Archers can use any bow but it is personal preferance. Short bows attack at medium speed but can rack up combo's, Longbows have a slower attack speed but usually have higher damage and every third shot pierces enemies, and the crossbow has the fastest attack speed and shoots 3 arrows in a burst. I'm a sharpshooter and i use a +11 Goblin Crossbow, but whenever i get enough to craft my ancient I'm going to switch to a longbow because it's better for my class in the long run.