I run three bow/bow archers (Sorc, Warden, Nightblade) and primarily play solo PvE. For how I play, I rate their effectiveness in the order I listed them. I have not used any of the other classes for bow/bow so cannot speak to them. I've learned that, at least for me, it depends alot on how you play. Again, I'm primarily solo Pve. I find the Nightblade is harder to keep alive. I find the Warden requires lots of buff casting. For me, the sorc seems to hit a good balance of damage and survivability - though the sorc does have more of a challenge than the other two sustaining (keeping their stamina up).

My advice? Once you have some familiarity with the game and begin to get comfortable with your playstyle, try different classes and see what works best for you.

I'd also recommend you take a look at another thread here on this forum that is a superb resource for bow/bow players and wannabes - https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/381498/everything-needed-to-know-about-bow-bow-in-pve-elsweyr-update#latest

Thank you for your replies!

I will try NB.

And I have one more question. I want to be Imperial but in guides the most archers are Orc which I don't like... I'ts big different between races or it's rather cosmetic?

Figerion wrote: »

Thank you for your replies!

I will try NB.

And I have one more question. I want to be Imperial but in guides the most archers are Orc which I don't like... I'ts big different between races or it's rather cosmetic?

Id say you cannot go far wrong with a NB as a bow build. However do note that it can take practice to stay alive, you need to think carefully about the skills and rotation, as it is these that will proc health & buffs to keep you alive. That said, you can just slot Vigour from the Assault skill line if you struggle and this will help.

As for race, if you are not partial to an Orc, then choose a Wood elf or Redguard. Both work very well indeed, though may do a little less damage than an Orc, they have greater resource sustain.

Ultimately, were only talking a few percentage points between the races, its not a massive difference so unless you are a min/max elite player looking to eek every ounce of damage from a build, just go with what you like!

Most importantly, if you want to Bow/Bow, you have to fully commit, hold out everything, grind out the gear etc.. push for 40k dps parse.. so many crappy dps archer pugs spamming snipe over the years have killed most people's expectations when they see a bow/bow in their groups.. I really like warden the best, feels natural and parses over 40k.