Bow Guide: Controls and Combos

The Bow is a ranged weapon in Monster Hunter Now. Learn how to use the Bow, how to unlock, as well as the recommended combos and tips on how to play the Bow!

All Bow Guides
Full List	How to Use	Builds

Bow Basic Information

Deal Damage from a Distance

The Bow is one of the two ranged weapons in Monster Hunter Now. If you prefer kiting against your enemies and dishing damage from far out, then this weapon is for you!

In addition, rapid-fire and spread arrows fire multiple times at once, so it can deal huge damage if they hit. Also, the Bow has better mobility than the Light Bowgun so it is easier to evade monster attacks.

No Need to Reload

Unlike the Light Bowgun, Bows do not need to reload. This avoids the lengthy animation that can leave Bowgunners open for attacks.

Bow Shot Types

Shot Type	Description / Ideal Range
Rapid	Concentrated shots good for hitting weak points Best at medium range
Spread	Arrows are fired with a horizontal spread Best at close range
Pierce	Shot travels and deals mutliple hits through the monster Best at long range

The critical distance will vary depending on the shots you're using. Rapid shots are best at aiming at weak points and are great for beginnners. Spread shots are riskier as they need to be fired up close to maximize damage but can be rewarding when used well.

Pierce shots are a bit trickier to use as they deal multiple ticks as they travel through a monster. This means they're good when used against longer monsters but only when the arrow is lined up properly.

Bow Controls

List of Controls

Touch Screen Controls	Hunter Action
Swipe	Evade to the direction of the swipe
Tap	Shoot *each shot increases bow charge level once, up to Level 3
Long Press	Charge the Bow *up to three charge levels
Swipe in Time for a Monster's Attack	Perfect Dodge *follow up with taps to execute Power Shots
Long Press the screen then Swipe to a direction	Charging Sidestep Follows the direction of the swipe. This maintains the charge level of the Bow.
SP Skill Button Tap	Dragon Piercer

Bow Introduction Video

Recommended Combos for the Bow

Charged Shot to Power Shot

Preview	Touch Controls
	Tap and hold the screen then release [Charged Shot] Flick in time for monster's attack when needed [Charging Sidestep] Tap the screen again to fire

Always try to maintain maximum charge whenever you're gonna dish out power shots!

Evade When Needed

If you see an enemy attack coming your way, do not hesitate to evade. You can maintain your Bow's charge level by executing a Charging Sidestep!

How to Perfect Dodge

Focus Shortens Charging Time

Adding the skill Focus in your Bow builds will shorten the charge time of your Bow. Slot it in to reach max charge faster and dish out maximum damage!

How to Use Charging Sidestep

Flick without Taking Your Finger off the Screen

Charging Sidestep can be done by holding down on the screen to charge your bow, then flicking at any direction without raising your finger. This is done to maintain Bow charge while evading!

Tips on How to Use the Bow

Summary

• Maintain Critical Distance
• Manage Your Charged Shot Properly
• Aim for Perfect Dodges
• Use Dragon Piercer Wisely

Maintain Critical Distance

Like the main games, the Bow has a critical distance that you need to maintain throughout a hunt. This makes sure that the Bow is dealing maximum damage! You know you're in critical distance if the reticle is orange.

Manage Your Charged Shot Properly

Recommended Steps
Charge → Charging Sidestep → Fire → Power Shot (Repeat)

The Bow needs to charge then fire to maximize the damage dealt. To properly manage your Bow charges, we recommend a simple flow that you have to follow noted above.

First, start charging you Bow by long-pressing the screen. Afterwards, perform a charging sidestep in time for an enemy attack. Lastly, shoot you arrow then tap again for a Power Shot. Repeat the process for the entire hunt!

Aim for Perfect Dodges

Aim for Perfect Dodges

After evading just in time for the monster's attacks, your charge level will increase automatically to level 3 (prior to Fulminations in the Frost) or raised by 2 levels. Use this opportunity to turn the tides of the battle!

How to Perfect Dodge

Use Dragon Piercer Wisely

The Hunter is invincible while using their SP Skill, Dragon Piercer, so make use of it while the enemy is attacking. This has a really long invincibility frame so make use of it. You should also watch when you use it as it has a fairly long windup time.

List of Special Skills and How to Use

Dragon Piercer Can Cut Tails

One unique feature of Dragon Piercer is that it deals severing damage. This means it can cut tails if it deals enough damage. As it takes a while to charge, you'll likely only be slicing the tails of lower-star monsters.

How to Unlock the Bow

Clear Chapter 2, Part 3

The ability to use the Bow is unlocked once you finish Chapter 2, Part 3 and starting Chapter 3. Depending on how many users are in your area, this could translate to about 3.5 hours of play time outside.

All Chapters and Quests List

Unlocks Together with Three Weapons

Unlocks After Reaching Chapter 3
Long Sword	Hammer	Bow	Light Bowgun

In addition to the Bow, the Long Sword, Light Bowgun, and Hammer also unlocks when you reach Chapter 3.

Monster Hunter Now Related Guides

Best Weapons Tier List

List of All Weapons and Guides

Close-Ranged Weapons
Sword and Shield Guide | List	Great Sword Guide | List
Long Sword Guide | List	Hammer Guide | List
Dual Blades Guide | List	Lance Guide | List
Charge Blade Guide | List
Long-Ranged Weapons
Bow Guide | List	Light Bowgun Guide | List