OSRS Shortbow vs Longbow: Item Comparison:

Oldschool RuneScape offers a vast array of weapons for players to choose from when training their Ranged skill. From throwing knives to darts, throwing axes, crossbows, and even cannons, the options are seemingly endless. However, one of the most popular weapons for Ranged training are bows, which come in both shortbow and longbow variants.

While both the shortbow and longbow share the same major bow types, such as the magic shortbow or the yew longbow, they have notable differences that can make one more appealing than the other depending on the situation. For instance, the shortbow has a faster attack speed but deals less damage per hit compared to the longbow, which has a slower attack speed but a higher damage output. Additionally, the longbow allows for a further range when attacking enemies.

When considering the shortbow vs longbow debate, it’s important to take into account the specific task or activity at hand. For example, a player may prefer to use a shortbow for training Ranged on lower level monsters or for player versus player combat, while a longbow may be more useful for killing higher level monsters or for attacking enemies from a safe distance. Ultimately, the choice between a shortbow and a longbow comes down to personal preference and play style.

OSRS Shortbow vs Longbow Statistics:

We utilize magic arcs for this equation, which are predominantly employed by intermediate to advanced players.

short arc

• Attack Range: +69

longbow

• Attack Range: +69

In this scenario, the statistics for both arcs are the same. In order to determine the superior option, we must further examine the functionality of these arcs.

Effects

When comparing these two bows, there are three primary distinctions to consider:

1. Attack distance:
   • Short arc can attack up to 7 squares away (9 with Longrange attack style)
   • Longbow can attack up to 9 squares away (10 with Longrange attack style)
2. Attack speed:
   • Short arc has a higher attack speed
   • Longbow has a slower attack speed
3. Special attacks:
   • Magic Shortbow special attack uses 55% of your bar and shoots two quick shots in a row. However, they are not guaranteed to hit your target.
   • Magic Longbow special attack uses 35% of your bar and is guaranteed to hit your target, with a minimum damage of 1.

Verdict:

Shortbows are a superior choice over longbows due to their faster attack speed, resulting in better overall DPS. Despite the small difference in attack distance, the speed reduction of longbows makes them a less effective option.

Interestingly, there is hardly any price difference between the two types of bows. In fact, longbows tend to be slightly more expensive due to their higher rating for alchemy spells.

When it comes to special attacks, the Magic Shortbow reigns supreme. While the longbow allows you to use the special attack twice quickly, it lacks KO potential in PvP scenarios. On the other hand, the Magic Shortbow’s special attack is often more powerful and can inflict significantly more damage in a shorter amount of time.

Overall, shortbows are a superior choice in any scenario, except when an extra pair of squares of attack distance is absolutely necessary. Their faster attack speed and more powerful special attack make them a more efficient option than longbows.