Unveiling the Apex Predator of Archery: The Strongest Bow in Breath of the Wild

The answer to which bow reigns supreme in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW) isn’t as straightforward as one might think. It largely depends on how you define “strongest.” If we’re solely considering raw, unmodified damage output, the Royal Guard’s Bow takes the crown. However, other bows offer unique advantages, such as durability, special effects, and ease of acquisition, making them contenders for the title in different scenarios. Let’s dive deep into the contenders and crown a champion.

The Contenders: A Deep Dive into BotW’s Archery Arsenal

Before declaring a victor, we need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the key players in BotW’s archery scene. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most powerful and versatile bows Link can wield:

• Royal Guard’s Bow: As mentioned, this bow boasts the highest base damage among unmodified bows. Found exclusively within the confines of Hyrule Castle, it’s a risky but rewarding acquisition for players preparing to face Calamity Ganon. However, its Achilles’ heel is its incredibly low durability. It’s a glass cannon – powerful, but prone to shattering after just a few uses.

• Savage Lynel Bow: These bows are dropped by the fearsome Lynels, and they’re a consistent source of multi-shot mayhem. They shoot multiple arrows simultaneously (usually three or five), drastically increasing damage output and hit probability. While their individual arrow damage may not match the Royal Guard’s Bow, the sheer volume of arrows fired makes them devastating against heavily armored enemies and large bosses.

• Ancient Bow: Crafted at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, this bow is a masterpiece of Sheikah technology. It boasts high durability, accurate shots, and increased arrow velocity. Most importantly, it doesn’t degrade as quickly as other bows, making it a reliable choice for extended adventures. While its raw damage output may not be the absolute highest, its consistency and durability make it a worthy contender.

• Twilight Bow: A special bow obtainable through the Super Smash Bros. Series Link amiibo, it fires Light Arrows that travel in a straight line and possess incredible range. However, the amiibo requirement and the rarity of the bow through amiibo usage make it less accessible than other options. This weapon will only become available after you have liberated at least one Divine Beast.

• Great Eagle Bow: This bow has a rapid fire rate and can be obtained after completing the Vah Medoh Divine Beast Main Quest. Revali’s signature weapon is built with exceptional craftsmanship, offering a swift draw and incredible accuracy, perfect for taking down enemies at a distance.

Deciding the Victor: A Matter of Perspective

So, which bow is truly the “strongest”? Here’s a breakdown of why each bow might be considered the best, depending on the criteria:

• Highest Raw Damage (Single Shot): Royal Guard’s Bow. If you need to deal the most damage with a single, perfectly aimed shot, this is your go-to weapon. Just be prepared for its fragility.

• Highest Damage Output (Overall): Savage Lynel Bow. The ability to fire multiple arrows simultaneously overwhelms even the toughest enemies, making it the most effective bow for sustained damage dealing.

• Best Durability: Ancient Bow. For players who prioritize longevity and reliability, the Ancient Bow is the clear winner. It will last much longer than most other options.

• Best for Long-Range Accuracy: Twilight Bow. If you value range and accuracy, then this is your bow due to the use of Light Arrows that travel in a straight line.

• Best Rapid Fire Rate: Great Eagle Bow. The go to choice if you are looking for a bow that focuses on speed and accuracy.

The Verdict

Ultimately, there isn’t a single “best” bow in BotW. The strongest bow is the one that best suits your playstyle and current situation. For all-out damage, the Savage Lynel Bow is the overall winner due to its high damage output and ease of use. However, other bows have different qualities that make them essential tools in Link’s arsenal. Experiment with different bows, fuse them with powerful materials, and discover your own perfect archery setup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bows in Breath of the Wild

1. Can bows break in Breath of the Wild?

Yes, all bows in Breath of the Wild have durability and will eventually break after repeated use. The only exception to this rule is the Master Sword, which technically doesn’t break but needs to recharge after prolonged usage.

2. Is there a way to repair bows in BotW?

Yes, you can “repair” bows (and other weapons and shields) using Rock Octoroks. By allowing the Octorok to inhale and then exhale your weapon, it will repair the item and even potentially add a buff. However, the weapon being spit back out still has a chance to have reduced damage.

3. What is the best way to farm Savage Lynel Bows?

The most reliable way to farm Savage Lynel Bows is to repeatedly defeat Lynels. The higher the level of Lynel (e.g., Silver or Golden Lynel in Master Mode), the more likely they are to drop the more powerful five-shot version of the Savage Lynel Bow.

4. Where can I find Royal Guard’s Bows?

Royal Guard’s Bows are exclusively found within Hyrule Castle. They can be looted from chests or dropped by enemies within the castle.

5. What are the benefits of using Ancient Arrows?

Ancient Arrows, crafted at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, deal massive damage to most enemies. However, they instantly kill regular enemies and prevent them from dropping any materials, which can be a downside if you’re farming resources.

6. How do I get the Twilight Bow?

The Twilight Bow is obtained through the Super Smash Bros. Series Link amiibo. Scanning the amiibo gives you a chance to receive the bow, but it’s not a guaranteed drop.

7. Can I upgrade bows at Great Fairy Fountains?

No, you cannot upgrade bows using Great Fairy Fountains like you can with armor. Bows can only be enhanced through the use of materials and fusion in Tears of the Kingdom.

8. What is the most durable shield in Breath of the Wild?

The Hylian Shield is the most durable shield in the game. While it can break, it has an extremely high durability rating and can be re-obtained if lost.

9. How does the Demon King Bow work?

The Demon King Bow from Tears of the Kingdom scales with the amount of hearts that you have, and can reach 60 attack power with 20 hearts.

10. What affects arrow range in Breath of the Wild?

Factors that influence the range of a bow shot in Breath of the Wild include the type of bow, the type of arrow, and the angle of the shot.

11. Are there any bows that shoot faster than others?

Yes, some bows, like the Great Eagle Bow, have a faster draw speed than others, allowing you to fire arrows more quickly. This can be advantageous in situations where speed is crucial.

12. Can I fuse items to bows in Breath of the Wild?

Yes, in Tears of the Kingdom, you can fuse items to bows, altering their properties and attack power.

13. What is the effect of using Bomb Arrows?

Bomb Arrows create an explosion upon impact, dealing area-of-effect damage. They are effective against groups of enemies and can also be used to destroy certain obstacles.

14. Are there any elemental bows in Breath of the Wild?

No, there are no bows that inherently possess elemental properties. However, you can use elemental arrows (Fire, Ice, Shock) to inflict elemental effects on your targets.

15. Does weather affect bow accuracy?

Yes, weather conditions like rain can negatively affect your aim and arrow trajectory. Adjust your shots accordingly when dealing with inclement weather.

The world of BotW is a vast, interconnected network of systems that intertwine to provide an incredible gaming experience. Just like BotW, the real world has amazing systems that when connected to the world of gaming, can enhance the learning experience. Explore more about how Games Learning Society is developing learning through gaming at GamesLearningSociety.org.