Longbow +1
The Longbow +1 is an uncommon, lightly enchanted martial ranged weapon in Baldur's Gate 3. It requires two hands and provides a basic bonus to attack and damage rolls.
Key Takeaways
Straightforward +1 bow
Longbow +1 is an uncommon, two-handed martial ranged weapon that adds a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls rather than providing a unique passive.
Proficiency matters
Its weapon actions, including Brace and Hamstring Shot, require the wielder to have the relevant proficiency; these actions are available on a short-rest cadence.
Act 1 availability
It can appear in the inventories of Act 1 merchants such as Grat at the Goblin Camp, Roah Moonglow in the Shattered Sanctum, and Brem at the Zhentarim Hideout.
Useful early progression option
The bow offers a reliable numerical improvement over an equivalent non-enchanted longbow, but lacks the specialized effects that distinguish more unusual bows.
Merchant stock is variable
Merchant availability is not necessarily fixed: shop inventories can vary and may refresh after a long rest or character level-up.
Overview
Longbow +1 is an uncommon martial ranged weapon in Baldur's Gate 3: a straightforward early-game bow that improves ordinary attacks without adding a distinctive legendary effect.
Unlike a standard longbow, Longbow +1 carries a modest enchantment that improves its attack and damage rolls. Its main value is consistency rather than a specialized combat loop: it lets a proficient archer continue using the longbow weapon type while gaining a simple numerical upgrade.
The weapon requires two hands and occupies the practical, general-purpose end of the bow roster. Its ranged weapon actions, including Brace (Ranged) and Hamstring Shot, give proficient users more tactical options than a basic attack alone, although these actions do not make it a uniquely defining weapon.
Longbow +1 is best understood as an Act 1 progression item rather than a signature reward. It can appear in the inventories of several early merchants, making it a possible replacement for an ordinary longbow when a character needs a dependable upgrade before obtaining a bow with stronger passive effects.
That role also explains why it differs from more specialized alternatives. It offers no documented build-defining passive or unique identity beyond its enchantment, so its appeal is broad compatibility and immediate usefulness. Merchant stock can vary by playthrough, and the item is not restricted to a separate DLC or alternate game mode in the standard Baldur's Gate 3 context.
How to Obtain
- Reach the relevant Act 1 merchant and have enough currency to buy the bow when it is stocked.
- No DLC, New Game Plus, or special quest-completion requirement is established for these merchant routes.
- 01In Act 1, check the wares of Grat the Trader at the Goblin Camp or Roah Moonglow in the Shattered Sanctum. Purchase Longbow +1 if it appears in the merchant’s current inventory; neither listing is guaranteed in every playthrough.
- 02You can also check Brem at the Zhentarim Hideout in Act 1. Merchant stock may change after a long rest or level-up, so revisit these traders if the bow is not initially available. The item is a purchase, not a guaranteed quest or boss reward.
Availability
Requires Access to the relevant Act 1 merchant and martial weapon proficiency for full weapon use.
Reported merchant sources include Grat the Trader at the Goblin Camp, Roah Moonglow in the Shattered Sanctum, and Brem at the Zhentarim Hideout. Stock can vary by playthrough and may refresh after a long rest or character level-up.
Mechanics and Handling
Longbow +1 is a two-handed ranged weapon rather than a melee weapon. Its +1 enchantment improves both attack and damage rolls, so its main mechanical distinction is dependable baseline performance rather than a special damage rider or conditional passive. It remains dependent on the wielder’s ranged attack capability and the weapon’s martial proficiency. Characters without the required proficiency cannot use its weapon actions.
Weapon actions
The bow grants Brace (Ranged) and Hamstring Shot. Each is available once per Short Rest when used by a proficient wielder, giving the weapon utility beyond its ordinary attacks. These actions are its defining combat options; unlike more specialized named bows, Longbow +1 does not add a distinctive elemental effect, status buildup, or persistent passive that changes its basic attack pattern.
Practical handling
Its two-handed requirement prevents simultaneous use of an off-hand weapon or shield, so the bow suits characters committed to ranged attacks. The +1 bonus makes its ordinary shots more reliable than those of a non-enchanted longbow, but its handling remains that of a conventional longbow: its value comes from consistent ranged attacks and occasional weapon actions rather than a unique firing mechanic.
Strengths, Weaknesses and Best Uses
Strengths
- The +1 enchantment improves attack and damage rolls, making this a dependable upgrade over an unenchanted longbow for characters already using long-range weapon attacks.
- Its longbow weapon actions, including Brace (Ranged) and Hamstring Shot, give a proficient wielder situational control and attack support rather than only a basic attack.
- As a two-handed martial ranged weapon, it fits characters who can use longbows and do not need a shield or off-hand item.
Weaknesses
- It requires martial weapon proficiency; without proficiency, it is not a practical choice despite its enchantment bonus.
- The two-handed property prevents simultaneous shield or off-hand equipment, which can reduce its appeal for characters built around defensive or dual-wielding setups.
- It lacks the specialized passives and broader build interactions of more distinctive bows, so its opportunity cost rises as stronger named weapons become available.
Best uses
- An early-game ranged weapon for a proficient character who wants a reliable attack-and-damage bonus without depending on a unique passive.
- A temporary bow for archers while waiting for a weapon with a more relevant class, elemental, critical-hit, or item-set effect.
- Situations where Brace (Ranged) or Hamstring Shot can provide more value than a plain weapon attack, provided the wielder has the required proficiency.
Compared With Similar Weapons
| Weapon | Class and role | Distinguishing effect | Useful comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longbow +1 | Enchantment +1 to attack and damage rolls; no specialized passive identified here | Straightforward early-game upgrade for characters proficient with longbows | — |
| Longbow | Basic longbow without the Longbow +1 enchantment | Baseline for judging the numerical benefit of Longbow +1 | — |
| Titanstring Bow | Adds the wielder's Strength modifier to damage with ranged weapon attacks | More relevant to Strength-focused or mixed-stat ranged builds | — |
| Bow of the Banshee | Its special effect can inflict Frightened on a hit | Preferable when its control effect is more valuable than Longbow +1's straightforward attack and damage bonus | — |