So how do you guys use Archery, if at all? In my experience I have always combined it with Sneak, but now I was thinking of making a straight warrior character so I've been wondering if it is going to be worth it. I mean, is it just better to rush into melee since I won't have the benefit of x3 damage and the surprise effect? Obviously Dragons are another thing, but they are difficult to hit while in air anyways, and there is a Shout which forces them to land.

Anyone using Shouts for attacking from afar? Would that be a viable option? It seems fitting for this "hero" type I have in mind.

Archery is still very easy without sneak.

My first couple characters were dual dagger assassins that used sneak constantly, it was a lot of fun. When I started an archer, though, I eventually gave up on sneak entirely and haven't used it since. It's a fine skill, it's just that I've grown addicted to high stamina and moving quickly. My character has grown dependent upon speed - being able to move quickly and fire quickly. Range, cover, and speed are my tactics. Lots of stamina, as little equipped weight as possible, long bow, and the quick shot, ranger, and 50% bulls eye perks are necessary build elements. That and high smithing to get the long bow usable.

Sneak just takes archery from good to damn that had to hurt... levels

But a crossbow/bow is a good ranged opener for non stealthier classes too

Do you mean you want to avoid sneaking all together or you are not going to take the Deadly Aim perk?

My current stealthy character uses a regular Daedric bow with a bunch of Archery perks but not Sneak's Deadly Aim perk. She still sneaks, but that first shot isn't usually lethal. I've tried both ways with an archer and I like the feel of the current configuration. I think Deadly Aim (especially when combined with enchanted weapons) is over-powered and takes the fun out of the game for me. My current build is also an alchemist and that's a really powerful combination (sneaking + archery + poison). Fights last longer and you have to use better tactics than when you have Deadly Aim and simply kill everything in one shot.

Every archer ive done has always used sneak. To me, a maxed out bow without sneak wont come close to a maxed out one or two handed weapon. So why not take advantage of the sneak perks associated with archery?

Sneaking as an archer is so much fun! I wouldn't have it any other way.

Sneaking + behind target + hit with bow = instant death

WINNING

I do not use the damage augmentation perks from the sneak bonuses because it makes the game all too easy. In fact, the most significant reason as to why I rarely ever make stealthy characters is because Bethesda made the Sneak skill stupidly overpowered.

You can play a warrior type who uses a bow at range just fine, you obviously won't get the sneak bonus damage with the bow but you can more than make up for that when you smash faces with your ebony axe.

I think every warrior should master archery along with 1H or 2H weapons.

Having a long range ability is very useful.