Baldur's Gate 3: The 4 best ranged weapons - What they can do and where to find them

In Baldur’s Gate 3 you can find many ranged weapons. To make it easier for you to choose your weapon, we will show you the 4 best ranged weapons along with their locations and explain what makes them special.

Which ranged weapons are the best? Ranged weapons are preferred in Baldur’s Gate 3 due to their versatility in combat and their ability to deal massive damage – without getting too close to the enemies. We present to you 4 ranged weapons that are among the best.

Warning: Spoilers: The article contains spoilers from Act 1 to Act 3.

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These 4 best ranged weapons are waiting for you

Gontr Mael

What makes the weapon special? The legendary longbow Gontr Mael has undoubtedly earned its place among the best ranged weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3. Thanks to the masterful craftsmanship of flawless titan steel and the blessing of the Celestial, the Gontr Mael appears in all its radiant glory.

Gontr Mael’s stats and abilities at a glance:

Damage: 1d8 piercing damage
Skill: Longbow
Quality: Legendary
Range: 18 m
Properties: Two-handed
+3 weapon enchantment
Gontr Mael: Glow: Bow glows in a radius of 6m.
Promised Victory: On a hit, you have a chance to shoot a Guided Missile at the opponent. Enemies can receive a debuff: The next attack roll against the opponent is at advantage.
Celestial Haste: Lasts 5 turns and if you lose concentration, you will not become lethargic.
Light (Permanent)

Special features when you are proficient with the weapon:

Leg shot
Weapon action Bolt of Celestial Light per short rest: 1d8+7 piercing damage +1d8 radiant damage. Target can become frightened. In the next turn, ranged attacks from Gontr Mael deal 1-4 radiant damage.
Ready (Ranged)

Spoiler: Where can I find the longbow Gontr Mael?

In the Smithy of the Steel Watch in Act 3, you can obtain this weapon. To do this, you must complete the quest “Destroy the Smithy of the Steel Watch.” You will receive the weapon when you kill the Steel Titan.

Hellfire Crossbow

What makes the weapon so special? The Hellfire Crossbow is a rare crossbow that you can find in Baldur’s Gate 3. Hand crossbows are particularly suitable for characters who cannot efficiently utilize their bonus actions or for exciting multiclass builds, allowing you to attack four times per round. As newcomers, you should avoid multiclassing for now.

Hellfire Crossbow stats and abilities at a glance:

+2 weapon enchantment
1d6 piercing damage
Skill: Hand crossbows
Property: Light, One-handed
Range: 15m
Hellfire Brute: A target hit by an attack can additionally burn if you attack while hidden or invisible.
You gain the “Scorching Ray” spell of 3rd level: It creates three fire rays that can be hurled at enemies and deal fire damage.

Spoiler: Where can I find the Hellfire Crossbow?

You obtain the ranged weapon from Yugir in the Shart Temple in Act 2 – Coordinates: X:-654, Y: -754. There, you will encounter many puzzles and adventures. The Shart Temple is also significant for Shadowheart’s questline.

Constructed Arbalest

What makes the weapon so special? With this heavy crossbow, you can unleash a dazzling ray that can blind enemies. Additionally, you get a “heavy crossbow +2”, which is a significant upgrade from a +1 crossbow.

Constructed Arbalest stats and abilities at a glance:

+2 weapon enchantment
Range: 18m
Skill: Heavy crossbows
Two-handed
Weapon action “Illuminating Shot”: Fires a light flash that causes a “Light Orb” effect on the target for one turn, 1d4 piercing damage.
Class action per short rest “Blinding Ray”: 2d10 radiant damage, unleashes a blinding light ray that blinds all creatures in its path. Requires concentration and every time you cast the spell again, there is a risk of burning yourself.

Spoiler: Where can I find the Constructed Arbalest?

In Act 3, you will come across Enver Gortash. When you kill him, he drops this weapon. You will receive the quest “Gortash’s Nether Stone” beforehand. You will find Gortash in the Wyrm’s Cliff Fortress.

Nyrulna

What makes the weapon so special? Nyrulna is also a legendary weapon, well suited for melee builds, but it can also shine as a ranged weapon. As a ranged weapon, you might view the trident more as a “meme build.” This weapon returns to your hand when thrown. When you throw the trident, it triggers a thunder explosion.

Nyrulna stats and abilities at a glance:

+3 weapon enchantment
Quality: Legendary
Trident
1d8 piercing damage as a two-handed weapon
1d6 piercing damage as a one-handed weapon
Can be thrown
Zephyr Connection: The weapon returns when thrown. You cannot be forced to drop the trident. When you throw the weapon, it generates an explosion that deals 3-12 thunder damage in a 6-meter area centered on the target.
Veil of the Winds: Bonus of +3 m to movement speed and jump distance. Immunity to falling damage.
Nyrulna Glow: The weapon glows in a radius of 6 meters.
- Special features when you are proficient with this weapon type:
  - You gain “Piercing Strike” and “Crippling Strike”
  - Weapon action Zephyr Rush: You charge forward, creating a whirlwind that can launch enemies into the air and cause bleeding. 6d8 thunder damage. Does not provoke opportunity attacks.
  - Weapon action Zephyr Break: You create a strong gust of wind that disperses all clouds and throws creatures 5m away. This can cause them to possibly lose their balance. 6d6 thunder damage.

Spoiler: Where can I find Nyrulna’s trident?

In Act 3, you will encounter a circus. There, you will go to the Genie, then spin his wheel of fortune. He sabotages the wheel with a magical ring. If you steal this ring, he will accuse you of cheating. He will then teleport you to a jungle where there is a chest containing the legendary Nyrulna trident.