How To Make a Bow and Arrow in Minecraft

Whether you’re facing spiders in the fields, Creepers in caves, or something bigger in The End, keeping your distance can save your life. A sword gets the job done, but a bow lets you do it from a safe vantage point. With enough arrows and a steady aim, you can clear enemies without ever getting close. Here’s how to craft both a bow and arrows in Minecraft—and start picking off mobs from afar.

How to Craft a Bow

You’ll need:

• Sticks ×3

• String ×3

Crafting Steps:

1. Open a Crafting Table

2. Arrange materials like this:

3. Collect your bow from the result slot

You can get string from spiders or cobwebs (best with a sword), and sticks are crafted from wooden planks.

How to Craft Arrows

You’ll need:

• Flint ×1

• Stick ×1

• Feather ×1

Crafting Steps:

1. Open the Crafting Table

2. Arrange the ingredients vertically:

3. Collect 4 arrows

Each craft gives you four arrows, so it’s easy to stockpile if you have plenty of feathers and flint. Feathers come from chickens, and flint drops when you break gravel blocks.

Tips for Efficient Archery

• Even Infinity-enchanted bows require at least one arrow in your inventory to function.

• Combine arrows with Lingering Potions to craft Tipped Arrows for special effects.

• A Power or Punch enchantment can give your bow even more stopping power.

• Keep extra bows or a Grindstone on hand for repairs until you have access to an Anvil.

Whether you’re perched on a tower or crouched behind cover, a well-timed shot can change the tide of any fight. Once you’ve got a bow in hand and arrows to spare, you’re ready to take on anything—from zombies to dragons.