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Longbow

The longbow is a tall, powerful bow standing roughly 5 to 6 feet in height, representing the pinnacle of medieval archery. This martial ranged weapon is the primary choice for serious archers, offering the longest range of any standard weapon in D&D 5e. The longbow's exceptional range (150/600 feet) allows archers to strike enemies from extreme distances, often eliminating threats before melee combat begins. Rangers, fighters, and rogues with martial proficiency favor this weapon.

At a Glance

Type
Weapon
Cost
50 gp
Weight
2 lbs
Martial Ranged WeaponAmmunition (range 150/600)HeavyTwo-Handed

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MechanicsCommon MistakesDM TipsFAQSources

Mechanics

Damage: 1d8 piercing. Ranged weapon attack using Dexterity modifier. Range: 150/600 feet (normal range 150 feet, long range with disadvantage up to 600 feet). This weapon requires two hands to use and ammunition to fire. Drawing ammunition is part of the attack action. The Heavy property means Small creatures have disadvantage on attack rolls with this weapon. The Ammunition property requires arrows, which cost 1 gp for 20 arrows.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Forgetting that Small creatures (halflings, gnomes) have disadvantage with Heavy weapons
Common Mistake
Not tracking ammunition (though most DMs don't enforce this strictly)
Common Mistake
Thinking you can use a longbow while holding something in your other hand (it requires two hands to use)
Common Mistake
Assuming you can make opportunity attacks with a longbow (opportunity attacks are melee only)
Common Mistake
Not realizing the longbow has the longest range of any standard weapon in the game

DM Tips

DM Tip
The longbow is the gold standard for optimized archer builds
DM Tip
Sharpshooter feat turns this weapon into a devastating damage dealer
DM Tip
The 150-foot normal range means no disadvantage on most combat encounters
DM Tip
Perfect for rangers, fighter archers, and ranged rogues
DM Tip
The 50 gp cost makes it a significant but achievable early purchase
DM Tip
Elves get longbow proficiency from their racial traits
DM Tip
Consider magical longbows as iconic rewards (+1 Longbow, Oathbow, etc.)
DM Tip
The weight of only 2 lbs makes it easy to carry despite requiring two hands to use

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading