Combat plays a central role in *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, and having better weapons can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. After the prologue, Henry finds himself in need of gear, but there's a way to arm yourself with the Dogwood Village Bow early and at no cost.
Early Dogwood Village Bow Location in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Screenshot by The Escapist
After parting ways with Hans, your next goal is to infiltrate a wedding. You have the option to take up a job with either a blacksmith or a miller to secure your entry. Even if you opt out of the blacksmith job, the map marker for it will guide you to the Dogwood Village Bow. If you choose to work at the blacksmith to attend Semine’s wedding, you'll also want to learn how to acquire the hermit’s sword, though that opportunity won't arise until after starting the job.
The blacksmith job is located in Tachov, north of Troskowitz, where the prologue concludes and the game's world expands. Head west out of Troskowitz, following the road as it bends north. At a junction where the main road splits and a smaller road veers west, look to your right for a cluster of trees. This area is easy to overlook as it blends in with the surroundings. Nestled within these trees is a small training area, not immediately visible.
Screenshot by The Escapist
Within this cluster, you'll find a target peppered with arrows. Collect these for free ammunition, then move to the right side of the tree to discover the Dogwood Village Bow leaning against the trunk in *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*. Don't forget to grab the brew from the nearby stump and pick some mushrooms while you're there. Once you've gathered everything you need, you can continue with your current quest.
Related: 5 Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Beginner Tips For Escaping the Peasant Life
Other Ways to Get the Dogwood Village Bow in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Alternatively, you can purchase the Dogwood Village Bow, though it's not the most potent ranged weapon available. Huntsman’s Son Vitek in Tachov sells it, but considering the proximity to the free version, it's more economical to go for the free bow if you lack other ranged options. Vitek also offers better weapons, and you can earn money through alchemy by collecting herbs and brewing potions to sell.
Whether you choose the free bow or aim to buy a superior weapon, having a ranged combat option is advantageous, especially since you can't adjust the difficulty. The combat mechanics in *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* remain similar to the first game, and melee combat isn't everyone's forte. I, for one, prefer relying on ranged weapons whenever possible.
If you decide to head to Tachov to become a blacksmith, you can sleep and save after demonstrating your sword-forging skills. Otherwise, proceed to the miller to advance the main quest. With a ranged weapon, combat in *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* becomes more manageable.
And that's how you can secure the free Dogwood Village Bow early in *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*.
*Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
