The The profession of archer in Dragon dogma 2 is perfect for anyone who wants to take a back seat in combat and prefers to let pawns do the dirty work while hanging back and shooting arrows from a distance.
However, a good archer needs more than just that just now firing arrows. Like many other vocations, this one is armed with many weapon skills that make it a much more compelling class to play than it might seem at first glance.
You can change your profession whenever you want Dragon dogma 2, so don’t feel like you’re stuck with this choice if you need something closer to the action. But if you want to rock this calling, read on for our recommendation of the best archer build for beginners in Dragon dogma 2.
Best weapon skills for archers to come first in Dragon’s Dogma 2
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The Archer vocation is less versatile than some others, meaning there is only one way to play the class. Focusing on ranged DPS is by far the best choice, but there are a number of skills available that all do roughly the same job. To ensure you’re only using the best skills, make sure you upgrade all of them to the advanced versions, if available.
- A barrage shot
- Sweep shot
- A terrible arrow
- Exploding shot
Stands first A barrage shot, That goes without saying, as a barrage of shots is simply fired. More specifically, it allows you to fire multiple arrows at a single target in rapid succession. Against smaller targets, each arrow has a knockback effect, and upgrading to Manifold Shot results in more arrows fired per barrage.
Cascade shot is very similar, but instead of firing multiple consecutive arrows at the same target, it fires multiple arrows at once in a wedge pattern so you can hit more than one target. He also fires multiple times in succession, allowing you to effectively deal with a crowd of enemies. Both Barrage Shot and Cascade Shot can also be used while moving, in case one of the enemies has invaded your position at the back of the pack.
A terrible arrow is a little different than that one: it’s just a single arrow, but you just have to think of it as a more powerful shot. It will reliably take down small targets and deal greater damage to larger ones, although it takes a while to withdraw the arrow. This is best used when you are in control of a battle and not busy taking down enemies from all angles.
Finally there is Exploding shot, which does what it says on the tin. Fire an arrow with an explosive at the tip and it will stick into an enemy or the ground, exploding as soon as it takes damage or after a few seconds. This means it doesn’t explode immediately, but that’s useful because you can time it to group enemies together so it hits more of them at once. However, if you have a Mage in your party who casts fire spells, you can replace this with the Tarring Shot to cover enemies in a flammable substance.
Best core skills and improvements for archers in Dragon’s Dogma 2
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All four of the Archer’s core skills are a big help, especially when using Steady Shot, which is essentially just aiming instead of firing a Loose Shot. Jumping point is a great pseudo-melee option, as it kicks an enemy backwards as you move away from them to put some distance between them. Use that in combination with Parting shotwhich you can shoot while jumping in the air.
Fast Cam This allows you to easily “reload” your arrows faster. Prick Dart lets you pull the bowstring even further to ensure arrows do more damage. Both Stamina And Ambush Augments are also definitely worth picking up, as the former increases your stamina, while the latter deals more damage to unaware enemies, allowing you to defeat them.
Best Archer Gear in Dragon’s Dogma 2
Image: Capcom via Polygon
Recommending very specific equipment for an archer is tricky because this is a beginner build and you won’t find the best gear until later in the game, but the one place you do have access to is the row of shops in Vernworth. Here you’ll find Bjorn’s Armory and Roderick’s Smithy with armor and weapons respectively, all of which should be upgraded as soon as you get the chance.
The Plumed cap (3,900 gold) is the best of a small selection of head armor, while the Lamellar armor (12,400 gold) is the best body armor. You could also go for the Rangers vest (7,900 gold) here because it is over a kilo lighter, but the Lamellar Armor has much better defensive stats. finally, the Sprinter boots (7,900 gold) are the best choice for the leg armor, but if you don’t have enough money, go for the Combat riding breeches (3,200 gold) instead.
As far as weapons go, expensive is best here, so go for the Wild canine (17,800 gold) if you can afford it. If not, persevere with the Hunter’s bow (4,240 gold) because the Bespoke Bow isn’t worth it at the average price because it weighs so much.
For more Dragon dogma 2 guides, see our suggestions for the best Fighter build, the best Mage build and the best Thief build for beginners. We also have an explanation of how to unlock the Warrior, Mystic Spearhand, and Sorcerer vocations, how to change your vocation, and a list of all vocations.