To get longbow proficiency in DnD 5e, you need to multiclass into a Barbarian, Fighter, Paladin, or Ranger, or pick up the Weapon Master feat. Multiclassing into each of these classes gets you proficiency with all martial weapons, including longbows.

Other than that, a Path of the Kensei Monk can make the longbow into a Kensei Weapon, giving them proficiency with it. This does require three levels in Monk, however.

The Weapon Master feat grants proficiency in four weapons of your choice (simple or martial). So you can also get longbow proficiency via this feat.

Matt Zane

Author, DnD Lounge

Matt Zane started DnD Lounge in 2021. Matt began playing DnD 5e in 2015, and has been DMing since 2017. He loves optimization, but also enjoys looking for creative ways to use spells and abilities that follow the spirit and letter of the rules. He also eschews pure optimization in favor of a more balanced approach, where building a character is primarily about serving an interesting story arc and party dynamics rather than maxing out DPR.