OSRS Shortbow vs Longbow Which Is Better for You?

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), choosing between a shortbow and a longbow can feel like picking between two best friends who both have their quirks. As an OSRS player with years of grinding, PvM, and PKing under my belt, I’ve spent countless hours slinging arrows and testing both weapons to figure out which one shines in different situations. Let’s break down the shortbow vs longbow debate, dive into their strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide which bow suits your playstyle. Whether you’re a skiller, a quester, or a boss-slaying maniac, this guide’s got you covered.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk basics. In OSRS, bows are the bread and butter of the Ranged skill, and both shortbows and longbows have their place. But what sets them apart?

• Shortbows: These are fast-attacking weapons, firing arrows quicker than their longbow cousins. They’re perfect for dealing consistent damage over time, especially when you’re training or fighting enemies with low defense.

• Longbows: These bad boys have a slower attack speed but boast a longer attack range. They’re great for situations where you need to keep your distance, like safespotting or PvP.

I remember when I first started playing OSRS back in the day, I grabbed a shortbow because it felt snappy and fun. But as I progressed, I realized longbows had their own charm, especially for specific quests or PvM scenarios. So, which one should you pick? Let’s dig deeper.

Shortbow Stats and Features

Shortbows are all about speed. They typically have an attack speed of 4 ticks (2.4 seconds per shot), which makes them a favorite for players who want to stack up damage quickly. Here’s a quick rundown of what makes shortbows tick:

• Fast attack speed: You’re firing arrows like there’s no tomorrow.

• Lower range: You need to be closer to your target, with a range of 7 tiles.

• Great for training: Their speed makes them ideal for grinding Ranged XP.

• Ammo versatility: Works with arrows up to the max your bow supports (like rune arrows for a magic shortbow).

One of my fondest memories was using a magic shortbow to train Ranged on rock crabs. The speed was insane, and I was racking up XP like nobody’s business. But there’s a catch—shortbows don’t hit as hard per shot compared to longbows, and their shorter range can be a pain in certain situations.

Longbow Stats and Features

Longbows, on the other hand, are the chill, long-distance cousins. They have an attack speed of 6 ticks (3.6 seconds per shot) but make up for it with extra range. Here’s what you need to know:

• Longer range: You can shoot from 9 tiles away, perfect for safespotting.

• Higher damage per hit: Each shot packs more punch than a shortbow.

• Slower attack speed: You’re trading speed for power and distance.

• Niche uses: Great for specific bosses or quests where range matters.

I’ll never forget using a magic longbow during the Underground Pass quest. The extra range let me pick off enemies from a safe distance while navigating those tricky tunnels. It felt like I was sniping, and it saved my bacon more than once.

When to Use a Shortbow in OSRS

So, when does a shortbow shine? Shortbows are your go-to for most general-purpose Ranged activities. Here’s where they dominate:

• Training Ranged: The fast attack speed means more hits, which translates to faster XP. Places like rock crabs, ammonite crabs, or the Nightmare Zone are perfect for shortbow grinding.

• PvP combat: In PvP, speed is king. A magic shortbow with its special attack (two quick shots) can catch opponents off guard, especially when paired with high-damage arrows.

• Low-defense enemies: If you’re fighting something squishy, like goblins or low-level NPCs, the shortbow’s rapid attacks will mow them down.

My Shortbow Experience

I’ve spent hours in the Nightmare Zone with my trusty magic shortbow (i), which is an imbued version you can get from minigames. The special attack is a game-changer, letting me burst down bosses like Count Draynor in seconds. But here’s a pro tip: always carry a stack of rune arrows and toggle the special attack wisely. I learned the hard way that burning through your best arrows too fast can leave you high and dry mid-fight.

Question: Have you ever tried the magic shortbow’s special attack in PvP? It’s a blast, right?

When to Use a Longbow in OSRS

Longbows aren’t as popular, but they have their moments. Their extra range and higher per-hit damage make them situational powerhouses. Here’s when you should grab a longbow:

• Safespotting: Need to attack from far away? Longbows let you stay out of harm’s way, especially in dungeons or against bosses like Kree’arra in the God Wars Dungeon.

• Quests: Some quests, like Underground Pass or Regicide, have areas where the extra range is a lifesaver.

• PvP kiting: In PvP, longbows can help you keep distance while still dealing decent damage, especially in open areas like the Wilderness.

My Longbow Story

One time, I was tackling the God Wars Dungeon for the first time, trying to get some Armadyl gear. I brought a longbow to safespot Kree’arra’s minions from a distance, and it worked like a charm. The extra range meant I could stay out of aggro range while still landing hits. It wasn’t the fastest kill, but it was safe, and that’s what mattered.

Question: Ever used a longbow to safespot a tough boss? How’d it go?

