There is a wide variety of perks available and most are amazing. The tricky thing about perks is that not everyone uses the same ones. Perks add a lot of different effects and this is great as it gives players a variety of choices. Some Perks can be stacker while others cannot, and some are better on some gear than on others.

What do we love about the Bow?

I love the bow as it offers a lot of ways to play and matches up with a wide variety of other weapons. In my experience, its aim is better than both the Musken and the Bl

1. Vorpal, Hunter’s Claw

Headshots are one of the best ways for an Archer to cause great amounts of damage. 

Effect

• +10% headshot damage.

My expert opinion and analysis of its usefulness are as follows: 

For newer players, this perk is good as it offers a more accurate aim. It is very useful in both PVP and PVE. For the more advanced players, it can be the defining hit.

Reach limits further than you ever imagined with this magnificent bow. The ideal weapon for hunters of all kinds.

Weapon Stats

All weapon stats are sourced from the New World website for accuracy.

Gear Score 685-700.

• 74 Base Damage.
• 7.0% Critical Hit Chance.
• 1.30 Critical Damage Multiplier.
• 38.0 Block Stamina Damage.
• 42.0 Stagger Damage.
• 242 Thrust Damage.
• Bind On Pickup.
• Named Item.
• Tier V.
• Scales With: DEX 100%.
• 6.0 Weight.
• 3000 Durability.

Weapon Perks

• +38 Dexterity.
• Penetrating Rapid Shot: +35% armor penetration of all Rapid Shot attacks.
• Empty Socket: Add a gem to get its effect.
• Vorpal: +10% headshot damage.
• Random Perk if gear score is [600-625] or [675-700].

Why it's great: 

With this bow, you do more headshot damage and armor penetration. Plus, it has a great gear score. Combined with the Vorpal perk, you could become a killing machine.

2. Enchanted, Boltcaster

Added damage is an amazing thing, the more damage you deal the faster your foes perish.

Effect

• Light and Heavy attacks deal +5% damage.

My expert opinion and analysis of its usefulness are as follows: 

In my opinion, it works well on all weapons. Using this perk on a bow gives and advantage as each shot can assist in increasing the damage you do. After further analysis, I discovered that it can be stacked once. So, for example, a sword and shield each get a +5% which leads to a +10% in the end.

Turn the battlefield into your own playpen. Each shot from this bow is accurate giving you the upper hand in battle. Feel the power it holds and shoot with precision.

Weapon Stats

All weapon stats are sourced from the New World website for accuracy.

Gear Score 700.

• 74 Base Damage.
• 7.0% Critical Hit Chance.
• 1.30 Critical Damage Multiplier.
• 38.0 Block Stamina Damage.
• 42.0 Stagger Damage.
• 2 Thrust Damage.
• 239 Lightning Damage.
• Bind On Pickup.
• Tier V.
• Scales With: DEX 100%.
• 6.0 Weight.
• 3000 Durability.

Weapon Perks

• +38 Magnify (to highest attribute).
• Electrified: 99% damage converted to lightning, and lightning damage from basic attacks is increased by 20% for both weapons.
• Bolt: Basic attacks build up stacks of static charge lasting 3s. Hitting with bow lightning damage at 3 stacks will consume the charges and trigger a bolt of lightning, dealing 80% damage.
• Shirking Lightning: After dodging an attack, your next hit within 10s deals +45% base weapon damage as Lightning.
• Enchanted: Light and Heavy attacks deal +5% damage.

 My thought on why it's great: It causes lightning damage that works great against some bosses.

3. Refreshing Penetrating Shot, Primal Bow of the Ranger

With the reduced cooldowns you are able to use your abilities more often. Which can lead to you killing your foes faster and that is a great thing.

Effect

Bow

• Penetrating Shot kills reduce its cooldown by 50%.

Other Gear

• Penetrating Shot kills reduce its cooldown by 27%.

