Why you want a bow {#why}
A bow is your first reliable ranged weapon in RuneScape: Dragonwilds. It lets you hunt animals for meat and leather from a safe distance and soften up enemies before they reach you — a huge survivability boost in the early game.
Ash Shortbow (your first bow) {#ash-shortbow}
The Ash Shortbow is the entry-level bow and only needs basic gathered materials:
| Need | How to get it |
|---|---|
| Ash Wood | Chop ash trees with an axe |
| Plant Fibre / String | Harvest fibrous plants, craft into string |
| Crafting station | Craft at your workbench |
Gather the wood and fibre, open the workbench crafting menu, and select the Ash Shortbow. You’ll also want to craft arrows (wood + feathers) to actually fire it.
Crystal Bow (upgrade) {#crystal-bow}
Once you’ve progressed and unlocked better materials, the Crystal Bow is a strong upgrade with higher damage. It requires refined materials gathered from later regions plus a higher-tier crafting station. Save it for when you’ve out-grown the Ash Shortbow.
Tips {#tips}
- Always keep a stack of arrows crafted — running dry mid-fight is the most common mistake.
- Pair the bow with light armour early so you stay mobile while kiting enemies.
- Hunt deer with the bow for a steady supply of meat and leather (used for armour).
FAQ {#faq}
What’s the best early bow? The Ash Shortbow — cheap, craftable almost immediately.
Do I need a special station? The basic workbench covers the Ash Shortbow; higher-tier bows need upgraded stations.