take players very far through the game and is therefore not worth getting attached to.

If players do find themselves creating the Junkbow, then they can expect it to deal some below-average damage and take quite a while to reload which can be frustrating in fast-paced fights. Nevertheless, it has a good range and will help if players want to use a ranged weapon.

6 Toothpick

The Toothpick feels like a tiny upgrade from the Junkbow, and is well worth skipping if it's possible. It offers a minuscule amount of extra damage and has a quicker reload time, but just still doesn't seem to hold up when compared to any other ranged weapon, or even most melee weapons.

It's a useful bow to have if it's the only one available, and will still fell certain enemies. However, if players get this after the Junkbow, then it's likely they will feel just as disappointed as they did when they got their original ranged weapon.

5 Oldworld Bow MkII

Although it's the MkII version of the Oldworld, this weapon is just not really worth upgrading to. It's got the same range as the MkI and has a much slower reload time to it which can often prove to be fatal in a quicker battle. The last thing Kenshi players want to be doing when an enemy is coming toward them or their home is reloading for eight seconds.

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The damage itself is good, and it can shoot at a long distance. However, this feels like the only real positive when compared to a plethora of negatives. After all, it's all well and good shooting one powerful arrow at an enemy from far away, but if that doesn't fell it quick enough, then there's no point. It's like an ineffective sniper.

4 Oldworld Bow MkI

Instantly, Kenshi's Oldworld Bow MkI looks deadlier and more enjoyable to use than the likes of Junkbow and Toothpick. Alongside the awesome design, this weapon is powerful, inflicts a decent amount of bleed on the enemy, and can hold its own through most early to mid-game battles.

The damage itself is relatively high, and the range is fantastic. This allows many players to look past the rather slow reload time that encompasses the Oldworld Bow MkI. It may be slow, but if used correctly, this can be a powerful weapon.

3 Ranger

The Ranger almost looks like a cross between a shotgun and a crossbow. Not only does it have an interesting design, it's also a great beginner weapon that can still pack enough of a punch to bring players through a fair chunk of the game. This is primarily due to the consistent damage, the lower skill requirement, and the shorter reload time.

While this does seem like it was made as an introduction to the Crossbow style of fighting, this weapon is still great for anyone wanting to hit often and hit hard. It's a perfect mid-ranged crossbow and is worth grabbing if possible.

2 Spring Bat

The Spring bat feels a bit like it was what the Oldworld Bow MkII was meant to be. It's a hard-hitting weapon with a slow reload, which almost forces the player to hope it takes down the enemy in one hit. With the amount of damage the Spring Bat can do, that seems like much more likely than with others of the same category.

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It's got great damage, a rather slow reload speed, and a relatively decent range. The negatives can easily be worked around, and the positives will typically work well in the players' favor. They won't usually need to worry about not being able to take down the enemy.

1 Eagle's Cross

When it comes to damage, no other ranged weapon can beat this one. The Eagle's Cross is undeniably the best-ranged weapon available for characters in the world of Kenshi. It's deadly, has an incredibly long range, and can make players feel almost like they're holding a gun instead of a crossbow.

The reload time is relatively long, which can be a problem for players who prefer a quicker fight. However, with the amount of damage and considering how accurate this weapon really is, it's hard to argue that this is anything but a fanatic ranged weapon.

Kenshi is out now on PC.

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