Bow ( weapon type ) Bows are a recurring group of weapons from the " Final Fantasy " series . They first appear in " Final Fantasy II " , and are used by most Archers . Bows are notable for dealing the same amount of damage regardless of the user ' s position in the front or back row . Bows often require arrows to be equipped to determine the type of damage dealt , while in some games , the bows themselves are standalone weapons and need no additional components . In early games , arrows needed to be purchased in multiples as they were consumed in battle , while in more recent games , ammunition becomes infinite . Recurring bows are : Dark Bow , Yoichi Bow , Elven Bow , Killer Bow , and the Artemis Bow , which tends to be the ultimate bow . Appearances . " Final Fantasy II " . Bows are the starting weapon of Maria , though Leila also has some skill level in bows . Bows require no ammunition . In earlier versions , equipping a bow will lower that character ' s magic accuracy bonus by seventy points . This was removed from the " Origins " release and all later versions . List of bows : " Final Fantasy III " . Bows can be equipped by the Freelancer , Onion Knight , Warrior , Black Mage , Red Mage , and Ranger jobs , and are the specialty of the Ranger . Arrows are consumed in battle and must be purchased in multiples . Artemis Bow is the ultimate weapon for Rangers . List of bows : " Final Fantasy IV " . Bows are primarily equipped by Rosa . Rydia , Edward , Palom , Porom , Cecil , and Cid can equip bows in all versions but the 3D version . Arrows are consumed in battle and must be purchased in multiples , but in the 3D version , ammunition is infinite . List of bows : " Final Fantasy IV - Interlude - " . List of bows : Bows can be equipped by Rydia , Palom , Porom , Leonora , Luca , Cid , Cecil , Ceodore , Rosa , and Izayoi . " Final Fantasy V " . Bows can be equipped by the Freelancer , Ranger , and Gladiator jobs , until the Ranger ' s level 3 ability Equip Bow allows a character to equip bows regardless of job . Bows are standalone weapons and require no ammunition . All bows are long range and as such ignore damage reduction in the back row . Bows deal damage based on Strength and Agility . List of bows : " Final Fantasy XI " . Bows can be used by a number of jobs , but the Ranger job is the only one proficient enough to use weaponskills with them . Though there is a massive amount of bows , the most notable bows include : " Final Fantasy XII " . Bows are the most basic of the ranged weapons . Their arrow shots are unblockable , but are also quite sensitive in inclement weather such as rain . Arrows equipped have infinite ammunition . Weapons are universal among the player characters . This is no longer the case in the " International Zodiac Job System " as bows can only be equipped by the Archer . In all versions , Fran joins the party initially equipped with a Shortbow . The damage formula for bows is : Due to the weight put on a user ' s Strength and Speed stats , it is recommended to equip Vaan or Balthier with a bow . Fran once again uses bows in battle , and is the only playable character who does so . Her bows are standalone weapons and require no ammunition . List of : " Final Fantasy XIII - 2 " . Serah wields a bowsword that switches between bow and sword forms . " Final Fantasy XIV " . Bows can be equipped by the Archer class , a Disciple of War . " Final Fantasy Tactics " . The Archer uses bows , which come equipped with arrows . The Archer can use the " Aim " ( " Charge " in the PSX version ) ability to build up power in a bow for a more powerful attack . Arrows are sensitive to obstacles and may be blocked . Because the trajectory of bow is parabolic , the arrow may travel across obstacles if they are not too high . Also the default range of 3 to 5 grids increases as the attacker ' s position is higher than the target , and vice versa . The damage power of bow is related to the wielder ' s Speed stat , but is unaffected by Haste or Slow status . The trajectory of crossbow is always a straight line and its range is not affected by elevation . Also the damage power relates to the wielder ' s physical attack power rather than speed . Bows are two - handed weapons and crossbows are one - handed . If the unit is capable of equipping a crossbow and a shield , they can hold them at the same time , balancing long range attack with defense . List of bows : " Final Fantasy Tactics Advance " . Hume and viera Archers uses the bow class of weapons , while hume Hunters and viera Snipers and Assassins use the more powerful set of greatbows . Bows and greatbows are cheaper to purchase at Cyril and Muscadet . Bows can now be equipped by Archers and Rangers , while greatbows can still be equipped by Hunters , Snipers , and Assassins . Most have kept their names and abilities taught . " Vagrant Story " . There are eight different types of bows . " Final Fantasy Type - 0 " . Trey uses a bow as his weapon of choice . List of bows : Bows are weapons used by the Selkie tribe . They are the only weapon able to attack from long ranges . As Selkies level up , they gain the ability to fire more projectiles , the max being five . Their charge ability allows them to fire many arrows at once rapidly . Bows are once again usable by the Selkie tribe . " Final Fantasy Mystic Quest " . Phoebe uses the only bow , the Bow of Grace , as her primary weapon was given to Benjamin . She has limited ammunition , merely called Arrow ( s ) and it does shoot - elemental damage to enemies , good against aerial - type enemies . Her arrows can inflict Blind . " The Final Fantasy Legend " . List of bows : " Final Fantasy Legend II " . List of bows : " Final Fantasy Legend III " . Bows appears as a type of weapon . List of bows : Bows can be equipped by all jobs , but are benefited most by the Ranger . Bows deals more damage against flying enemies . They are standalone weapons and will always target enemies in the rear of the enemy formation . List of bows : " Bravely Default " . Bows can be equipped by any job class , but only Rangers have a natural S - rank for weapon aptitude . Equipping the Bow Lore support ability allows characters to have an S - rank for bows regardless of job class . List of bows : " Final Fantasy Dimensions " . List of bows : " Final Fantasy All the Bravest " . Bows can be equipped by the Ranger . List of Bows : " Final Fantasy Record Keeper " . Bows are ranged weapon with focus on increasing user ' s Attack , but they also mildly improve Magic and Mind .