Home/Items/Equipment & Weapons/Shortbow

Shortbow

The shortbow is a compact bow measuring 3 to 4 feet in length, designed for mobility and ease of use. As a simple ranged weapon, it's accessible to a much wider range of characters than the longbow, including rogues, monks, druids, and other classes without martial weapon proficiency. While it has shorter range and lower damage potential than the longbow, the shortbow's simple weapon classification and lack of the Heavy property make it the ranged weapon of choice for many adventurers.

At a Glance

Type
Weapon
Cost
25 gp
Weight
2 lbs
Simple Ranged WeaponAmmunition (range 80/320)Two-Handed

Jump to

MechanicsCommon MistakesDM TipsFAQSources

Mechanics

Damage: 1d6 piercing. Ranged weapon attack using Dexterity modifier. Range: 80/320 feet (normal range 80 feet, long range with disadvantage up to 320 feet). This weapon requires two hands to use and ammunition to fire. Drawing ammunition is part of the attack action. Unlike the longbow, the shortbow lacks the Heavy property, meaning Small creatures can use it effectively without disadvantage. Arrows cost 1 gp for 20.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Not realizing the shortbow is a simple weapon (rogues, druids, and monks are proficient)
Common Mistake
Thinking the shortbow has the same range as the longbow (it's 80/320, not 150/600)
Common Mistake
Forgetting that even Small creatures can use shortbows effectively (no Heavy property)
Common Mistake
Assuming the damage difference (1d6 vs 1d8) makes shortbows inferior for all builds
Common Mistake
Not considering that many classes lack longbow proficiency

DM Tips

DM Tip
Perfect ranged option for rogues who lack martial weapon proficiency
DM Tip
The 25 gp cost makes it half the price of a longbow and accessible at level 1
DM Tip
Excellent for Small race archers (halflings, gnomes) who would have disadvantage with longbows
DM Tip
The 1d6 damage is sufficient for Sneak Attack delivery - damage die matters less than hitting
DM Tip
Consider shortbows for NPC scouts, bandits, and tribal warriors
DM Tip
Monks can use shortbows effectively as a ranged option
DM Tip
The 80-foot range is sufficient for most dungeon and indoor encounters
DM Tip
Druids and other nature-themed characters often prefer shortbows thematically

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading