When Bethesda introduced bows into Fallout 76, they quickly became one of the most stylish and versatile weapon options in the Wasteland. While not always the strongest choice compared to energy rifles or heavy guns, bows offer a unique way to play—stealthy, precise, and satisfying for players who enjoy a slower, more tactical approach. This guide covers everything you need to know about bows and arrows in Fallout 76, from acquiring them to maximizing their potential.
How to Get a Bow
The most straightforward way to obtain a bow is by purchasing the plan from vendors. The Plan: Bow is often available from Grahm or random train station vendors once your character reaches level 15. After crafting your first bow, you’ll be able to make more at any weapons workbench, provided you have the right Fallout 76 items.
If you’re just starting out, keep in mind that crafted bows scale with your level, so it’s worth remaking one every few levels until you settle into higher-tier gear.
Types of Bows
Currently, there are two main bows in the game:
Standard Bow – Available early and easy to craft.
Compound Bow – A more advanced version with better stats, unlocked through the Wastelanders questline.
Both weapons benefit heavily from perk cards like Archer, Expert Archer, and Master Archer, which boost damage significantly.
Crafting Arrows
A bow isn’t much use without arrows, and Fallout 76 offers several varieties:
Standard Arrows – Cheap and reliable for general use.
Explosive Arrows – Deal area damage but are harder to craft.
Flaming Arrows – Useful against groups and for setting enemies on fire.
Arrow crafting requires a steady supply of Fallout 76 items like steel, wood, and adhesive. Keeping these materials stocked is essential if you want to main a bow build. Some players even prefer to buy Fallout 76 items from other sources to make sure they never run out of key crafting components.
Playing With a Bow Build
The bow is perfect for stealth gameplay. With perks like Covert Operative and Sneak, you can land devastating critical hits without drawing too much attention. VATS can be tricky since bows have a slower draw time, but with practice, you’ll be landing precise shots consistently.
Pairing a bow with a secondary weapon—like a silenced pistol or rifle—can help balance out situations where arrows aren’t practical, such as against flying enemies or when you run out of materials.
Tips for Success
Stay stocked on materials – Always pick up junk that breaks down into wood, steel, and adhesive.
Use perks wisely – Stack the Archer perk cards for maximum damage output.
Remake your bow – As you level up, don’t forget to craft a new one to keep your damage competitive.
Experiment with arrows – Explosive arrows are powerful but situational, while flaming arrows are fun for crowd control.
Final Thoughts
Bows may not be the meta choice in Fallout 76, but they are incredibly rewarding for players who enjoy precision and style over raw firepower. With the right perks, steady crafting, and smart use of Fallout 76 items, a bow build can hold its own in most encounters. If you’re looking to try something different, or just want to channel your inner wasteland archer, this is one of the most satisfying playstyles available.