Aloy's main weapons in Horizon: Forbidden West are her bows and arrows. Raised as a hunter, she fires on her foes from all ranges, always adept at hitting their weak points. Like its predecessor, Horizon: Zero Dawn, this sequel offers plenty of bows to choose from.

RELATED: Beginner Tips For Horizon: Call Of The Mountain

However, some of these are noticeably better than others. They come with specific uses and sport specialized arrows to fulfill those uses. Aloy should naturally have the best weapons to combat her robotic enemies. It takes a keen eye to not only hit the target, but also to find the best bow in Forbidden West.

7 Iriv's Downfall

Iriv's Downfall in Horizon: Forbidden West

This is a Legendary Sharpshot bow, and it's definitely the best at what it does. It comes with several Precision arrows. These range from regular to Elite to Tearing. As a result, the weapon is ideal for chipping away at enemy armor, especially from a distance.

The perks further amplify the bow's effect. When upgraded, they ensure a far easier time landing critical hits. Unfortunately, players can't access this bow on a normal playthrough. Instead, they must acquire it in New Game Plus. Talk to any merchants, and they'll sell it for Champion Coins, which are rewarded for completing quests in this mode.

6 Rain Of Sparks

Rain of Sparks in Horizon: Forbidden West

Made by the Oseram people, this is another Legendary bow, albeit of the Warrior variety. The name suggests that it inflicts Shock damage, but that's not the case. It mainly specializes in Light arrows. The regular ones are good enough at Impact damage. However, they're far from the main draw here.

Rather, Rain of Sparks excels at Adhesive Light arrows. These stick to foes and slow them down. With this bow, players can hamper enemy progress on the fly without having to set a trap beforehand. This is perfect for sudden encounters where Aloy needs a quick upper hand. Again, all she needs are a few Champion Coins to buy this bow in New Game Plus.

5 Sun Scourge

Sun Scourge in Horizon: Forbidden West

A Tenakth rebel crafted this bow to bring down the Carja kingdom, and it could definitely get the job done. A Legendary Hunter bow, the Sun Scourge obviously comes with Advanced Hunter arrows. These are solid, all-around useful projectiles which serves as the middle ground between Light and Precision arrows. To go with that useful quality, the bow also boasts a plethora of elemental enhancements. Its arrows can deal Fire, Frost, and Acid damage. That spectrum makes for a reliable weapon for various scenarios.

RELATED: Horizon: Foridden West: The Most Valuable Machine Parts

It only tracks that the perks would be equally convenient. The damage increases based on Agility, Overdraw, and whether enemies are in the air. Sadly, what also tracks is such a solid bow coming from hard work. Players must complete all rebel camp missions to unlock it.

4 Tears Of The Land-God

Tears of the Land-god in Horizon: Forbidden West

This bow's maker wanted to honor those who've fallen, presumably by killing countless more people in their name. It's a Legendary Hunter bow whose arrows "fall like rain." Granted, that's an exaggeration, but not by much.

Tear of the Land-God features a variety of Advanced Hunter arrows. The Precision and Targeting types deal ample Impact damage, particularly with the perk that increases Tearing. In addition, the bow has Purgewater projectiles, which must be where the metaphor comes in. With the faster draw speed (again, through perks), these arrows must feel like a lethal rainstorm. Yet another weapon is worth the Champion Coin cost in New Game Plus.

3 Death-Seeker's Shadow

Death-Seeker's Shadow in Horizon: Forbidden West

Death-Seeker's Shadow and Tears of the Land-god are two sides of the same coin. They're both Legendary Hunter bows with Advanced arrows to cause significant Impact damage. What's more is that they each have one elemental arrow. In this case, it's Shock.

RELATED: The Best PlayStation Exclusives, Ranked By Completion Rate

That said, the Death-seeker's Shadow emerges a bit better. The perks give it a higher damage output. On top of that, the Targeting arrows make it easier to hit the target with a controller. PC users don't have to worry about that, but Horizon was formerly a PlayStation exclusive. Of course, these advantages mean the bow is more difficult to acquire. Players must rack up a hefty sum of medals at the arena to earn it as a prize.

2 Firestorm Warrior Bow

Firestorm Warrior Bow in Horizon: Forbidden West

This breaks the trend by being a Very Rare weapon, but it's no less legendary. The Firestorm Warrior Bow shoots a barrage of light arrows. They make up for their lack of impact through sheer elemental damage, namely Fire, Acid, and Shock. It has all the advantage of the Sun Scourge with a faster rate of fire. This makes it more versatile, overall.

One of its drawbacks is that it's primarily a close-range tool, but, thankfully, it provides an added incentive. Due to a park, the weapon's damage increases by dealing melee attacks. It is fitting that conflict unlocks this bow, as it's a reward for resolving the power struggle in the Gate of the Vanquished side quest.

1 Carja's Bane

Carja's Bane in Horizon: Forbidden West

A relic of the red raids, Carja's Bane is another Legendary Warrior bow. It predictably fires Light arrows for Impact damage. However, it also features Fire arrows, inflicting Burning damage with rapid-fire shots. The constant stream of projectiles can either hammer away at enemies' armor or set them ablaze. Anyone on the receiving end won't be there for long.

That utility means Carja's Bane takes some work to acquire. Aloy accesses it by partaking in the Gauntlet Runs. These are mounted races against other riders. Winning all four Gauntlets not only leads to a tremendous sense of accomplishment, but it nets players the best bow in the game.

Horizon Forbidden West was released on February 18, 2022, and is available on PS4 and PS5.

MORE: Horizon: Forbidden West: Best Armor For The Early Game