Terraria Bows – A Complete Guide

In the expansive world of Terraria, pre-hardmode bows serve as indispensable ranged weaponry during the early stages of the game.

The right pre-hardmode bow can be a game-changer, enabling them to overcome challenges and progress through the tiers of your Terraria Server Hosting's diverse and dynamic environment.

These bows, crafted from various materials found in the diverse biomes, offer players a means to engage enemies from a safe distance.

Ranging from the humble Wooden Bow to more specialized variants like the Bee's Knees or the Molten Fury, each bow provides unique attributes, damage types, and visual styles.

Our Top Bow Picks

Short on time? These are the bows we would pick first. Each one is covered in full further down this guide.

Best Pre-Hardmode Bows

Hellwing Bow: fast, piercing shots from ordinary Wooden Arrows. Found in Shadow Chests and Obsidian Lock Boxes.
The Bee's Knees: fires a swarm of bees and is a strong early boss killer. Dropped by the Queen Bee.
Molten Fury: high damage per shot and it turns Wooden Arrows into Flaming Arrows. Crafted from 15 Hellstone Bars.
Tendon Bow: an easy early bow with strong damage for its tier. Crafted from 8 Crimtane Bars.

Best Hardmode Bows

Pulse Bow: a piercing bolt that is excellent against groups of enemies.
Daedalus Stormbow: arrows rain down from the sky. Dropped by Hallowed Mimics.
Tsunami: fires a spread of arrows with very high damage. Dropped by Duke Fishron.
Eventide: an auto-firing bow dropped by the Empress of Light.
Phantasm: fast, homing arrows for high damage per second. Crafted from 18 Vortex Fragments.

Pre-Hardmode

Ash Wood Bow

Crafted from Ash Wood, the Ash Wood Bow stands as a variant of the Wooden Bow in Terraria. Notable for dealing 6 additional damage and boasting a higher velocity than its counterpart, it offers an enhanced ranged attack.

Blood Rain Bow

The Blood Rain Bow, a pre-Hardmode bow, diverges from conventional archery by summoning 1–3 cascades of blood from the sky rather than traditional arrows. Each shot depletes a single arrow from the player's inventory. The blood streams descend over a broad area directed by the cursor, though they are impeded by solid blocks.

Boreal Wood Bow

Forged from Boreal Wood, the Boreal Wood Bow in Terraria presents a crafted alternative to the Wooden Bow. Boasting 2 additional damage points and a swifter velocity compared to its wooden counterpart, this bow offers an enhanced ranged attack.

Given the proximity of Snow biomes to most initial spawn points, the Boreal Wood Bow emerges as a superior option, providing an early and accessible upgrade for players seeking improved performance in their ranged weaponry.

Copper Bow

Crafted from Copper Bars, the Copper Bow is an entry-level Pre-Hardmode bow designed for firing arrows at a distance to inflict damage upon enemies. It shares a counterpart, the Tin Bow.

For optimal performance, the Copper Bow benefits most from the Demonic modifier, given its lack of inherent knockback, rendering modifiers that affect knockback irrelevant. Alternatively, the Deadly modifier, while not maximizing damage per hit like Demonic, contributes to a higher overall increase in Damage Per Second (DPS).

Demon Bow

Forged exclusively from Demonite Bars, the Demon Bow represents a significant advancement over both the Gold Bow and the Platinum Bow, excelling in both strength and speed. Serving as an intermediary upgrade until players delve into The Underworld and gain access to crafting the potent Molten Fury, the Demon Bow, along with its counterpart, the Tendon Bow, stands as the pinnacle of ore-based bows before reaching the fiery depths below. This bow marks a pivotal stage in a player's ranged arsenal during their Terraria adventure.

Ebonwood Bow

Fashioned from Ebonwood, this bow claims the third-tier position among wooden bows and stands as one of the earliest ranged weapons available to players in Terraria.

To optimize its performance, the Ebonwood Bow is ideally paired with the Demonic modifier, benefiting from its lack of inherent knockback, rendering modifiers that affect knockback moot. Alternatively, the Deadly modifier, while not maximizing damage per hit like Demonic, contributes to a greater overall increase in Damage Per Second (DPS).