Comparing Shortbows and Longbows A Quick Table

To make things easier, here’s a side-by-side comparison of shortbows and longbows in OSRS:

Feature	Shortbow	Longbow
Attack Speed	4 ticks (2.4 seconds)	6 ticks (3.6 seconds)
Range	7 tiles	9 tiles
Damage per Hit	Lower	Higher
Best For	Training, PvP, low-defense	Safespotting, quests, PvP
Special Attack	Yes (e.g., magic shortbow)	No
Example Weapon	Magic shortbow	Magic longbow

This table sums up why I lean toward shortbows for most content but keep a longbow in my bank for specific scenarios.

Which Bow Is Better for Training Ranged?

If you’re grinding Ranged levels, the Shortbow is usually the better choice. Why? Its faster attack speed means more hits, which equals more XP per hour. I’ve tested this myself at ammonite crabs on Fossil Island. With a magic shortbow and rune arrows, I was pulling in around 60-70k XP per hour at level 70 Ranged. Swap to a longbow, and that number drops significantly because of the slower attacks.

That said, if you’re training in a spot where you need to safespot, like in a dungeon with aggressive mobs, a longbow might be worth considering. It’s all about balancing speed and safety.

Pro Tip: If you’re on a budget, use a regular shortbow with iron or steel arrows for early levels. Save your GP for a magic shortbow when you hit 50 Ranged.

Shortbows vs Longbows in PvP

PvP is where things get spicy. In the Wilderness or Clan Wars, I’ve seen both bows shine, but they cater to different playstyles:

• Shortbows: The magic shortbow’s special attack is a beast in PvP. You can combo it with a high-damage weapon switch (like a dragon dagger) for a quick KO. The fast attack speed also lets you keep pressure on your opponent.

• Longbows: These are trickier but useful for kiting. If you’re in an open area, the extra range lets you stay out of your opponent’s attack range while still chipping away at their health.

I once got into a heated 1v1 in the Wilderness with a guy using a longbow. He kept his distance, and I couldn’t close the gap with my shortbow before he teleported out. It was frustrating but taught me to respect the longbow’s range in open spaces.

Which Bow Is Best for PvM?

For PvM (player vs monster), it depends on the boss or activity:

• Shortbows: Ideal for most bosses, like Zulrah or Vorkath, where you’re not relying on safespotting. The magic shortbow (i) with amethyst or rune arrows is a budget-friendly option for mid-game players.

• Longbows: Better for bosses where you need to stay far away, like Kree’arra or certain Slayer tasks. The extra range can help you avoid mechanics or aggro from minions.

When I was learning to fight Zulrah, I stuck with a magic shortbow because the fast attacks synced well with her phases. But for something like Armadyl, I’d pick a longbow any day to stay safe from those pesky minions.

Budget Options for New Players

If you’re a new player or on a tight budget, don’t worry—you’ve got options:

• Shortbows: Start with a basic oak or willow shortbow from the Grand Exchange. They’re dirt cheap and great for early Ranged training.

• Longbows: The oak or willow longbow is also super affordable and works for early quests or safespotting low-level mobs.

When I was a noob, I rocked an oak shortbow for weeks, training on cows in Lumbridge. It wasn’t glamorous, but it got the job done.

Advanced Options Magic Shortbow vs Magic Longbow

For higher-level players, the magic shortbow and magic longbow are the go-to choices. Here’s how they stack up:

• Magic Shortbow: Requires 50 Ranged, has a killer special attack, and is a staple for both PvP and PvM. The imbued version (magic shortbow (i)) boosts accuracy and damage, making it a must-have for serious Rangers.

• Magic Longbow: Also requires 50 Ranged but lacks a special attack. Its strength lies in its range, making it ideal for specific bosses or quests.

I’ve got both in my bank, but I use the magic shortbow way more. The special attack is just too good to pass up, especially when you’re trying to burst down a tough opponent.

FAQs About Shortbows and Longbows

Q: Can I use a longbow for training Ranged?
A: You can, but it’s slower. Stick with a shortbow for faster XP.

Q: Is the magic shortbow worth the price?
A: Absolutely. It’s versatile, powerful, and the special attack is a game-changer.

Q: When should I switch to a longbow?
A: Use it for safespotting or quests where range matters, like Underground Pass.

My Final Thoughts

After years of playing OSRS, I’d say the shortbow is the winner for most players. Its speed and versatility make it a no-brainer for training, PvP, and most PvM content. But don’t sleep on the Longbow—its extra range can be a lifesaver in specific situations. My advice? Keep both in your bank and switch based on the task. That’s what I do, and it’s served me well through countless hours of grinding and bossing.

Question: Which bow do you prefer in OSRS, and why? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear your take!