How to Get the Bow in The Last of Us Part II and Maximize Its Potential

The bow is one of the most powerful and stealth-friendly weapons in The Last of Us Part II, and it can be a game-changer in certain situations. Whether you’re looking to silently take out enemies or need a long-range weapon to tackle tougher foes, the bow is a versatile tool that every player should consider adding to their arsenal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get the bow, its features, and how to upgrade it for maximum effectiveness.

How to Obtain the Bow in The Last of Us Part II

You’ll acquire the bow during the Hillcrest mission, which takes place after the Birthday Gift chapter. In Hillcrest, you’ll explore a large commercial area and eventually make your way to Boris’ House.

Here’s how to get the bow:

1. Reach Boris’ House: The mission will lead you to an area where you’ll need to break into Boris’ house.
2. Find the Gap in the Door: In the kitchen of the house, you’ll notice a gap in the door that leads into the garage.
3. Enter the Garage: Once you enter the garage, you’ll be ambushed by Boris.
4. Defeat Boris: After defeating Boris, loot his body to find the bow.

It’s important to note that the bow is part of the main path in Hillcrest, so you can’t miss it unless you choose not to pick it up.

Upgrading the Bow

To make the most out of the bow, consider upgrading it using parts you find during your journey. There are several key upgrades that can enhance its performance:

1. Draw Speed

• Upgrade Description: This upgrade decreases the time it takes to draw the bowstring, allowing for faster shots.
• Where to Upgrade: You can upgrade the draw speed at a workbench using 50 parts.
• Why It’s Important: Since the bow starts off with a relatively slow draw speed, this upgrade makes a significant difference, especially in fast-paced combat situations.

2. Stability

• Upgrade Description: This upgrade improves the bow’s stability, reducing weapon sway and making it easier to aim.
• Where to Upgrade: You can upgrade stability at a workbench using 60 parts.
• Why It’s Important: With less sway, you’ll have more precise shots, which is especially useful when engaging targets at long range.

3. Rangefinder

• Upgrade Description: This upgrade adds a rangefinder to the bow’s reticle, helping you measure the distance to your target more accurately.
• Where to Upgrade: You can unlock this upgrade at a workbench using 80 parts.
• Why It’s Important: With a rangefinder, aiming becomes much easier, and you’ll have a clearer idea of how far away your target is.

Tip: The most useful early upgrade is the Draw Speed. This allows you to shoot more quickly, giving you an edge during combat. Afterward, prioritize upgrading Stability for better accuracy.

Crafting Arrows for the Bow

The bow uses arrows as its ammunition, which you can craft yourself. You will need the following materials:

• Binding
• Blades

Each arrow requires one binding and one blade. As you play, be on the lookout for these materials to maintain a steady supply of arrows.

Bow Tips for Combat

• Stealth Kills: The bow is an excellent weapon for players who want to approach encounters quietly. By taking out enemies silently from a distance, you can avoid detection and clear out areas without triggering alarms.
• Aiming for Headshots: Always aim for headshots to maximize the damage dealt with each arrow. The bow’s accuracy makes it perfect for this type of shot, so take your time to line up the perfect hit.
• Arrow Retrieval: Since arrows are reusable, be sure to retrieve them after each shot. You can find arrows embedded in enemies or surfaces after they’ve been fired, which helps you save resources and continue using the bow.
• Use in Boss Fights: The bow is particularly effective in certain boss fights, where long-range attacks can keep you out of harm’s way while still dealing significant damage.

Additional Bow Details

• Can Be Used for Hunting: In addition to combat, the bow is also useful for hunting in The Last of Us Part II. You can hunt animals in the wild, and arrows work great for taking down these creatures quietly.
• Quiet vs. Loud: If you’re trying to maintain a low profile, the bow is an ideal weapon. It contrasts with loud firearms, which alert nearby enemies. For stealth players, it’s a must-have.

The bow is an exceptional weapon in The Last of Us Part II that serves a variety of functions, from taking out enemies silently to providing long-range capabilities. Obtaining it early in the Hillcrest mission gives you a powerful tool for the rest of your playthrough, especially when combined with its upgrades. Be sure to upgrade your bow and craft plenty of arrows to make the most of this handy weapon.

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