The best game for archery depends on what you want the bow to do: in Horizon Forbidden West, it is part of a tactical system built around weapon variety and machine weaknesses; in The Legend of Zelda, it sits inside an open-ended adventure. This curated list covers ten games across action-adventure, survival, and RPGs. It is not an objective ranking: choose by how central you want archery to be, the tactical options you want, and the world you want to explore.
How to choose a game for archery
Consider three things before picking a title: whether the bow is a core part of ordinary play or one option among many; whether you want precision and tactical choices or a broader adventure; and which genre and setting you prefer. The games below are grouped by the experience they offer rather than scored against one another.
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Games with archery mechanics to try
1. Horizon Forbidden West
A strong pick if you want bow use to feel tactical. PlayStation’s official guide describes dozens of weapons, including bows, with rare and legendary variants and multiple ammunition types to craft. You can tag machine parts to help aim, exploit enemy weaknesses, and pursue upgrades or merchant requests. The Hunter skill specialization develops Aloy’s use of weapons and traps. Lead combat designer Dennis Zopfi said the team wanted to bring melee and ranged combat closer together, with precise bow skills contributing to larger combat payoffs in a PlayStation Blog interview published October 25, 2021. These systems make it a particularly clear choice for players who want archery tied to enemy analysis and combat decisions.
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2. Horizon Zero Dawn
Choose this if you want to begin Aloy’s story with the earlier game in the series. It pairs an open-world action-adventure setting with combat against machines. Its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, is the better-documented choice here for players specifically seeking detailed weapon and ammunition variety.
#1 Best Overall
- 45-INCH YOUTH TAKEDOWN RECURVE BOW – Designed for youth beginner target practice, this bow and arrow set has a 45-inch bow length measured unstrung along the limb curve, approx. 29-inch overall arrows, a recommended archer draw length up to 24 inches, and up to 20 lb draw weight at a 24-inch draw.
- AMBIDEXTROUS SETUP FOR RIGHT- OR LEFT-HANDED SHOOTERS –A dual-sided arrow rest and repositionable sight pin allow the recurve bow to be configured for either hand. The textured grip supports a secure, comfortable hold while youth beginners practice basic stance, aiming, and release.
- COMPLETE BEGINNER ARCHERY SET – Includes 1 takedown recurve bow, 9 practice arrows, 4 target sheets, 4 target pins, 1 quiver, 1 arm guard, a bowstring with pre-installed finger savers, and 1 adjustable sight pin. Essential accessories for supervised beginner target practice.
- TAKEDOWN DESIGN WITH CLEAR ASSEMBLY – Insert and fully seat both limbs, fit both bowstring loops, then install and tighten the sight pin. Removable limbs make the youth archery set easier to store and carry. Adult assembly is recommended; inspect all connections and arrows before every session.
- SAFETY-MINDED FEATURES FOR TARGET PRACTICE – Rounded practice tips, a protective arm guard, textured grip, and pre-installed finger savers support a more comfortable beginner experience. Adult supervision is required. Use only in a clear shooting area with a proper target and backstop; never aim at people or animals.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
This open adventure across Hyrule is a good fit if you want archery within a larger mix of battling, exploration, and creative building. Nintendo lists its original release for Nintendo Switch as May 12, 2023, and its UK page also identifies a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Check the page for the platform and edition that match your console: Nintendo’s Tears of the Kingdom game page.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
For a Zelda adventure that provides context for Tears of the Kingdom, start with Breath of the Wild. Nintendo advises players to catch up on its story events before playing the sequel. It is also the natural companion choice if you want another open-world Hyrule adventure alongside the newer game.
Rank #2
- GREAT CHOICE FOR ARCHERY BEGINNER: Our archery set has everything you need for a beginner archer. With the accompanying instruction manual, you will begin your archery journey within five minutes of opening the package. This bow and arrow set will make a great choice for both adults and teenagers!
- AMBIDEXTROUS BOW DESIGN: The takedown recurve bow features a double arrow rests design, accommodating both left-handed and right-handed archers. Equipped with two additional arrow rests, which can effectively prevent arrows from dropping when shooting
- SAFETY AND DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Reinforced and durable nylon bow riser, bow strings and fiberglass bow limbs have been tested to withstand tens of thousands of tensile forces. Includes protective gear to ensure the service life of the product and your safety
- ERGONOMIC GRIP DESIGN: The beginner archery bow grip is ergonomically designed and comfortable to hold, allowing for extended practice sessions without fatigue. Bow length: 52 inches, Max draw: 30 inches, Draw weight options: 20/30/40 lbs
- COMPLETE ARCHERY SET: Ambidextrous recurve bow * 1, Instruction manual * 1, Fiberglass arrows * 9, Arrow quiver * 1, Target papers * 5, Target pins * 4, Armguard * 1, Arrow rest * 2, Wrench * 1, Nock points * 2. Any question, please feel free to email us.
5. Tomb Raider (2013)
The reboot that begins the Tomb Raider trilogy is an option for players who want archery in a survival-action adventure rather than a fantasy RPG or expansive open-world game. Start here if you want to follow Lara Croft’s story through the trilogy in release order.
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6. Rise of the Tomb Raider
The second game in the reboot trilogy continues Lara Croft’s action-adventure story. It suits players who want to stay with the series after Tomb Raider (2013), with archery as part of the broader survival-action experience.