Gold Bow

Forged from Gold Bars, the Gold Bow stands as a potent bow type in Terraria, representing one of the formidable ore bows available before acquiring Demonite or Crimtane. Serving as the counterpart to the Platinum Bow, it holds its own in delivering ranged attacks, though it yields to the Platinum Bow in terms of both power and speed. Designed with the sole purpose of firing arrows from a distance, the Gold Bow proves effective in dealing damage to enemies during the early stages of the game.

Hellwing Bow

Unearthed from Shadow Chests in the Underworld, this bow is available across various Terraria versions and can also be found in the Obsidian Lock Box from Obsidian and Hellstone Crates. It transforms Wooden Arrows into flaming bat projectiles with infinite piercing ability.

However, the bats spread in a wide cone (up to 45° in total with Wooden Arrows), making them less accurate over long distances, and they dissipate upon hitting a surface. Other arrow types retain their unique properties but share the bow's inaccuracy.

Iron Bow

Forged from Iron Bars, the Iron Bow stands as an entry-level bow in Terraria, surpassing the strength of both the Copper Bow and Tin Bow. Its primary function is to project arrows from a distance to inflict damage upon enemies.

For optimal performance, the Iron Bow is ideally paired with the Demonic modifier, benefiting from its inherent lack of knockback, rendering modifiers affecting knockback irrelevant. Alternatively, the Deadly modifier, while not maximizing damage per hit like Demonic, contributes to a higher overall increase in Damage Per Second (DPS).

Lead Bow

Crafted from Lead Bars, the Lead Bow represents an entry-level bow in Terraria, exhibiting slightly superior strength compared to its counterpart, the Iron Bow, while sharing identical attributes with the Silver Bow. Just like its counterparts, the primary function of the Lead Bow is to project arrows from a distance, effectively damaging enemies in ranged combat scenarios.

Molten Fury

A pre-Hardmode bow, the Molten Fury, ignites ordinary Wooden Arrows upon release, instantly converting them into Flaming Arrows. These fiery projectiles emit light and afflict enemies with the On Fire! debuff upon impact. Importantly, other arrow types shot from the Molten Fury maintain their distinct properties.

Wooden Arrows fired from the Molten Fury don't gain the increased damage of typical Flaming Arrows, but they still inflict the On Fire! debuff.

Palm Wood Bow

The Palm Wood Bow shares similarities with the standard Wooden Bow but boasts enhanced damage and a swifter velocity.

Optimally, the best modifier for this bow is Demonic since it lacks inherent knockback, making modifiers that affect knockback irrelevant. Alternatively, the Deadly modifier, while not maximizing damage per hit like Demonic, contributes to a higher overall increase in Damage Per Second (DPS). Careful consideration of modifiers ensures the Palm Wood Bow's effectiveness in various combat situations.

Platinum Bow

Forged exclusively from Platinum Bars, this bow stands as the most potent ore-based variant attainable before acquiring Demonite or Crimtane in Terraria. Its slightly less robust counterpart, the Gold Bow, is found in worlds generated with Gold Ore instead of Platinum Ore. Designed with the sole purpose of projecting arrows from a distance, these bows are instrumental in hitting enemies and inflicting damage.

Rich Mahogany Bow

Crafted from Rich Mahogany, the Rich Mahogany Bow surpasses the strength of a Wooden Bow but falls slightly behind the potency of an Ebonwood Bow or Shadewood Bow.

For optimal performance, the best modifier for this bow is Demonic due to its inherent lack of knockback, rendering modifiers affecting knockback ineffective. Alternatively, the Deadly modifier, while not maximizing damage per hit like Demonic, contributes to a greater overall increase in Damage Per Second (DPS).

Shadewood Bow

Forged from Shadewood, the Shadewood Bow serves as the Crimson counterpart to the Ebonwood Bow.

To maximize its effectiveness, the best modifier for this bow is Demonic due to its inherent lack of knockback, rendering modifiers that affect knockback ineffective. Alternatively, the Deadly modifier, while not maximizing damage per hit like Demonic, contributes to a higher overall increase in Damage Per Second (DPS).

Sharanga

The Sharanga only exists in the old-gen console and Nintendo 3DS versions of Terraria. It is not in the current PC, console or mobile versions, so you cannot get it in a modern world.

Silver Bow

Forged exclusively from Silver Bars, this formidable mid-tier bow is designed for firing arrows from a distance, effectively dealing damage to enemies.

