6 articlesWith how bows got a rework in No Rest for the Wicked’s Together update, what used to be a side weapon now became a powerful tool in the main hand.
This update allows bows to go toe to toe with melee options. When paired with the right runes and quiver, you got yourself a weapon capable of shredding bosses and trivializing most encounters in the game.
But as with most weapons in No Rest for the Wicked, not all bows are made equal. Which is why we’re going to talk about which among them is the best. Let’s start.
What are the Best Bows in No Rest for the Wicked
Thanks to the rework, bows can now function as a main hand weapon. Also, the addition of runes and quivers means you can now fire arrows with varying effects.
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Overall Best – Lacquered Bow
Objectively, the best bow in No Rest for the Wicked is no doubt the Lacquered Bow for a handful of good reasons.
For starters, it has a base damage of 26, though it’s not as unique since several other bows have the same base damage. However, one thing that makes it stand out is how well it pairs with elemental quivers.
Another thing that sets it apart from the other bows is the fact that it’s a unique weapon. As such, it has unique enchantments that further enhance its effectiveness.
First off, it gives you one stack of Hunter’s Mark each time you deal elemental damage. This can have a variety of powerful effects that increase the more Hunter’s Marks you have.
For each stack of Hunter’s Mark, you gain:
- Increased critical hit chance
- Stamina cost reduction
- Increased physical damage
Overall, the Lacquered bow comes with a smooth draw speed, strong range, reliable stamina efficiency, and unique enchantments that make it ideal for boss fights and just exploration in general.
Very Strong Alternative – Twined Recurve Bow
My second pick for the best bow in the game would be the Twined Recurve Bow.
Just like the Lacquered Bow, the Twined Recurve Bow also has a base damage of 26. It scales purely off Dexterity and comes with a strong physical damage as well as a fast draw speed.
This means you can adapt to an aggressive playstyle while using this bow. You can pair it with either the Freezing or Shocking Quiver for more effectiveness.
Unfortunately, it requires 36 Dexterity to truly shine, which can make it less appealing for hybrid builds. But if you’re going for a pure Dexterity build anyway, it is no doubt a solid choice.
Weaker But Still Solid Option – Pale Ash Bow
The last one on the list would be the Pale Ash Bow, which is an excellent choice for players who want a strong bow without committing to a pure Dexterity build. After all, it’s a hybrid bow that requires some investment into both Dexterity and Intelligence.
It has the same base damage of 26, and while it doesn’t have the flashiest stats, it does come with solid physical damage and consistent performance.
Personally, I believe it’s best used during the mid to early late game content. Moreover, it works best when paired with the Freezing Quiver to help slow down your enemies.
Which Bow Best Fits Your Build
In the latest update, your quiver will play a massive role in how effective your bows are in terms of overall damage and utility. In fact, I’d say quivers define your build more than your bows.
The Blasting quiver is great at crowd control, the Freezing quiver provides an extra layer of safety and control, and the Lightning quiver is great at dishing burst damage.
If you can get your hands on the Lacquered Bow, then it’s hands down the best bow you can ever get. However, if you prefer speed, control, or hybrid gameplay, the other bows would be your best choice.
Alternatively, you can set aside the bow and go for a Faith build instead. For that, check out this early game Faith build guide to get started.