Rank #3
- Ideal Gift for Beginners: This 45-inch bow and arrow set is perfect for kids and teens aged 8-12, 12-14, and 14-16, and even suitable for adult beginners. With a 15-20 lb draw weight, this kids bow and arrow set is designed to accommodate nearly everyone in the family, ensuring that every youth archer can easily get started. It makes a fantastic choice for birthday gifts for both boys and girls and is great for children of all ages!
- Sturdy Materials & Safe for Kids: The bow and arrow set is made from robust fiberglass limbs, with an upgraded high-strength grip coated in silicone for enhanced comfort. The durable bowstring ensures it won’t break after frequent use, providing peace of mind for parents. This safe toy bow and arrow set for children allows them to enjoy archery without concerns, making it an excellent option among archery kits for young archers.
- Safety Guaranteed: The bow and arrow set features blunt-tipped arrows to ensure that kids won’t get injured during use. The finger saver on the bowstring provides comfort while shooting, and the included arm guard helps prevent injuries. Additionally, this set is very easy to assemble for beginners, thanks to the user manual, which also teaches archery skills. The dual-handed design allows both right-handed and left-handed use, making it perfect for every beginner archer, including tweens!
- Super Value Bow and Arrow Set: Our bow and arrow set for kids aged 8-12 comes complete with 1 bow, 9 safety fiberglass arrows, 4 target face papers, 4 Target nails, 1 arm guard, 1 quiver, 1 pin sight, and a user manual. This comprehensive set covers nearly all the essentials for archery, making it ideal for both archery for teens and beginners, and serves as a great gift option for boys and girls alike.
- Educational Through Fun Games: Kids will enhance their fine motor skills and physical coordination while improving shooting proficiency, all while developing an interest in sports. This archery kit is perfect for outdoor activities that encourage backyard shooting practice. Children can engage in shooting games with family, boosting social skills and teamwork abilities—ideal for individual practice or family bonding in the outdoors with youth bow and arrows designed for their age!
7. Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Complete the reboot trilogy with Shadow of the Tomb Raider. It is the trilogy pick for anyone who wants to carry its action-adventure journey through to the final installment.
8. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Consider Skyrim if your priority is a fantasy RPG setting. It offers a different context from the focused action-adventure series on this list; it is a broad role-playing game in which archery is one possible approach to play.
Rank #4
- GREAT CHOICE FOR ARCHERY BEGINNER: Our archery set has everything you need for a beginner archer. With the accompanying instruction manual, you will begin your archery journey within five minutes of opening the package.
- AMBIDEXTROUS BOW DESIGN: The takedown recurve bow features a double arrow rests design, accommodating both left-handed and right-handed archers. Equipped with two additional arrow rests, which can effectively prevent arrows from dropping when shooting
- SAFETY AND DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Reinforced and durable nylon bow riser, bow strings and fiberglass bow limbs have been tested to withstand tens of thousands of tensile forces. Includes protective gear to ensure the service life of the product and your safety
- ERGONOMIC GRIP DESIGN: The beginner archery bow grip is ergonomically designed and comfortable to hold, allowing for extended practice sessions without fatigue. Bow length: 52 inches, Max draw: 30 inches, Draw weight options: 20/30/40 lbs
- COMPLETE ARCHERY SET: Ambidextrous recurve bow * 1, Instruction manual * 1, Fiberglass arrows * 9, Arrow quiver * 1, Target papers * 5, Target pins * 4, Armguard * 1, Arrow rest * 2, Wrench * 1, Nock points * 2.
9. Far Cry Primal
For a survival-action setting distinct from the other entries, try Far Cry Primal. Its prehistoric world makes it the shortlist’s unusual setting choice for players looking beyond fantasy, science-fiction, or contemporary adventure.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems10. Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima is an action-adventure option for players drawn to a samurai-era setting. Choose it for that broader world and genre, rather than on the assumption that it has the same bow-focused systems documented for Horizon Forbidden West.
Best Value
- 🏹【Beginner's universal】The pulling force is 30 pounds, and there is no problem for both adult men and women.This design is a right hand bow,Suitable for most people.
- 🏹【Sturdy material】The limbs of the arrow bow are made of sturdy fiberglass, with a tough and high-strength fiberglass texture. The grip is made of high-strength nylon, providing a comfortable grip.
- 🏹【Easy to assemble】Portable and detachable anti bending bow, easy to install, entry-level, you can try it with confidence.
- 🏹【Widely used】The sturdy and durable hunting bow is perfect for archery enthusiasts and beginners. You can use it for outdoor shooting training, entertainment, competition practice, and other activities, or as a collectible for family or friends.
- 🏹【Archery set】1 bow, 6 mixed carbon arrows, 1 arrow bag, 1 single needle aiming, 1 silicone finger guard, 1 silicone arm guard, 5 target paper, 4 target nails, and 2 arrow tables. With this set, you can experience the sportiness of archery, shooting, and outdoor hunting.
Which one should you play?
- For tactical bow combat and weapon variety: Start with Horizon Forbidden West.
- For an open-ended adventure: Pick Tears of the Kingdom; play Breath of the Wild first if you want the earlier story context.
- For a survival-action trilogy: Begin with Tomb Raider (2013), then continue with Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
- For a different genre or setting: Choose Skyrim for fantasy role-playing, Far Cry Primal for a prehistoric setting, or Ghost of Tsushima for samurai-era action-adventure.
There is no established cross-game statistic that measures archery quality or player preference, so this list does not claim a universal winner. Apart from the detailed first-party guidance for Horizon Forbidden West and Nintendo’s product information for the Zelda entries, mechanic-by-mechanic comparisons are not established here. Check a game’s current platform and edition before buying.
