Archery Video Games Where the Bow and Arrow Rule

[Updated 1 January 2024] With games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Battlefield consistently breaking records; it is really the era of the first-person shooter. Though those games are fun; there is something to be said about the precision and skill that it takes to shoot a bow in real life or the virtual world. Some video game developers understand the love of archery Video Games and have gone so far as to make the video game experience as close to the real thing as possible. There are still plenty of games on the market that appreciate the art of archery. These are the best that you can play today across the platforms. 

The Last of Us

This game is older now, but it is still one of the most popular games ever released for the PS4, and with rumors that a sequel is right around the corner it definitely belongs on this list. What is awesome about using a bow in The Last of Us is that they did a great job with the arrow physics. Arrows shoot slower than guns, so you need to lead your target, and arrows will drop over long distances. They make the bow an option because the game requires you to be stealthy sometimes, and the bow is the perfect tool for stealth. 

Minecraft

The popularity of Minecraft seems to ebb and flow, but it has enjoyed the revival of late. It doesn’t take much material to craft the weapon, and because of that, it remains a popular item in the game. The bow is so popular in the game that users have built archery ranges, set up competitions, and continue to build on archery strategies in the game. 

Monster Hunter

Monster Hunter is a universe all to itself, and the bow plays a major role in the Universe. With multiple iterations and a new game and movie in the works, there is no way that Monster Hunter is falling by the wayside soon. As a player of Monster Hunter World, I will say that the bow is my favorite weapon to yield, but then again it is in almost any game. The bow can deal great damage when it is charged and being able to attack a monster from a distance has many strategic advantages. The bows in this game are highly customizable and need to be tweaked depending on the monsters that you are hunting.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Assassin’s Creed is one of the most popular game franchises to date with one movie based on the game and a new entry every one to two years. Bows are not the only weapon in this game, but they do play a big part in it. For a game that takes place before the time of guns, your bow is your ranged weapon, and they are basically sniper rifles in this game. If you can find Eros’ bow, you will be good to take out multiple enemies at a time with ease. 

Horizon Zero Dawn

Bows are not the only ranged weapon in Horizon Zero Dawn, but they are an important tool. What is especially cool about the bows in this game is that designers went above and beyond to replicate how a bow works. They watched archers, shot bows, and recorded sounds of the arrows hitting the targets, all to make the bow use more authentic in this game. There is a wide range of bows in this game all with unique abilities so you get to play around with a lot of different bows and arrow types depending on your personal preference and the requirements of the quest you’re on. 

The Hunter: Call of the Wild

If you are looking for a way to transfer everyday bow use into the virtual world, this is the game for you. Not that hunters have rainy days, but if there is ever a reason that you can’t get out to use your real bow, this game will simulate the experience surprisingly well. 

This game is surprisingly detailed for a hunting game with full day and night cycles as well as amazingly detailed animal behavior. With an open world, you can spend days roaming around and finding animals to take down. But if you don’t feel like a challenge, you can always hop on an ATV and ride it around too. The mechanics of the bow are top-notch. Also, there are options to customize your bow and arrows just like you would in real life. 

Far Cry New Dawn

The Far Cry franchise has been a staple in the video game industry for years; New Dawn is the newest version of the game. Far Cry has a long history with bows. The mechanics have only continued to get better as the game has evolved. New Dawn is a first-person shooter with an open world that takes place after a nuclear war; which leaves the landscape and the people worse for the ware. It is your job to survive. And the bow is one of the most powerful tools in the game to do that. 

Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 was one of the most anticipated games of the decade, and it continues to be popular despite coming up on its first anniversary. This Wild West game is all about the rifles and revolvers. But the bow is an overlooked weapon that has a lot of strategic advantages in the game. From stealth kills to exploding arrows; even hunting for food in this immersive open-world game the bow holds its own against the gun powder. 

Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The bow has been an important weapon in Link’s arsenal for some time. But it seems to have taken a leap forward in Breath of the Wild. There are several bows to choose from with different stats as well as multiple arrow types for any situation. The bow especially comes in handy when fighting bosses from far. And it is a duel threat when you use your glider and shoot at enemies from midair. 

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

This game is all about stealth, and the bow comes in mighty handy for that. You can use the bow to take out multiple enemies at once silently. It is also used to remove enemies from a location and hang them up in a tree. It can even be used to blow up environmental items to do extra damage and cause chaos. 

Future Bow Games

First-person shooters are big business, and developers are always adding new and different guns to the mix. It is nice to see that some companies are still embracing the bow and arrow, even Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is introducing bows and crossbows in some of their game modes. Other games, like Overwatch, for example, have at least one character that uses a bow. Hopefully, we will continue to see bows in games become popular again. They are just plain fun and take a lot more skill than spraying bullets.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Is it illegal to own a bow and arrow?

Owning a bow and arrow does not require a license, but you must know local laws. Hunting with a bow and arrow directs you to have a hunting license and follow hunting laws.

In many countries, including Canada, England, and the United States of America, bows and arrows are legal. People can legally purchase a bow and arrow at any general store without the additional paperwork associated with other types of weapons. However, it’s still illegal to shoot an arrow immediately after purchasing one.

The rules for carrying archery equipment vary by country. The regulations often depend on the intended use of your bow and arrows. When bow hunting, you must follow the specific requirements in different locales.

When did the bow and arrow become obsolete?

Organized archery warfare with bows ended in Eastern cultures around the mid-17th century but continued into the 19th century in hunting and war in the New World. In the Canadian Arctic, people continued to make bows for hunting caribou until the end of the 20th century, for example, at Igloolik.

When did the English stop using bows as primary weapons?

The English military stopped using the longbow for battle by 1595. The last battle involving the longbow was in Scotland in 1644. The last time a longbow was used in war was in 1940.

Is there an archery video game available on all platforms?

It depends on the specific game, but many popular archery video games are available on multiple platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices.

Do archery video games require special equipment?

Some archery video games may require special equipment, such as a motion controller or VR headset. However, many can be played with a standard controller, keyboard, or mouse.

Are archery video games suitable for all ages?

It depends on the specific game, but some archery video games may contain content unsuitable for children. It is essential to check the age rating and read reviews or watch gameplay footage before purchasing a game.

Can archery video games be played online with friends?

Yes, many archery video games have online multiplayer modes that allow players to compete or cooperate with others worldwide.

Do archery video games have realistic physics?

The level of realism varies between games, but many archery video games attempt to simulate real-world archery physics to some extent, such as the speed and trajectory of arrows.

Conclusion

In conclusion, archery video games, where the bow and arrow rule, are an exciting and thrilling video game genre that offers players a unique gaming experience. These games allow players to test their skills, aim, and accuracy in a virtual world, providing a platform to showcase their abilities. With various options available, from realistic simulations to fantasy-themed adventures, archery video games have something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing experience or an adrenaline-fueled challenge, these games will provide hours of entertainment.