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Bow PvE Builds for New World

Last updated on Jan 29, 2025 at 12:30 by Savvvo 6 comments
General Information

Welcome to our PvE builds page for Bow. Here, we provide builds for use in PvE encounters.

Pages in this Guide
Introduction
Abilities and Skill Trees Perks Gems/Consumables PvE Builds PvP Builds
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THIS PAGE
1.

Bow PvE Builds

In PvE the Bow is able to provide high single-target DPS and has a few options for quick bursts of AoE damage. It is a great option for invasions and certain expeditions. In most PvE situations, you will want to maximize your Dexterity attribute to at least 350, and then potentially also contribute some attributes into the Intelligence attribute to pick up additional elemental damage (which works great with the Boltcaster Boltcaster bow artifact).

In almost every situation, it is best practice to either utilize the Boltcaster Boltcaster, Aconite Aconite, or the Hoplite Bow Hoplite Bow as your main hand weapon. Each of these are great options that can provide a large buff to your overall damage output.

Below are a handful of PvE-specific builds that utilize the Bow. Feel free to explore each of these, try them out, and adjust them accordingly based our your playstyle.

2.

Bow and Greatsword

The Bow will act as the primary single-target weapon in this build, and the Greatsword will provide ways to take down clumps with AoE damage while your Bow abilities are on cooldown.

Below are the primary abilities you would utilize with each weapon for this build.

2.1.

Bow

2.2.

Greatsword

Click the button below to take a deeper dive into this Bow and Greatsword build.

Bow and Greatsword Build
3.

Bow and Spear

The Bow will provide great single-target damage. The Spear can also deal single-target damage, but it is paired with the Bow for its debuffs and sources of AoE crowd-control for trash packs.

3.1.

Bow

This is possibly the most common PvE build that utilizes the Bow, and that's due to the great damage output and debuffs that the Spear can provide as a secondary weapon. This build allows you to pull enemies closer to you, where you would then swap to your Spear to dish off certain abilities to weaken and rend your enemy, and even knock them to the ground in order for you to back up, pull your bow back out, and start shooting.

Below are the primary abilities you would utilize with each weapon for this build.

3.2.

Spear

Click the button below to take a deeper dive into this Bow and Spear build.

Bow and Spear Build
4.

Bow and Hatchet

Another common Bow PvE build utilizes the Hatchet as a secondary weapon. In this build, the Hatchet is used as a form of survivability, and an option to deal major damage within large clumps of enemies. With this build, you will use your bow to start the engagement with your enemies, then pull out your Hatchet once they get a little too close for comfort. In case you ever get low in health, you can utilize the Hatchet's Berserk Berserk ability to regain some health, gain haste, and create a large gap between you and your opponent(s).

Below are the primary abilities you would utilize with each weapon for this build.

4.1.

Bow

4.2.

Hatchet

Click the button below to take a deeper dive into this Bow and Hatchet build.

Bow and Hatchet Build
5.

Changelog

  • 29 Jan. 2025: Guide updated with additional artifact recommendations.
  • 05 Oct. 2024: Guide updated with additional up-to-date build information.
  • 22 Oct. 2023: Guide updated for expansion.
  • 23 Feb. 2023: Guide added.
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Pages in this Guide
Introduction
Abilities and Skill Trees Perks Gems/Consumables PvE Builds PvP Builds

More Weapon Guides

Fire Staff Weapon Guide
Flail Weapon Guide
Hatchet Weapon Guide
Greatsword Weapon Guide