My expert opinion and analysis of its usefulness are as follows: 

In my expert opinion, Penetrating Shot is one of the best abilities available for those who choose to use a bow. With the 50% cooldown reduction, you can almost shoot continues. My analysis is that it is an almost must-have perk for any bow.

Look into the eyes of the beast as you pull the arrows back in this great bow. It will give you what you seek.

Weapon Stats

All weapon stats are sourced from the New World website for accuracy.

Gear Score 700.

• 74 Base Damage.
• 7.0% Critical Hit Chance.
• 1.30 Critical Damage Multiplier.
• 38.0 Block Stamina Damage.
• 42.0 Stagger Damage.
• 242 Thrust Damage.
• Bind On Pickup.
• Tier V.
• Scales With: DEX 100%.
• 6.0 Weight.
• 3000 Durability.

Weapon Perks

• +38 Dexterity.
• Keenly Empowered: Gain 10% Empower for 5s on critical hit (10s cooldown).
• Empty Socket: Add a gem to get its effect.
• Refreshing Penetrating Shot: Penetrating Shot kills reduce its cooldown by 50%.
• Random Perk if gear score is [600-625] or [675-700].

Why it is great in my opinion: Well, this bow is amazing because it adds extra damage and reduces cooldowns.

4. Vicious, Verglas Bow of the Ranger

Critical damage is increased which is a great bonus as critical damage is higher than normal damage and so this is an amazing benefit.

Effect

• +7% critical damage.

My expert opinion and analysis of its usefulness are as follows: 

In my opinion, Vicious is one of the Perks that can be used on all the weapons. If your weapon of choice is the bow, be sure to consider this perk. My analysis is that it is an almost must-have perk for a DPS Build. It works on all builds though.

Feel the power generated from the ice and steel this weapon originated from. It may have come from deep within the Glacial Tarn but offers strength to those who wield it.

Weapon Stats

All weapon stats are sourced from the New World website for accuracy.

Gear Score 700.

• 74 Base Damage.
• 7.0% Critical Hit Chance.
• 1.30 Critical Damage Multiplier.
• 38.0 Block Stamina Damage.
• 42.0 Stagger Damage.
• 242 Thrust Damage.
• Bind On Pickup.
• Tier V.
• Scales With: DEX 1000%.
• 6.0 Weight.
• 3000 Durability.

Weapon Perks

• +38 Dexterity.
• Vicious: +7% critical damage.
• Empty Socket: Add a gem to get its effect.
• Empowering Explosive Arrow: Explosive Arrow hits grants Empower, increasing damage by 36% for 5s or until the next hit.
• Random Perk if gear score is [600-625] or [675-700].

My thoughts on why it's great: It gives more damage, and that in itself is a great thing. It also has a great gear score to consider.

5. Refreshing Move, Nightviel Bow of the Ranger

Feel refreshed as your cooldowns rapidly decrease. Know that this will help you survive.

Effect

• Light and Heavy attacks reduce your active weapon cooldowns by 2.5% (0.2s cooldown).

My expert opinion and analysis of its usefulness are as follows: 

In my opinion, this Perk is a very useful one as it reduces all of your active cooldowns. Even the slightest of cooldowns can make a huge difference when it comes down to the final slaughter. My analysis is that this perk is useful to most Builds.

Close your eyes and know I am there. You will not die today.

Weapon Stats

All weapon stats are sourced from the New World website for accuracy.

Gear Score 675.

• 74 Base Damage.
• 7.0% Critical Hit Chance.
• 1.30 Critical Damage Multiplier.
• 38.0 Block Stamina Damage.
• 42.0 Stagger Damage.
• 234 Thrust Damage.
• Bind On Pickup.
• Tier V.
• Scales With: DEX 1000%.
• 6.0 Weight.
• 3000 Durability.

Weapon Perks

• +35 Dexterity.
• Flame Attunement: Attacks deal +14% weapon damage as fire (1.5s cooldown. Does not trigger off persistent damage or DoT effects).
• Empty Socket: Add a gem to get its effect.
• Refreshing Move: Light and Heavy attacks reduce your active weapon cooldowns by 2.5% (0.2s cooldown).
• Random Perk if gear score is [600-625] or [675-700].

