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Top Archer Build Strategies for Rune Slayer

by Peyton May 14,2025

If you’re playing as an Archer in Rune Slayer, you've chosen one of the most powerful classes in the game. To help you achieve peak performance as a sharpshooting adventurer, we've crafted the ultimate guide to the best Archer Build in Rune Slayer.

Getting Started as an Archer in Rune Slayer

If you're a seasoned archer, feel free to skip this section. For newcomers, the key to playing effectively as an Archer is to maintain a safe distance from enemies and rely on your arrows to deal damage. While Archers can dish out significant damage, they are not built to withstand it.

A character creation screen for the Archer in Rune Slayer
Screenshot by Rune Slayer Unofficial Trello

Archers wear Medium armor, which offers more protection than Light armor but less than Heavy armor. Unlike Magicians or Priests, Archers lack protective spells or heavy armor, making them dependent on others to absorb damage. This is where Archers' Pets come into play, serving as their frontline defense. Tamed Pets are crucial for Archers, and although your initial options are limited, Archers can eventually access a variety of pets unavailable to other classes, enhancing their power significantly.

How to Get Beast Tamer in Rune Slayer

At Level 30, Archers, like all classes in Rune Slayer, can choose a subclass. Opt for Beast Tamer over Sharpshooter. While the idea of firing multiple arrows sounds appealing, the Beast Tamer's Alpha Predator passive ability is far more valuable, allowing you to tame unique beasts such as Bears, Adult Spiders, Crocodiles, and especially Mud Crabs. This makes Beast Tamers exceptionally resilient and capable of soloing many group activities.

A Mud Crab from Rune Slayer
Screenshot by The Escapist

Best Armor and Weapons for Archer in Rune Slayer

Here, we outline the best armor and weapons for both early and late endgame Archer builds in Rune Slayer.

Best Early Endgame Armor and Weapon for Archers

As you approach max level, the Elder set paired with other key items is an excellent starting point. For your weapon, the Troll Tusk Bow is ideal, occasionally dropped by the Hill Troll.

A Rune Slayer player is standing facing the camera while an Elder Treant is behind him
Screenshot by Rune Slayer Unofficial Trello

**Armor Name****Stats****Requirements**
Elder MaskArmor: 235 +5 Spirit +10 Agility2x Elder Greatwood 2x Ashwood Log
Elder ChestArmor: 470 +10 Spirit +20 Agility1 x Elder Vine 3 x Elder Greatwood 2 x Demon Hide
Elder BootsArmor: 235 +5 Spirit +10 Agility2x Elder Greatwood 2x Demon Hide
Thieves Ring+10 AgilityBuy from Schoen The Mage for 5 Silver in Wayshire
Elder Ring+10% Health RegenerationDrops from Elder Treant
Rat CapeArmor: 35 +12 Agility +2% Crit Chance15x Rat Skin 4x Medium Leather

You can craft the entire Elder set using parts from the Elder Treant raid boss. Don’t be intimidated by its size; join a group or a Discord guild to take down this giant tree. As an Archer, you should have no trouble dealing damage and surviving, especially with a reliable Beast Tamer pet.

**Weapon Name****Stats****Requirements**
Troll Tusk BowPhysical Damage: 12 +12 Agility +1 Stamina +5% Physical PierceA random loot drop from the Hill Troll

Best Late Endgame Armor and Weapon for Archers

Once you reach max level and aim to optimize your Archer, join the Demon Sect. Engage in combat with players from the opposing faction to increase your standing and acquire the Stalker armor set. Be prepared to save a significant amount of in-game currency.

The Demon Sect spawn location in Rune Slayer
Screenshot by The Escapist

**Armor Name****Stats****Requirements**
Stalker HoodArmor: 225 +9 Agility +2 Stamina +3% Physical PierceBuy from the Demon Sect Quartermaster 5 Gold Demon Sect: Infernal Marchal (12)
Stalker VestArmor: 450 +18 Agility +4 Stamina +2% Crit ChanceBuy from the Demon Sect Quartermaster 10 Gold Demon Sect: Blight Marshal (13)
Stalker BootsArmor: 225 +9 Agility +2 Stamina +6% Buff DurationBuy from the Demon Sect Quartermaster 5 Gold Demon Sect: Doombringer (11)
Thieves Ring+10 AgilityBuy from Schoen The Mage for 5 Silver in Wayshire
Vampire Ring+10% Health RegenerationDrops from Elder Treant
Rat CapeArmor: 35 +12 Agility +2% Crit Chance15x Rat Skin 4x Medium Leather

While working on your armor, don't forget to tackle those pesky bird enemies in Greatwood Forest, the Amphitheres, as they have a small chance of dropping Vermilion, the top bow in Rune Slayer.

Amphitheres enemy is flying in Rune Slayer
Screenshot by The Escapist

**Weapon Name****Stats****Requirements**
VermilionPhysical Damage: 13 +8 Spirit +26 Agility +2% Crit Chance On Crit hits, unleash a storm of fire arrows that damage a small radius around your target.A random loot drop from the Amphitheres

That's all there is to it! Enjoy your journey as an Archer in Rune Slayer. For more assistance in the endgame, check out our Essential Rune Slayer End Game Tips. Stay updated with Rune Slayer by visiting the Rune Slayer Trello and joining the Discord community.

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