Bow

Type	Weapons
Stackable	No
Damage	{{{damage}}}
Protection	{{{protection}}} x
Durability	{{{durability}}}
First Appearance	Indev 0.31 (January 30, 2010)
Filtering	{{{filters}}}
Buoyancy	{{{buoy}}}
Gravity	{{{gravity}}}
Flammable	{{{flammable}}}
Data Value	261

The bow is a ranged weapon that shoots arrows and rotted arrows. Bows are effective for dealing with powerful enemies at a distance without taking the risks of close combat, though they are rarely effective at endermen who will usually teleport before the arrow hits. Bows are dropped by skeletons, but are usually heavily damaged, and can be salvaged for valuable string. The composite bow is a stronger version.

Crafting

Ingredients

Input » Output

Sticks,
String

Usage

To use a bow, it must be the active item and appropriate ammo must also be on the action bar. Simply right-click to fire an arrow. Holding right-click will pull back the string and send the arrow flying faster/farther when released, and deal more damage. While the bow is being pulled back, the player will be forced to move at a slow speed.

Arrows are affected by gravity and arc downwards over a distance, which can make it necessary to aim above your target in order to hit them. Rotted arrows drop quickly, while normal arrows have a longer trajectory.

At full charge, an arrow travels up to 65 (or even up to around 68) blocks upwards, but can deal significant damage if it hits you on the way back down. Bows have a maximum range on flat ground of about 118 blocks.