Why it is great to consider: Reduced cooldowns are a great thing. But, then add the fire damage and you have a deadly weapon.

6. Enfeebling Poison Shot, Fallen Olympian

Your foes will now deal you less damage. With them dealing less damage to you, know that it gives you an upper hand.

Effect

Bow

• Poison Shot hits apply Weaken, reducing the target’s damage by 27% for 6s.

Other Gear

• Poison Shot hits apply Weaken, reducing the target’s damage by 16% for 6s.

My expert opinion and analysis of its usefulness are as follows: 

In my expert opinion, this perk is a bonus as your opponent weakens, their fight becomes less damaging. When analyzing this, it is truly useful as you can defeat some of the bigger enemies with less effort.

From a time no longer, feel the power of anger, and courage, stand proud brave warrior.

Weapon Stats

All weapon stats are sourced from the New World website for accuracy.

Gear Score 650.

• 74 Base Damage.
• 7.0% Critical Hit Chance.
• 1.30 Critical Damage Multiplier.
• 38.0 Block Stamina Damage.
• 42.0 Stagger Damage.
• 112 Thrust Damage.
• 112 Nature Damage.
• Bind On Pickup.
• Named Item.
• Tier V.
• Scales With: DEX 100%.
• 6.0 Weight.
• 3000 Durability.
• Requirement: Level 64.

Weapon Perks

• +33 Dexterity.
• Gem Socket: Augmented Aroreal: Convert 50% of damage dealt to Nature (If FOC is higher, replace weapon scaling with FOC, but at 55% scaling). Hits inflict Poison, dealing 8% Nature damage per second for 2s.
• Vorpal: +10% headshot damage.
• Enfeebling Poison Shot: Posion Shot hits apply Weaken, reducing the target’s damage by 27% for 6s.
• Mortal Power: Gain 15% Empowered for 20s on kill (1s cooldown).

In my opinion, this is why it's great: You are able to deal a lot of extra damage. Plus converts nature damage and it also lessens the damage of your foes dealt to you.

7. Keen, Evolutionary Response

A higher chance of causing more damage is a little advantage you have.

Effect

• +7% critical chance.

My expert opinion and analysis of its usefulness are as follows: 

In my opinion, this Perk pairs well with a lot of other perks. It gives you greater success at slaying your enemies if used thoughtfully. My analysis is that it can be used on almost all weapons and in almost all Builds.

How strong dear friend, you can change from fighting with your hands to holding a spear and then using a bow turning the ultimate fight into a win.

Weapon Stats

All weapon stats are sourced from the New World website for accuracy.

Gear Score 660-700.

• 74 Base Damage.
• 7.0% Critical Hit Chance.
• 1.30 Critical Damage Multiplier.
• 38.0 Block Stamina Damage.
• 42.0 Stagger Damage.
• 242 Thrust Damage.
• Bind On Pickup.
• Named Item.
• Tier V.
• Scales With: DEX 100%.
• 6.0 Weight.
• 3000 Durability.

Weapon Perks

• +38  Dexterity.
• Refreshing Penetrating: Penetrating Shot kills reduce its cooldown by 50%.
• Empty Socket: Add a gem to get its effect.
• Keen: +7% critical chance.
• Random Perk if gear score is [600-625] or [675-700].

Why it's great in my opinion: A chance of dealing extra critical damage and a slight reduction on a cooldown. Plus, it comes with a great gear score.

8. Lasting Rain of Arrows, Nemesis

Drain your foes and watch their blood flow, Bleed is one of the best effects out there for most foes.

Effect

Bow

• Slow and Bleed last 45% longer.

Other Gear

• Slow and Bleed last 22% longer.

My expert opinion and analysis of its usefulness are as follows: 

In my opinion, the bleed has a great effect on being active as it slowly drains your enemies. Once you have them bleeding you can strick harder and defeat any monster. My analysis is that this is a perfect Perk for the bow.

