5 best ranged weapons to use in Baldur's Gate 3

It's quite easy to obtain some of the best ranged weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3. Most of them can be obtained by completing quests, exploring the map, slaying creatures, and other activities that add progress to your game. The title's combat and weapon mechanics remain faithful to Dungeons and Dragons, the popular role-playing game it is based on.

Ranged characters are generally preferred in Baldur's Gate 3 because of their combat versatility and ability to deal massive amounts of damage while maintaining a safe distance from enemies. However, you will still need to be equipped with weapons that can back you up in combat.

In this guide, we will rank the best ranged weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3 and explain what makes them stand out among the rest.

Note: This list is subjective and solely reflects the opinions of the writer

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Gontr Mael and four more of the best ranged weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3

1) Gontr Mael

• Type: Longbow
• Damage: 4~11

Earning its rightful place among the pantheon of best ranged weapons in Baldur's Gate 3, the Gontr Mael stands tall as the celestial harbinger of devastation. This legendary longbow boasts unparalleled might, dealing both piercing and thunderous 1d8 damage.

The true marvel of the Gontr Mael, lies in its ability to stun enemies, which adds a strategic layer to your battles by crowd-controlling them. The celestial blessing does not end there; the Gontr Mael is also infused with the Celestial Haste spell, granting a surge of speed that transforms your actions into an efficient symphony of destruction.

This weapon can be obtained in the Steel Watch Foundry by completing the Disable the Steel Watch. You can loot this item from the Steel Watch Titan.

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2) The Dead Shot

The Dead Shot is a powerful longbow obtainable in Act 3 (Image via YouTube)

• Type: Longbow
• Damage: 3~10

The Dead Shot is a powerful longbow with +2 enchantment that can be acquired from Fytz the Firecracker in Baldur’s Gate 3 Act 3. It not only increases your overall damage but also reduces the critical hit threshold by one—a feature that synergizes effectively with other critical chance items.

Its secondary effect doubles the proficiency bonus of your attack roll, so you’ll be hitting your target with almost every shot. Despite lacking flashy abilities, The Dead Shot distinguishes itself as a direct upgrade from non-magical longbows due to its versatility in different builds.

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3) Bow of the Banshee

The Bow of the Banshee is a rare shortbow in BG3 9 (Image via YouTube)

• Type: Shortbow
• Damage: 2~7

For those in search of a strong shortbow in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Bow of the Banshee is the top choice. This weapon can be acquired from Corsair Greymon just before the Adamantine Forge.

This +1 magical short bow is capable of inflicting the Frightened condition on targets, which restricts their movement toward you and imposes a disadvantage on all their attacks and ability checks. Another great thing about this weapon is its bonus 1d4 damage against all Frightened creatures. It applies irrespective of the weapon used or how the target became Frightened.

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4) Hellfire Engine Crossbow

• Type: Heavy Crossbow
• Damage: 3~12

The Hellfire Engine Crossbow stands out as the deadliest of all heavy crossbows in Baldur's Gate 3. It allows you to cast Lightning Arrow at the fourth level, despite the ironic absence of damage increase from the third level. It also has an exclusive weapon attack called Reposition Malefactor, a technique that allows you to pull enemies closer to you.

However, acquiring this weapon is not an easy feat. Adventurers need to craft it at the Steel Watch Foundry, using various components discovered in the upper level. It’s a long and arduous process, but you will end up with a highly coveted weapon capable of exceptional firepower.

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5) Gandrel’s Aspiration

• Type: Heavy Crossbow
• Damage: 2~11

The Gandrel's Aspiration is a unique and powerful heavy crossbow in Baldur’s Gate 3. Equipping this weapon in your arsenal gives an advantage against Monstrosity creature types.

Players can loot Gandrel's Aspiration from Gandrel's corpse, which is located next to the hag's hut in Act One. Alternatively, it may be acquired later when Gandrel reappears in Wyrm's Crossing.

This +1 heavy crossbow infuses holy energy into your crossbow bolts, which can potentially inflict the Turn Undead effect. It’s a special weapon attack that causes undead enemies to flee, wasting your opponents’ action. This feature becomes especially useful when used against targets with multiple attacks.