Dark and Darker: Best Bows, Ranked
Dark and Darker offers a unique twist on the dungeon-crawler genre, emphasizing cooperative gameplay where players team up to conquer challenging dungeons. Unlike many MMORPGs that provide a vast array of weapon options, Dark and Darker takes a more focused approach, offering a select few choices for each weapon type. For bow enthusiasts, there are six distinct bows available in the game. Here, we rank these bows from the least to most effective, highlighting their stats and optimal uses.
6. Survival Bow
Damage: 19-27 (depending on weapon tier)
Classes: Ranger, Bard
Style: Two-handed
Movement: -30
Ammo: 10
Arrow Speed: 25
How to Get: World drop
The Survival Bow ranks as the lowest among the bows in Dark and Darker. Its primary advantage is that it is one of only two bows available to the Bard class. While its quiver size is decent, carrying up to 10 arrows, its effectiveness is hampered by a mere 12% slowdown on hit that lasts for only half a second. This bow serves as a backup weapon for Bards, allowing them to perform some ranged attacks, but Rangers have far better options available.
5. Recurve Bow
Damage: 30-38 (depending on weapon tier)
Classes: Ranger
Style: Two-handed
Movement: -40
Ammo: 8
Arrow Speed: 28.5
How to Get: World drop
The Recurve Bow is likely the first substantial bow that Rangers will encounter. It provides decent damage and has a -40 movement debuff, which is manageable for a bow. The quiver holds only 8 arrows, and the 20% slowdown on hit lasts for a second. This bow is reliable for early to mid-game until Rangers can acquire superior options.
4. Longbow
Damage: 37-46 (depending on weapon tier)
Classes: Ranger
Style: Two-handed
Movement: -50
Ammo: 6
Arrow Speed: 32.5
Armor Penetration: 5%
How to Get: World drop
The Longbow is a staple for Rangers until they reach the endgame and can obtain artifact bows. It inflicts a significant -50 movement speed debuff, necessitating a static shooting position. The Longbow boasts a 30% slowdown on hit for one second, but its quiver size of 6 arrows means players will often rely on the slowdown to reload quickly. This bow is effective until better options become available.
3. Elven Bow of Truth
Damage: 16-27
Classes: Ranger, Bard
Style: Two-handed
Movement: -30
Ammo: 7
Arrow Speed: 25
Max Enchantments: 5
Special: Arrows always fly in a straight line.
How to Get: World drop
The Elven Bow of Truth is the artifact version of the Survival Bow and is the best bow for the Bard class. Although it only holds 7 arrows, its arrows always fly straight, making it highly reliable. However, it is incredibly rare, with less than a 0.01 chance of dropping from elite enemies. This bow is a significant upgrade and worth farming for in the end-game stages.
2. Pestilence
Damage: 47-49
Classes: Ranger
Style: Two-handed
Movement: -40
Ammo: 8
Arrow Speed: 28.5
Max Enchantments: 5
Special: Inflicts disease doing 20 damage over 3 seconds.
How to Get: World drop
Pestilence is one of the two Ranger-only artifact bows. It has a tight damage range and inflicts a disease that deals 20 damage over 3 seconds, making it the highest DPS bow in the game. The -40 movement speed debuff is significant but manageable. Pestilence is ideal for group play due to its disease effect, despite its low drop rate.
1. Nipalan
Damage: 59-62 (depending on weapon tier)
Classes: Ranger
Style: Two-handed
Movement: -50
Ammo: 6
Arrow Speed: 32.5
Special: Push back on hit.
How to Get: World drop
The Nipalan is arguably the best weapon for solo Rangers. While Pestilence does more damage overall, Nipalan's push-back effect on hit is invaluable for solo play, preventing enemies from closing in. Despite its -50 movement speed debuff and 6-arrow quiver, its special ability makes it the ideal choice for solo adventurers.
To fully utilize these bows, managing your Dark And Darker Gold and Dark And Darker Items is crucial. Investing in better gear and items from merchants will enhance your gameplay experience. By efficiently managing your resources and understanding the strengths of each bow, you can optimize your gameplay and dominate the dungeons in Dark and Darker.