Best Bows Baldur's Gate

The best bows in Baldur's Gate 1 are the Composite Longbow +1 and Longbow of Marksmanship: Dead Shot. The Composite Longbow +1 is better than Dead Shot because dmg +1 is greater than THAC0 +1 (since bows are wielded by THAC0 Lords already). But yeah, only +1 dmg separates them so obviously LBoM is top-tier, too.

CLB and LBoM are usually wielded by Fighter BG1 due to their THAC0 BG1, ApR BG1 and Weapon Proficiency. However, Rangers and Paladins can fire them just fine, as well.

cf. Archer BG2.

Composite Longbow +1

Composite Longbow +1 Stats

The stats for the Composite Longbow +1 are THAC0 +2, +3 piercing, Speed Factor: 6.

THAC0: +2
Damage: +3
Weight: 9
Speed Factor: 6
Weapon Proficiency BG1: Bow Weapons
Type: 2-handed
Not Usable By: Druid, Cleric, Mage, Thief, Bard

Composite Longbow +1 Item Code

The item code for the Composite Longbow +1 is BOW02.

Composite Longbow +1 Location

As early as Chapter 1, the Composite Longbow +1 can be purchased from the barkeep in Feldepost's Inn in the town of Beregost.

Composite Longbow Lore

Composite bows are long bows or short bows whose staves are made from more than one type of material. This gives greater flexibility, and thus better range. These were developed after the normal long bow.

Longbow of Marksmanship: Dead Shot

Longbow of Marksmanship Stats

The stats for the Longbow of Marksmanship are THAC0 +3, +2 piercing, Speed Factor: 5.

THAC0: +3
Damage: +2
Weight: 2
Speed Factor: 5
Proficiency Type: Bow Weapons
Type: 2-handed
Not Usable By: Druid, Cleric, Mage, Thief

Longbow of Marksmanship Item Code

The item code for the Longbow of Marksmanship is BOW07.

Longbow of Marksmanship Location

The Longbow of Marksmanship is found on the corpse of Hakt in Tazok's Tent of the Bandit Camp in Chapter 3.

Longbow of Marksmanship Lore

Driven by years of rivalry, the Dukes of Spandeliyon and Delthuntle decided to organize a private contest that would proclaim the better archer between them. Both boasted the power of their magical bows, but that wasn't enough for Edwall Dest, Duke of Spandeliyon. He arranged for the theft of his opponent's bow, and on the day of the contest he couldn't help gloat in his advantage. The Duke of Delthuntle, known only as Raymond, demanded a demonstration of Edwall's skill on a scarecrow that he had placed. Edwall Dest drew his longbow and released the arrow with determination, not stopping to think how uncannily the target resembled himself. The missile split the large voodoo doll's head in twain, and at that moment Edwall's head did much the same.

Archery is supreme in BG1 due to ApR BG1 and ammo.

At the end of the day both longbows are going to be wielded in six-person parties, along with the Eagle Bow (BOW08, +2 THAC0, +2 dmg), which is not as good as the longbows, but can at least be wielded by Thieves and part-Thieves.

CLB is also better than the Heavy Crossbow of Accuracy: The Guide because HCoA is itemized late-game, dmg +1/ApR +1 is greater than three points more of THAC0 (unless wielded by the clumsy), and arrow ammo is better than bolt ammo.

Baldur's Gate Items	Baldur's Gate Best Weapons	Composite Longbow +1 BG1
Dagger of Venom BG1	Ashideena BG1	Light Crossbow of Speed BG1
Drizzt Scimitars BG1	Sword of Balduran BG1	Heavy Crossbow of Accuracy BG1
World's Edge BG1	Spider's Bane BG1	Varscona BG1

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