I am going to talk about the game Risen 1, regarding the archer build, if archery is viable and how it goes.
First of all, besides the classic melee fighter and mage, you can play a ranger hunter in Risen.
Either using a bow, or a crossbow.
Probably most players will go with archery as it seems more fun.
Here are my thoughts, after leveling my character to max dexterity (100) and max archery (level 10).
In the character description, you will see that with each “archery” gained level, you get 10% faster reload.
That is true.
Except that besides the reload speed increase, your character will shoot arrows in a different style with each archery level that you gain.
With each archery gained level, your character will shoot better and overall be more efficient.
Risen archer build, archery?
First, train dexterity as much as possible.
The goal is to reach 100 dexterity, so you can consume those pixies items that give +1 dexterity.
Dexterity is also important because it increases your bow damage.
This way, you shoot less arrows, so you spend less gold on arrows.
Archery is not easy though.
The goal is to get to level 3-4 archery and then invest only into dexterity until you reach 100.
Then, train until you reach level 10 archery.
Risen archery combat?
You will need to kite a lot, meaning to run backward while you shoot arrows.
At one point, you will be able to one shot pretty much every creature.
It will be easy to take out hard enemies only at 120-130 dexterity and level 10 archery, plus having a good bow.
However, your character will be very weak if a lizard for example is close to you.
He will take you down in 3-4 hits.
So you are still vulnerable.
You will always need to calculate your spacing, your range and if you can take out an enemy until it reaches you.
Other than these tips, get the skill that allows you to collect animals furs and items.
It will help you a lot with gaining gold.
Regarding the faction, it doesn’t matter which one you choose, the Don’s men or the harbour town.
There will be trainers in both locations, even at the monastery.
Also, always invest in arrows, before each chapter ends.
Arrows are limited, and if you end up without arrows, there will be nothing else to do, besides trying to look somewhere for a vendor that sells some.
Overall, archery can be fun in Risen 1, I already finished the game as sword / shield fighter, fire mage, now I’m almost at the end as a hunter ranger.