Ranged weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3 allow you to fire projectiles at enemies from a distance. Ranged weapons typically come in the form of bows and crossbows, but returning Thrown weapons are also considered the same. While every class can use these weapons, they might not all benefit from them in the same way.
1. Fabricated Arbalest
This heavy crossbow is very rare and is wielded by none other than Lord Gortash himself. The only way to obtain Fabricated Arbalest is by killing Lord Enver Gortash during Get Gortash’s Netherstone story quest.
One of the best-ranged weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3, this heavy crossbow can be used two-handed and can hit an enemy within 18m range. It deals 3-12 piercing damage and has the following weapon skills.
- +2 Weapon Enchantment.
- Illuminating Shot: This weapon action deals 1-4 piercing damage and inflicts the Radiating Orb condition on enemies. Affected enemy has a -1 disadvantage on their attack rolls per turn, and they illuminate the area around them.
- Dazzling Ray: Deals 2-10 Radiant damage to the enemies in its path and blinds them for the next 10 turns.
- Sunbeam: This level 6 spell allows you to deal 6-48 Radiant damage to enemies and blind them for the next 10 turns.
- Piercing Shot: Inflicts Gaping Wounds upon the enemies.
- Brace: You get to roll the ranged damage dice twice and select the highest result at the cost of 6m movement.
- Sale Value: 960 gold.
- Best Class: Cleric, Fighter, Ranger.
- Best Companion: Lae’zel.
2. The Joltshooter
The Joltshooter is a rare Longbow and can be obtained as a reward for completing the side quest Save the Grand Duke inside Waukeen’s Rest during Act 1.
This longbow can be used with two hands and can target any enemy within the 18m range. It deals 1-8 piercing damage and has the following weapon skills.
- Electric Blood: If you deal any damage to the enemies with this weapon, you generate 2 Lightning Charges.
- Brace: You get to roll the ranged damage dice twice and select the highest result at the cost of 6m movement.
- Hamstring Shot: Deals 3-8 piercing damage to enemies’ thighs and reduces their movement speed by 50% for the next 2 turns.
- Sale Value: 310 gold.
- Best Class: Barbarian, Fighter, Paladin.
- Best Companion: Karlach, Lae’zel.
3. Nyrulna
This legendary trident is one of the best-ranged weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3. It is Versatile and can be thrown at enemies. Its unique weapon action, Zephyr Connection, forces the weapon to return to its wielder’s hands. With Nyrulna, you get the best of both worlds, melee and range.
The only way to obtain this trident is by playing Akabi’s game. The Genie is available near the entrance of the Circus of the Last Days in Rivington City. Make sure that you pickpocket him to win the game. He will then transport you to a jungle in another dimension. While making your way out, unlock the treasure chest near the exit portal (X: -1510, Y: -1525) to obtain Nyrulna Trident.
It deals 4-11 piercing + 1-6 thunder damage when wielded with both hands. Nyrulna has the following weapon skills.
- Zephyr Connection: When you throw Nyrulna, it creates a blast radius of 6m that deals 3-12 Thunder Damage to enemies and then returns to your hands. Enemies can’t force you to drop this legendary trident.
- Viel of the Wind: You get immunity to Fall Damage and get a +3 bonus for both movement speed and jump distance.
- Nyrulna – Glowing: Creates a lightning area of 6m radius.
- Piercing Strike: Does 11-25 piercing damage to enemies and creates gaping wounds on them for the next two turns. The undead and constructs are immune to this attack.
- Crippling Strike: Maims the walking creatures.
- Zephyr Flash: This weapon action deals 6-48 thunder damage to enemies and inflicts bleeding for the next 3 turns. Enemies still take half damage if they succeed in saving throws.
- Zephyr Break: Deals 6-36 thunder damage to enemies and makes them off-balance for the next two turns.
- Sale Value: 840 gold.
- Best Class: Fighter.
- Best Companion: Lae’zel.
4. Ne’er Misser
Ne’er Misser is a rare, light hand-crossbow and one of the best-ranged weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3. You can purchase this weapon from the merchant Roah Moonglow (X: -175, Y: -175) once you reach the Moonrise Towers in the Shadow Cursed Lands.
This weapon deals 2-7 force damage to enemies within 15m range and has the following weapon skills.
- +1 Weapon Enchantment.
- Magic Missile: This level 1 evocation spell shoots 3 darts, with each dealing 2-5 force damage to the enemies.
- Piercing Shot: Inflicts gaping wounds on the enemies.
- Mobile Shot: This bonus action allows you to make a ranged shot while moving.
- Sale Value: 310 gold.
- Best Class: Warlock.
- Best Companion: Wyll.
5. Gontr Mael
Gontr Mael is a legendary, two-handed longbow and can be obtained by defeating the Steel Watch Titan during the Defeat the Steel Watch quest. The whole sequence takes place in the Lower City during Act 3 of the game.
This legendary weapon deals 4-11 slashing damage to enemies within a range of 18m and has the following weapon skills.
- Promised Victory: Upon a successful hit, you inflict Guiding Bolt upon the enemy. This spell deals 4-24 Radiant damage, and you have an advantage on your attack rolls against that enemy for the next two turns.
- + 3 Weapon Enchantment.
- Gontr Mael – Glowing: Creates an illuminated area of 6m around the weapon.
- Celestial Haste: You get Haste for the next 5 turns without getting afflicted with the Lethargic condition at the end.
- Brace: You get to roll the ranged damage dice twice and select the highest result at the cost of 6m movement.
- Hamstring Shot: Deals 3-8 piercing damage to enemies’ thighs and reduces their movement speed by 50% for the next 2 turns.
- Bolt of Celestial Light: Deals 8-16 piercing + 2 acid + 1-10 necrotic + 6 piercing + 1-8 radiant damage to the enemies. They get frightened for the next two turns, and successive shots from Gontr Mael deal an additional 1-4 radiant damage. You can use this weapon action only once per short rest.
- Sale Value: 1,000 gold.
- Best Class: Barbarian, Cleric, Fighter.
- Best Companion: Karlach, Shdowheart, Lae’zel.
6. Hellfire Hand Crossbow
This very rare, light hand-crossbow can be obtained by defeating Yurgir (X: -650, Y: -750) inside the Gauntlet of Shar. One of the best early-game ranged weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3, this crossbow deals 3-8 piercing damage to enemies within 15m range and has the following weapon skills.
- Hellstalker: Inflicts Burning on an enemy if you hit them with this weapon while hiding.
- +2 Weapon Enchantment.
- Scorching Ray Shot: This level 3 evocation spell deals 8-48 fire damage via 4 rays of fire.
- Piercing Shot: Inflicts gaping wounds upon enemies.
- Mobile Shot: Allows you to make a ranged shot while moving.
- Sale Value: 770 gold.
- Best Class: Ranger.
