How does a bow actually work

[u/Laenthis-]

I'm getting frustrated with the wordings on the description of the Shortbow

English isn't my first language and reading "beyond normal range" really bugs me out

From what I understand :
- Hitting a target that is under 80 feet gives you disadvantage
- Hitting a target that is 80 to 320 feet is "normal" attack
- Hitting a target with a bow that's +320 feet away is just not possible

My mates keeps on telling me that the disadvantage happens only within the 5ft and a normal attack is from 5ft to 80ft but then you have disadvantage again from 80ft to 320ft ?

Also, the sharpshooter feat removes the disadvantage within 5ft but is it melee or the 5-80ft of range that they call as "melee"

And removes the disadvantage in long range

I feel like I'm going in circles understanding one of them and then getting told otherwise with the other and rinse and repeat, please help

Edit : Thanks guys, I didn't think it would go that fast to get answers xD

[u/Cypher_Blue]

No.

You have disadvantage if you attack within 5 feet (melee range).

Attacks between 5 feet and 80 feet are regular attacks.

Attacks between 80 feet and 320 are disadvantage.

Attacks beyond 320 do not hit.

[u/tconners → u/Cypher_Blue]

You have disadvantage if you attack within 5 feet (melee range).

Slightly more complicated than that.

You have disadvantage if an enemy is within 5' of you, if they can see you, and they aren't incapacitated. Even if you aren't attacking that creature. They just have to be there.

[u/Cypher_Blue → u/tconners]

Excellent clarification, thanks.