Optimally, the best modifier for this bow is "Demonic" due to its inherent lack of knockback, rendering modifiers that affect knockback irrelevant. Alternatively, the "Deadly" modifier, while not maximizing damage per hit like Demonic, contributes to a higher overall increase in Damage Per Second (DPS).

Tendon Bow

Forged exclusively from Crimtane Bars, the Tendon Bow stands as the Crimson equivalent to the Demon Bow found in the Corruption. Boasting a marginally higher base damage and a slower speed than its counterpart, it represents the final ore-based bow craftable before venturing into The Underworld, where the formidable Molten Fury becomes accessible.

The Bee's Knees

A bow with a 33% chance of dropping from Queen Bee introduces a unique mechanic. When fired with Wooden Arrows, the bow releases a distinctive projectile resembling a line of bees. Upon impact with an enemy or a solid block, the projectile disintegrates, giving rise to 3 to 6 bees.

These bees swiftly disperse, homing in on nearby enemies. Each bee, akin to Meteor Shots, can either pierce through one enemy or ricochet off a solid block once, but not both.

Tin Bow

Forged from Tin Bars, the Tin Bow stands as an entry-level Pre-Hardmode bow, primarily utilized for projecting arrows at a distance to inflict damage upon enemies. Its counterpart is the Copper Bow.

To optimize its performance, the Tin Bow benefits most from the Demonic modifier, given its inherent lack of knockback, rendering modifiers affecting knockback inconsequential. Alternatively, the Deadly modifier, while not maximizing damage per hit like Demonic, contributes to a higher overall increase in Damage Per Second (DPS).

Tungsten Bow

Forged exclusively from Tungsten Bars, this robust mid-tier bow surpasses its ore counterpart, the Silver Bow, and its predecessors in terms of strength. Designed like other bows, it utilizes arrows as ammunition but does not possess the ability to convert used arrows into special projectiles. The Tungsten Bow stands as a powerful and straightforward ranged weapon in Terraria.

Wooden Bow

The most basic bow in the game, inflicting a base damage of 4 plus the arrow's own damage. Inexpensive to craft, it typically serves as the initial ranged weapon for players.

Hardmode

Aerial Bane

The Aerial Bane stands as a formidable Hardmode bow, obtainable post-Golem through a drop from Betsy during the Old One's Army event. When fired, this bow transforms any standard arrow into six distinctive projectiles, granting a 50% bonus damage against aerial foes.

The unique arrows exhibit a distinct behaviour—they rapidly drop and vanish if they descend a significant distance mid-air. Upon striking an enemy, the arrow undergoes a transformation, splitting into five smaller projectiles arranged in a symmetrical 90-degree spread. The central arrow descends directly, maintaining a perpendicular trajectory regardless of the original angle of impact. Notably, these secondary arrows do not undergo further splitting upon hitting additional targets.

Daedalus Stormbow

The Daedalus Stormbow, a formidable Hardmode bow in Terraria, distinguishes itself by summoning a deluge of arrows from the heavens rather than launching them conventionally. With each shot, three arrows rain down, accompanied by a 1/3 (33.33%) chance of an additional arrow spawning (one less arrow chance when using Holy, Unholy, Hellfire, or Jester's Arrows).

Remarkably, this impressive display only consumes a single arrow from the player's inventory. The arrows disperse widely, covering a broad area corresponding to the location of the cursor at the time of firing. The Daedalus Stormbow offers a unique and powerful ranged attack option for players navigating the challenges of Hardmode in Terraria.

Eventide

The Eventide, a bow attainable in Hardmode after defeating Plantera, distinguishes itself by auto-firing five radiant, rainbow-hued Twilight Lance projectiles when equipped with Wooden Arrows. One of these lances carries double the base damage.

In instances where different ammunition is used, one out of the five shots transforms into a Twilight Lance, dealing twice the base damage. All lances or arrows align with the cursor's direction, piercing through up to four enemies. The coveted Eventide has a 1/4 (25%) chance of being dropped by the Empress of Light.

Ice Bow

A Hardmode bow with a 19/80 (23.75%) chance to drop from Ice Mimics in the Ice biome, featuring auto fire capability. Upon firing, the bow transforms the next available arrow into a high-velocity Frost Arrow, maintaining the base damage of the original arrow but losing any special properties.

