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In the blocky universe of Minecraft, dangers lurk at every corner, from neutral mobs to hostile monsters and, in some game modes, other players. For protection, players can craft a variety of defensive tools and weapons. While swords are covered elsewhere, this article dives into crafting a bow and the essential arrows that accompany it.
Table of Content ---
- What is a Bow in Minecraft?
- How to Make a Bow in Minecraft
- Get a Bow from a Villager
- Get a Bow as a Trophy
- Bow as a Crafting Ingredient
- Arrows in Minecraft
- Using a Bow in Minecraft
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What is a Bow in Minecraft?
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A bow in Minecraft is a ranged weapon that allows players to engage enemies from a safer distance. However, not all enemies can be easily defeated from afar. For instance, the Warden has its own ranged attacks, necessitating strategic combat approaches. Additionally, certain mobs like Skeletons, Strays, and Illusioners can also wield bows, making Skeletons a significant early-game threat.
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How to Make a Bow in Minecraft
Crafting a bow requires:
- 3 Strings
- 3 Sticks
Once you've collected these materials, arrange them on a crafting table as illustrated in the image.
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If you have two damaged bows, you can combine them without needing additional strings or sticks. The resulting repaired bow will have durability equal to the sum of the damaged bows plus an additional 5% bonus.
Get a Bow from a Villager
An alternative to crafting is purchasing a bow from a Fletcher villager. An apprentice-level Fletcher sells a standard bow for 2 emeralds, while an expert-level Fletcher offers an enchanted bow at a price ranging from 7 to 21 emeralds.
Get a Bow as a Trophy
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You can also acquire a bow by defeating Skeletons or Strays, though the drop rate is only 8.5%. Enhancing your sword with the "Looting" enchantment increases this rate to 11.5%.
Bow as a Crafting Ingredient
A bow is also crucial for crafting a Dispenser, requiring:
- 1 Bow
- 7 Cobblestones
- 1 Redstone Dust
Arrange these on the crafting grid as shown below:
Image: ensigame.com
Arrows in Minecraft
To use your bow effectively, you'll need arrows. Simply having them in your inventory will allow them to be used automatically. To craft arrows, you need:
- 1 Flint
- 1 Stick
- 1 Feather
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This combination yields 4 arrows. Alternatively, you can obtain arrows by defeating Skeletons and Strays, which may drop 1 or 2 arrows, with a chance of one having the "Slowness" effect. You can also buy 16 arrows from a Fletcher for 1 emerald, or at the highest level, with a random enchantment.
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In Java Edition, players with the "Hero of the Village" buff may receive arrows as gifts from villagers. Arrows can also be found in structures like Jungle Temples and Bastion Remnants. In Survival mode, arrows stuck in blocks can be picked up, except those shot by Skeletons, Illusioners, or from a bow with the "Infinity" enchantment. In Creative mode, arrows are consumed upon shooting but do not appear in the inventory.
Using a Bow in Minecraft
To use a bow, equip it and ensure arrows are in your inventory. To shoot, press and hold the right mouse button to draw the bowstring, then release to fire. The longer you draw the bowstring, the higher the damage, peaking at 6 damage when fully drawn for one second, and up to 11 damage if held longer.
The arrow's flight distance is influenced by the bow's draw strength and the shooting angle. Arrows can travel in lava and underwater, albeit slower and over shorter distances. For maximum range (about 120 blocks), fully draw the bow and shoot at a 45-degree angle upward. Shooting vertically upward with full draw reaches a height of about 66 blocks.
Enhance your arrows with potions by combining:
- 8 Arrows
- Any Lingering Potion
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These arrows apply potion effects upon impact, lasting ⅛ of the potion's duration. Note that bows with the Infinity enchantment do not infinitely supply these enhanced arrows.
In Java Edition, you can craft Spectral Arrows, which illuminate the area upon impact, using:
- 1 Arrow
- 4 Glowstone Dust
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This article has provided a comprehensive guide on crafting, acquiring, and using bows and arrows in Minecraft. Ensure your bow is at 100% durability and you have ample arrows before embarking on your adventures. This preparation will equip you to hunt for resources and defend against the myriad threats in the Minecraft world.
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