The Fastest Bow in Horizon Zero Dawn: A Comprehensive Guide

The quest for the perfect weapon is central to the experience of Horizon Zero Dawn, and for many players, the bow is the weapon of choice. When it comes to speed, the Hunter Bow stands out as the fastest option among the available bows in the game. Its rapid firing rate allows Aloy to quickly unleash a volley of arrows, making it ideal for engaging agile enemies and applying elemental effects efficiently. However, while the Hunter Bow may be the fastest bow in the game, it’s important to consider all of your options when making your choice. Let’s dive into the nuances of bow mechanics and explore related aspects to help you decide the best bow for each situation.

Understanding Bow Types and Attributes

Before we delve deeper into the specifics of the fastest bow, it’s crucial to understand the different bow types available in Horizon Zero Dawn, each with its own distinct strengths and weaknesses.

Hunter Bows: The Speedsters

As mentioned, Hunter Bows are primarily designed for rapid firing. While they don’t boast the highest damage per arrow, their speed and versatility make them incredibly useful. They excel in applying elemental damage through Fire Arrows and offer a good balance between damage and speed.

Sharpshot Bows: Precision and Power

Sharpshot Bows prioritize accuracy and high damage output, making them the go-to choice for long-range engagements and taking down heavily armored machines. They tend to have a slower firing rate compared to Hunter Bows, but their ability to deliver powerful hits, particularly with Hardpoint Arrows, is undeniable.

War Bows: A Unique Approach

War Bows offer a unique function by delivering elemental damage with rapid shots, often using shocking arrows to temporarily stun and control machines. Their utility is different from other bows, and while not the fastest, they can be a game changer when used appropriately.

The Fastest Bow: Hunter Bow in Detail

So, to reiterate, the Hunter Bow takes the title for speed in Horizon Zero Dawn. Its primary strength is its rapid rate of fire, which allows Aloy to quickly unleash a barrage of arrows at her target. The standard Hunter Bow is capable of using Hunter Arrows as well as Fire Arrows to deal damage, making it versatile in combat.

Speed vs. Damage

While the Hunter Bow shines with its speed, it’s crucial to acknowledge that it is not the most damaging bow. When compared to Sharpshot Bows, it has a lower base damage output. This means players need to consider their overall playstyle and combat preferences when deciding between bow types. The Hunter Bow is excellent for quick, opportunistic shots and for exploiting elemental weaknesses, but it might not be the best option when taking down a heavily armored machine that requires high per-shot damage.

Variants of the Hunter Bow

The game also offers various variants of the Hunter Bow, including Shadow, Banuk, and Adept versions. These upgraded versions offer enhanced damage, handling, and additional modification slots to further customize their performance. The Shadow Hunter Bow is often considered the best standard hunter bow because of its increased overall stats, while the Banuk Hunter Bow offers even better damage, but at the cost of slower draw speed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To help you better understand the bows in Horizon Zero Dawn, we’ve gathered some commonly asked questions.

1. What is the best standard bow in Horizon Zero Dawn?

According to most players, the Shadow Hunter Bow is the best standard bow you can acquire. It combines a good balance of speed, damage, and elemental capabilities.

2. What are the different types of arrows available?

The most common types of arrows are Hunter Arrows, Hardpoint Arrows, Fire Arrows, and Shock Arrows. There are also tear arrows for removing machine parts. The use of these arrows depends on the bow being used and the enemies you are facing.

3. Is the Banuk Hunter Bow the best Hunter Bow?

The Banuk Hunter Bow offers superior base damage attributes. However, it can be slower to fire, making it less suited for a rapid-fire playstyle.

4. Which bow deals the most damage per shot?

The Banuk Powershot Bow is widely considered to deal the most damage per shot. This Sharpshot Bow offers amazing long-range power.

5. What is the best way to obtain powerful bows?

You can obtain powerful bows by purchasing them from merchants, often those located in Meridian. Arena Medals are also used to acquire the best legendary weapons.

6. Are Bluegleam bows worth it?

Bluegleam bows deal more damage when fully drawn, making them good for patient, strategic shots. Original bows, however, perform better with quick, non-full draw shots. They are both viable options depending on your preference.

7. What is the best armor to pair with a bow-focused playstyle?

While not specifically a bow-related armor, the Shield-Weaver armor is a popular choice. It grants Aloy a force field that absorbs damage.

8. Can you upgrade the spear in Horizon Zero Dawn?

Yes, Aloy’s spear can be upgraded after completing the “In Her Mother’s Footsteps” quest, increasing its damage and other attributes.

9. Where can you find the Tearblaster?

The Tearblaster is a somewhat hidden weapon received as a reward for completing the “Hunter’s Blind” side quest.

10. What is the most powerful weapon in the game?

The Improved Stormslinger, found in the Frozen Wilds expansion, is arguably the most powerful weapon in terms of raw damage.

11. Is it better to use the Lodge or Banuk versions of weapons?

Lodge weapons are better for a quick-firing playstyle because of a faster draw rate. Banuk weapons have a slower draw rate but are more powerful.

12. What are the modification slots used for?

Modification slots can be used to add modifications that enhance your weapon’s handling, damage, or other attributes.

13. Are all bows capable of using all types of arrows?

No, different bows have restrictions on what types of arrows they can fire. Usually, hunter bows are more flexible in the range of arrows they can use, while sharpshot bows often have arrows with more specific uses.

14. How important are elemental weaknesses?

Exploiting elemental weaknesses is crucial in Horizon Zero Dawn. Using the correct arrows like Fire Arrows on fire-vulnerable machines can exponentially boost your damage.

15. Is there a “secret” or hidden armor in Horizon Zero Dawn?

While the Shield-Weaver armor is sometimes considered “hidden,” the most powerful armor can be found and purchased from special merchants or rewarded from specific side quests. For example, the Oseram Artificer armor is obtained by completing salvage quests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Hunter Bow stands out as the fastest bow in Horizon Zero Dawn, the “best” bow ultimately depends on individual playstyle and specific combat situations. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each bow type is crucial for success. Whether you prioritize rapid firing speed with a Hunter Bow or heavy hits with a Sharpshot Bow, the choices are diverse and rewarding to explore. Happy hunting!