Known as many names you decide what it’s worth. Nemesis, opponent, or challenger.

Weapon Stats

All wapon Statseapon stats are sourced from the New World website for accuracy.

Gear Score 650-700.

• 74 Base Damage.
• 7.0% Critical Hit Chance.
• 1.30 Critical Damage Multiplier.
• 38.0 Block Stamina Damage.
• 42.0 Stagger Damage.
• 242 Thrust Damage.
• Bind On Pickup.
• Named Item.
• Tier V.
• Scales With: DEX 100%.
• 6.0 Weight.
• 3000 Durability.

Weapon Perks

• +38 Dexterity.
• Lasting Rain of Arrows: Slow and Bleed last 45% longer.
• Empty Socket: Add a gem to get its effect.
• Keen: +7% critical chance.
• Random Perk if gear score is [600-625] or [675-700].

Why it's great: Now you can cause bleed and extra damage. This will surely aid you in any fight.

9. Penetrating Rapid Shot, Steel Six Draw

Pierce their armor with every shot you take, you and your companions can kill them faster.

Effect

Bow

• +35% armor penetration of all Rapid Shot attacks.

Other Gear

• +21% armor penetration of all Rapid Shot attacks.

My expert opinion and analysis of its usefulness are as follows: 

In my opinion, this Perk is one of the best for taking down a foe's armor. If the enemy's armor is weaker or destroyed, nothing is standing in your way. My analysis is that it can be most efficiently used on the bow as you can cause damage from a distance.

Multiple points can be useful in any attack six of each, edges or points, it is up to you.

Weapon Stats

All weapon stats are sourced from the New World website for accuracy.

Gear Score 650-700.

• 74 Base Damage.
• 7.0% Critical Hit Chance.
• 1.30 Critical Damage Multiplier.
• 38.0 Block Stamina Damage.
• 42.0 Stagger Damage.
• 242 Thrust Damage.
• Bind On Pickup.
• Named Item.
• Tier V.
• Scales With: DEX 100%.
• 6.0 Weight.
• 3000 Durability.

Weapon Perks

• +38 Dexterity.
• Penetrating Rapid Shot: +35% armor penetration of all Rapid Shot attacks.
• Empty Socket: Add a gem to get its effect.
• Keen: +7% critical chance.
• Random Perk if gear score is [600-625] or [675-700].

Why I feel it's great: It's a named bow and it has armor penetration. Plus, a chance of high critical damage.

10. Mortal Lifesteal, Old Longbow

A little bit of extra health that you gain can be the difference between life and death.

Effect

• +10% Health on kill (1s cooldown).

My expert opinion and analysis of its usefulness are as follows: 

In my opinion, health is one of the most important things if not the most important. Gaining more health as you slay the enemy is one thing everyone should consider. My analysis is that this perk is perfect for all Builds.

Exposure has left the wood scorched bringing the old with the new making it strong.

Weapon Stats

All weapon stats are sourced from the New World website for accuracy.

Gear Score 650-700.

• 74 Base Damage.
• 7.0% Critical Hit Chance.
• 1.30 Critical Damage Multiplier.
• 38.0 Block Stamina Damage.
• 42.0 Stagger Damage.
• 242 Thrust Damage.
• Bind On Pickup.
• Named Item.
• Tier V.
• Scales With: DEX 100%.
• 6.0 Weight.
• 3000 Durability.
• Requirement: Level 61.

Weapon Perks

• +38 Dexterity.
• Vorpal: +10% headshot damage.
• Empty Socket: Add a gem to get its effect.
• Mortal Lifesteal: +10% Health on kill (1s cooldown).
• Random Perk if gear score is [600-625] or [675-700].

Why it's great: A boost of life plus the headshot damage and a chance at getting a great gear score sounds almost perfect to me.

You may also be interested in:

• [Top 10] New World Best Builds That Are Powerful
• [Top 10] New World Best Perks For DPS
• [Top 10] New World Best PvP Builds That Are Powerful