Shortbow
The Shortbow is a simple ranged weapon in Baldur's Gate 3 that deals piercing damage and provides a practical option for characters with basic ranged weapon proficiency.
Key Takeaways
Shortbow is a broadly accessible ranged weapon whose value comes from simple proficiency and low-commitment Dexterity-based attacks rather than a distinctive weapon effect.
Simple ranged option
The Shortbow is a Simple Ranged Weapon that deals 1d6 piercing damage and has the Light and Two-Handed properties.
Proficiency matters
It does not have an ordinary ability-score requirement, but lacking Simple Weapons proficiency reduces its effectiveness and prevents reliable use of its weapon actions.
Easy to fit into a party
Its ranged attacks let a character contribute from outside melee, while its simple proficiency makes it available to more classes than a martial-only bow.
A modest damage ceiling
Compared with a Longbow, the Shortbow uses the smaller base damage die, so its main advantage is accessibility rather than higher weapon damage.
Variants change the item’s value
Magical Shortbow variants can add an enchantment or special effect; those benefits belong to the individual variant and should not be attributed to the ordinary Shortbow.
Overview
Shortbow is a standard simple ranged weapon in Baldur's Gate 3, intended for straightforward bow attacks rather than a unique weapon effect or specialized quest role.
It is a conventional early-to-mid progression option for characters who have simple-weapon proficiency and want a bow without relying on a named legendary or build-defining item. Its identity comes from its ordinary bow handling and two-handed ranged role, not from a bespoke passive or story association.
Compared with a Longbow, Shortbow occupies the lighter, simpler end of the bow category. That makes it a practical general-purpose choice when proficiency, availability, or equipment progression matters more than pursuing a distinctive named weapon. It belongs to the base game's ordinary weapon roster rather than a separate DLC or variant line.
Statistics
This game publishes dice damage rather than 0–100 bars, so the verified damage, enchantment, weight and value are listed instead. Taken from the project's verified weapons database, not from generated text.
- Base Damage1d6
- Damage TypePiercing
- RarityCommon
- Weight0.9 kg
- Value16 gp
- Entry TypeStandard / enhancement variant
Figures verified against Consolidated Game Weapons Database.
Compared to similar piercing weapons
| Weapon | Base Damage | Damage Type | Enchantment | Weight | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shortbow | 1d6 | Piercing | — | 0.9 kg | 16 gp |
| Duellist's Prerogative | 1d8+3 | Piercing | +3 | 0.9 kg | 1300 gp |
| Crimson Mischief | 1d6+2 | Piercing | +2 | 0.9 kg | 640 gp |
| Knife of the Undermountain King | 1d6+2 | Piercing | +2 | 0.9 kg | 480 gp |
| Sword of Life Stealing | 1d6+2 | Piercing | +2 | 0.9 kg | 480 gp |
Damage is the dice expression; weight and value are the game’s own figures. From Consolidated Game Weapons Database.
How to Obtain
- Act 1 access to the Hollow of Emerald Grove; no DLC, New Game Plus, or special story prerequisite is required.
- Arron’s inventory is not presented here as a guaranteed Shortbow stock entry; availability may require checking another trader or ordinary loot source.
- 01In Act 1, visit Arron, the halfling trader in the Hollow of Emerald Grove, and check his weapon inventory for a Shortbow. It is a common Simple weapon rather than a quest- or boss-exclusive reward; if it is not available, search other Act 1 traders or weapon-bearing enemies for ordinary loot.
Availability
Requires No ability-score requirement; Simple Weapon proficiency is relevant to effective use.
Shortbow is a standard player-obtainable weapon rather than a mode-, DLC-, or NG+-exclusive item. Availability can vary by vendor or loot source during progression.
Mechanics and Handling
Ranged handling
The Shortbow is a straightforward ranged weapon rather than a weapon with a special firing mode. Attacks use the normal ranged attack and damage rules, with Dexterity generally governing the attack unless another effect changes the relevant ability. There is no manual draw, ammunition-management loop, or reload animation to manage between shots. Its two-handed property prevents simultaneous use with a shield or another weapon, but leaves the bonus action available for class features, consumables, or other effects.
Positioning and weapon actions
Its value comes from making consistent attacks while the wielder stays away from melee threats. Line of sight, elevation, cover, and attacking while threatened can affect whether a shot is practical, so the Shortbow benefits from a clear firing position rather than point-blank use. As a basic bow, it does not add a weapon-specific passive or conditional damage effect by itself; any extra effect comes from the weapon's enchantment, the wielder's abilities, or other equipment.
Strengths, Weaknesses and Best Uses
Strengths
- Simple weapon proficiency makes it usable by a broad range of characters without Martial Weapon Proficiency.
- Ranged attacks let the wielder contribute while avoiding immediate melee engagement and exploit elevation or line-of-sight advantages.
- It can use special arrows, allowing a lightly equipped archer to add situational damage or utility without changing weapons.
Weaknesses
- Its base weapon die is lower than a longbow's, so it gives up some uncomplicated weapon damage when comparable bonuses and effects are absent.
- As a bow, it occupies both hands and cannot be used alongside a shield or another weapon.
- Its effectiveness depends on available ammunition and clear firing lines.
Best uses
- A straightforward ranged backup for classes, races, or companions that lack Martial Weapon Proficiency.
- Early- to mid-game archery when positioning, special arrows, and attack bonuses matter more than maximizing the bow's base die.
- Opening encounters from elevation or distance, then switching weapons when enemies force close combat.
Compared With Similar Weapons
| Weapon | Base damage die | Proficiency | Distinguishing property or role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shortbow | Simple | Two-handed ranged weapon; accessible for characters with simple-weapon proficiency | — |
| Longbow | Martial | Two-handed bow with a larger base damage die; requires martial-weapon proficiency | — |
| Light Crossbow | Simple | Two-handed simple ranged alternative with a larger base damage die than the Shortbow | — |
| Hand Crossbow | Simple | Light ranged weapon; supports one-handed ranged setups unavailable to the Shortbow | — |