Curse

Mylon · Oct 13, 2006, 01:18 PM // 13:18

Can someone please explain the differences between ranger bows? I have some vague idea (Flatbows are faster but shorter range than longbows? Short bows are faster attack speed?), but I really don't know the details. I would be grateful if someone would explain the differences to me so I could start playing ranger builds with at least some effectiveness by knowing what bow to choose for what build.

SparhawkJC · Oct 13, 2006, 01:21 PM // 13:21

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/content...ies-id1092.php
enjoy.

Mylon · Oct 13, 2006, 01:35 PM // 13:35

Major thanks.

Sir Mad · Oct 13, 2006, 01:35 PM // 13:35

Shortbow: Short range. Mediocre accuracy, but it's compensated by the fact you're, because of its range, close to the target (so you probably have the same accuracy than a recurve bow at max range of both bows). Fastest refire rate (with flat bows). With a vamp string, it's perfect when ennemies are close and you're ok hp-wise. It can also be used to interupt, provided the target is at range.

Recurve (composite) bow (and dead bow): Medium range. This bow has the best accuracy. It's perfect for interupting, or even as a default bow if you dont like the inconvenients of the hornbows and don't need to stay miles away from your target to stay alive. Basically, for a comon use (not interupting), if for you accuracy > damage, go for this bow - otherwise, go for a hornbow.

Hornbow (and shadow bow, ivory bow): Medium range. It has the slowest refire rate, and a poor accuracy. However its strengh lays in the 10% armor penetration of this bow. On a side-note, AP don't stack, so if you add a sundering string, you won't have 30% AP but 20% at most.

Long bow (and stormbow, platinium bow): Long range. Slower refire rate than a flatbow, but better accuracy. Same comment than for recurve and horn bows. If for you accuracy > (potential) damage, then pick a long bow. Otherwise go for a flat bow.

Flat bow: Long range. Very poor accuracy. Fast refire rate. The inacuracy of the flat bow can be compensated by a preparation like read the wind, or a spirit such as favorable winds. Mobs in PvE wont try to dodge your arrows so it's not a big deal. However keep in mind if you target a grasp rushing upon you in the tombs, you will most likely miss with a flatbow (even with FW), while you may hit it with a longbow.

SnipiousMax · Oct 13, 2006, 01:36 PM // 13:36

I would also look at the bow class article on Guild Wiki.

SparhawkJC · Oct 13, 2006, 03:17 PM // 15:17

just a note, Ivory Bows are hornbow class not recurve.

Sir Mad · Oct 13, 2006, 05:25 PM // 17:25

Oops my bad - I had dead bows in mind. Fixed.

Paul_Bunyan · Oct 13, 2006, 11:24 PM // 23:24

I'm really confused when I see Storm Bows classified as Long Bows...My Long Bow has a noticeably longer range in any situation...Storm Bows seem slightly less, like at 80' maybe, I don't know. All I know is that My Long Bows DEFINITELY have longer range than my Storms, in any situation.

SnipiousMax · Oct 14, 2006, 01:30 AM // 01:30

Stormbows are longbows. They have the same range, and yes I've tested them myself. Sure it isn't an Eternal bow?

Wild Karrde · Nov 08, 2006, 10:37 PM // 22:37

I have read that storm bows get more critical hits than other bows.... is this true??

Sir Mad · Nov 08, 2006, 10:46 PM // 22:46

2 letters: no.

Critical hits depends on the difference of level between you and the opponent and the number of attribute points you spent in the weapon attribute. There is no such a thing as a bow doing more critical hit than other bows.

chris_nin00 · Nov 09, 2006, 01:53 AM // 01:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir Mad

*Compilation of Bow Types and Attributes*

Instead of using the word accurate (cause in reality, all the bows have the same chance of hitting a non-moving object), you should replace it with flight time.

I would never use a bow with very low accuracy

. Flatbow happens to be my favorite bow.

However, I do get the concept you're getting at. Forgive me, I haven't played guild wars for so long, and took the words literally. Please don't whip me.

-Loki- · Nov 09, 2006, 02:01 AM // 02:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris_nin00

Instead of using the word accurate (cause in reality, all the bows have the same chance of hitting a non-moving object), you should replace it with flight time.

I would never use a bow with very low accuracy

. Flatbow happens to be my favorite bow.

Flight time and flight arc translate to accuracy with bows. Hitting someone is automatic, you always will, unless one of three things happen - they have a defensive buff that allows them to dodge/evade/block, you get blinded/blurred, or they move. Enemy movement and bow fire arc and flight time is what you base accuracy on. A flatbow, with it's immense fire arc and slow flight time, is going to miss a foe moving at all. Read the Wind and Favorable Winds help, but overall, a flatbow is horrible if you want to reliably hit a foe.

chris_nin00 · Nov 09, 2006, 02:08 AM // 02:08

But still, using the word accuracy, instead of the terms you gave(flight time and flight arc), was very misleading for me, since 'normal' people don't normally associate those two terms.

As stated before, I do get the concept. I would know.

Lord Thud · Nov 09, 2006, 10:58 AM // 10:58

How do you tell what category they fall in for things like a Composite Short Bow (which I have)?

Thom Bangalter · Nov 09, 2006, 11:29 AM // 11:29

Go to the isle of the nameless, go up to master of bows, and check the range. If it hits the recurve bow target it's a recurve bow, if it doesn't reach it's definetly a shortbow.

jjdefan · Nov 09, 2006, 11:50 AM // 11:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir Mad

Shortbow:Recurve (composite) bow (and dead bow): Medium range. This bow has the best accuracy. It's perfect for interupting, or even as a default bow if you dont like the inconvenients of the hornbows and don't need to stay miles away from your target to stay alive. Basically, for a comon use (not interupting), if for you accuracy > damage, go for this bow - otherwise, go for a hornbow.

Sir Mad, don't you contradict yourself in this statement? You start by saying this bow is perfect for interrupting and then in the next sentance say it is a common use bow (not interrupting). Your first statement is actually correct though. It has a flight time of .5 sec, which does make it a very good bow for interrupting. You could also through in the Eternal Bow, which has the same refire rate, rang and flight time. Happy Hunting

Emik · Nov 09, 2006, 01:25 PM // 13:25

Not really.
He says that this bow is ideal for interrupting coz of it's great accuracy.
He also says that for a common use, given that you prefer accuracy above damage, you should go for this one
He just wrote (not interrupting) to emphasize the 'common' use.

PS... don't you mean 'throw' instead of 'through'?
Lol, ignore that last. Just nitpicking here, I'm a forum troll

Sir Mad · Nov 09, 2006, 02:55 PM // 14:55

^

Yes that's exactly what I meant.

Concerning the "accuracy" of the bows, Loki perfectly explained it. Yes I can understand the word "accurate" may be confusing. Indeed, it only applies to moving foes. You won't miss foes standing at the same place even with a bow with a high arc (flatbows). Shorter arcs make your bow more accurate for moving foes. I think i'll still keep using this word however since it's also the wording used by the bows guy in the Isle of the Nameless I believe.

EDIT - Indeed I didn't include the eternal bow and probably many others - I wrote this list quickly; users willing to learn more about bow types can check the "Bow" article of guildwiki where all the bows of the game are listed by category.

ClarkeDodd · Nov 21, 2006, 04:56 PM // 16:56

on the subject of bows..... i would like to see a bow gallery , containing new bow skins, is there one about