Compatibility
Minecraft: Java Edition
Platforms
Supported environments
Creators
Details
Skeleton Uses Custom Bow
Allows skeletons to properly use modded bows.
Many modded bows rely on player-specific firing mechanics, which vanilla skeleton AI cannot use correctly.
This mod lets skeletons fire those bows using player-style bow behavior, improving compatibility with many bow mods.
Works with bows from most mods automatically.
Vanilla bows are unaffected.
Features
- Skeletons can use most modded bows automatically
- Uses player-style bow logic for non-vanilla bows
- Skeletons can upgrade to better bows they pick up
- High-tier bows stay equipped (see priority system)
Note:
Not all skeletons can pick up dropped items due to vanilla mob spawn rules.
https://minecraft.wiki/w/Geared_mobs#Picking_up_gear
Compatibility
Works automatically with most bows that extend the vanilla class:
BowItem
Some bow-like weapons that do not inherit from BowItem require explicit compatibility patches.
Currently included patches:
- Alex's Caves — Dread Bow
- L_Ender's Cataclysm — Cursed Bow, Wrath of the Desert
For Modpack Authors
This mod is drop-in and low-risk:
- does not replace skeleton AI
- does not modify projectile systems
- does not change combat balance
It only adjusts how skeletons fire modded bows.
Bow priority (datapack)
Bow preference can be configured with datapacks:
data/<namespace>/skeleton_bow/<item>.json
{
"priority": 5
}
Bows with priority ≥ 3 will not be replaced by swords. If no priority is specified, the bow defaults to priority 1.
Prevent skeleton usage
Add the item tag:
skeletonusescustombow:skeleton_do_not_use
to prevent skeletons from using a bow.