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"Top Archer Build Strategies for Rune Slayer"

by Blake Apr 21,2025

If you're playing as an Archer in Rune Slayer, congratulations, you've chosen one of the most effective classes in the game. To help you achieve peak performance, we've crafted a comprehensive guide detailing the best Archer build for Rune Slayer. Let's dive into the ultimate sharpshooting experience.

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Table of Contents

  • Getting Started as an Archer in Rune Slayer
  • How to Get Beast Tamer in Rune Slayer
  • Best Early Endgame Armor and Weapon for Archers
  • Best Late Endgame Armor and Weapon for Archers

Getting Started as an Archer in Rune Slayer

If you're a seasoned archer, feel free to skip ahead, but if you're new to the class, keep reading. As an Archer, your most effective strategy is to maintain a safe distance from your enemies, allowing your arrows to do the heavy lifting. While Archers can deal significant damage, they are not built to withstand much in return.

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. Unlike Light armor-wearing classes like Magicians or Priests, Archers lack protective spells or heavy armor. Instead, they depend on others, particularly their Pets, to absorb damage.

Tamed Pets are crucial for Archers. Initially, your pet options might be limited, but as an Archer, you'll eventually gain access to unique pets that other classes can't, significantly boosting your power and making you one of the game's most formidable classes.

How to Get Beast Tamer in Rune Slayer

At Level 30, Archers, like all other classes in Rune Slayer, can choose a subclass. For Archers, the choice is between Sharpshooter and Beast Tamer. Opt for Beast Tamer as soon as you reach level 30.

A Mud Crab from Rune Slayer

Screenshot by The Escapist

Currently, there's no compelling reason to choose Sharpshooter. While the idea of firing multiple arrows simultaneously might seem appealing, you'd miss out on the Beast Tamer's key advantage: the Alpha Predator passive ability. This ability enables you to tame unique beasts like Bears, Adult Spiders, Crocodiles, and notably, Mud Crabs. Thanks to their enhanced pets, Beast Tamers are resilient enough to tackle many group activities solo.

Best Armor and Weapons for Archer in Rune Slayer

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

Best Early Endgame Armor and Weapon for Archers

A Rune Slayer player is standing facing the camera while an Elder Treant is behind him

Screenshot by Rune Slayer Unofficial Trello

As you approach max level, the Elder set is an excellent starting point for Archers, complemented by a few other key items. The best early weapon to acquire is the Troll Tusk Bow, which occasionally drops from the Hill Troll.

**Armor Name****Stats****Requirements**
Elder MaskArmor: 235
+5 Spirit
+10 Agility
2x Elder Greatwood
2x Ashwood Log
Elder ChestArmor: 470
+10 Spirit
+20 Agility
1x Elder Vine
3x Elder Greatwood
2x Demon Hide
Elder BootsArmor: 235
+5 Spirit
+10 Agility
2x 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 Chance
15x 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; gather a group or join a Discord guild to tackle this giant tree. As an Archer, with a good Beast Tamer pet, you should manage the damage and survive with ease.

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

Best Late Endgame Armor and Weapon for Archers

The Demon Sect spawn location in Rune Slayer

Screenshot by The Escapist

Once you reach max level and aim to optimize your Archer, join the Demon Sect. Begin by defeating players from the opposing faction to increase your standing with your demon overlords and acquire the Stalker armor set. Be prepared to save a significant amount of in-game currency, as the set can be costly. The rest of your armor is relatively straightforward to obtain.

**Armor Name****Stats****Requirements**
Stalker HoodArmor: 225
+9 Agility
+2 Stamina
+3% Physical Pierce
Buy from the Demon Sect Quartermaster
5 Gold
Demon Sect: Infernal Marshal (12)
Stalker VestArmor: 450
+18 Agility
+4 Stamina
+2% Crit Chance
Buy from the Demon Sect Quartermaster
10 Gold
Demon Sect: Blight Marshal (13)
Stalker BootsArmor: 225
+9 Agility
+2 Stamina
+6% Buff Duration
Buy 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 Chance
15x Rat Skin
4x Medium Leather

Amphitheres enemy is flying in Rune Slayer

Screenshot by The Escapist

While working on your standing, also target the Amphitheres in Greatwood Forest, as they have a small chance of dropping Vermilion, currently the best bow in Rune Slayer.

**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 the complete guide to maximizing your Archer in Rune Slayer. Enjoy your journey as a sharpshooting adventurer. For more endgame strategies, check out our Essential Rune Slayer End Game Tips. Stay updated with the latest on Rune Slayer through the game's Trello and Discord channels.