Distinct from craftable Frostburn Arrows, these specialized Frost Arrows lack the ability to inflict the Frostburn debuff.

Marrow

A Hardmode bow, with a rare 1/200 (0.5%) chance of dropping from Skeleton Archers, is known as the Marrow. Upon firing, it transforms the next available arrow into a high-velocity Bone Arrow, surpassing the average arrow speed. However, any unique properties of the converted arrow are forfeited, retaining only the base damage.

Distinguishing itself further, the Marrow boasts a heightened base critical strike chance of 9%, a significant increase compared to the standard 4% for bows in Terraria.

Pearlwood Bow

Crafted from Pearlwood in Hardmode, the Pearlwood Bow stands as the most potent wooden bow available. However, despite its status as the strongest wooden bow, it tends to be less powerful than many pre-hardmode bows. Given that players often possess superior bows by the time they acquire Pearlwood, this bow is generally considered less practical or useful in gameplay.

Phantasm

The Phantasm, a craftable bow attainable in Hardmode post-Lunatic Cultist, possesses the unique ability to auto-fire four arrows simultaneously, consuming only one arrow from the player's inventory. These arrows exhibit loose grouping, with varied velocities and ranges akin to the Chlorophyte Shotbow. Remarkably, the bow boasts a 66% chance of not consuming ammunition.

Continuously firing the Phantasm gradually boosts its fire rate from once every 24 frames to once every 18 frames, independently of use time and unaffected by speed modifiers. This unique feature, however, resets immediately upon halting the attack or switching to another item, discouraging frequent weapon switching due to inefficiency.

Furthermore, each successful hit with the Phantasm spawns three magical arrow projectiles that home in on the initially struck target. These projectiles collectively deal 30% of the original arrow's damage without incurring additional ammo or mana costs. The rate of fire for these homing projectiles correlates with the current firing rate of the Phantasm.

Phantom Phoenix

The Phantom Phoenix, a Hardmode bow dropped by Ogres during the Old One's Army event, presents a unique set of abilities. This bow releases two arrows simultaneously, with a random spread reminiscent of the Chlorophyte Shotbow.

Additionally, every third shot launches a sizable phoenix in a graceful arc. The phoenix inflicts double the weapon's damage and explodes upon colliding with a surface. Notably, the Phantom Phoenix transforms ordinary Wooden Arrows into Flaming Arrows, akin to the effect of the Molten Fury.

Pulse Bow

The Pulse Bow, a distinctive Hardmode bow, automatically fires a luminescent light blue bolt with high velocity, defying gravity, piercing enemies, and displaying the ability to ricochet. This ethereal projectile travels for about 3.33 seconds before dispersing. Acquirable from the Traveling Merchant post the defeat of all three Mechanical Bosses, it comes at a cost of 45 gold.

The unique characteristics of the Pulse Bow include the ability to pierce or ricochet up to five times, with the projectile dissipating upon the sixth hit. Each ricochet reduces the piercing capacity, and vice versa. Unlike other bows and repeaters, the Pulse Bow transforms all arrows into its special bolt, cancelling their normal effects while retaining their damage statistic.

Additionally, the Pulse Bow boasts a heightened base critical strike chance of 11%, a significant increase compared to the usual 4% for bows. Notably, the Traveling Merchant employs the Pulse Bow for self-defence once a world transitions into Hardmode.

Shadowflame Bow

A Hardmode bow, dropped by the Goblin Warlock during a Hardmode Goblin Army, is known as the Shadowflame Bow. This bow possesses the unique ability to transform any arrow into specialized Shadowflame Arrows, inducing the Shadowflame debuff upon hitting enemies.

The Shadowflame Arrows exhibit a distinct behavior, traveling at a relatively slow pace with an exceptionally high arc compared to typical arrows. Initially seeming unaffected by gravity, they can ascend up to 250 tiles when fired directly upward before descending back to the player's position. These arrows pierce through two enemies, dissipating upon the third hit.

Tsunami

The Tsunami, a Hardmode bow, features automatic firing capabilities, releasing five closely-grouped arrows with each shot, while consuming only a single arrow from the player's inventory.

This exceptional bow has a 14.29% (1 in 7) chance of dropping from Duke Fishron, offering a formidable ranged option for those daring enough to face the aquatic adversary.