Minecraft wiki entry for Weapon, associated text: Crossbows have a longer range than bows, and deal more damage, but take longer to charge when unenchanted. The charging time can be drastically reduced with the Quick Charge enchantment to charge far faster than a bow. They can also shoot Firework Rockets to deal splash damage, but unlike the bow, crossbows cannot fire a partially charged attack; the player must fully charge a crossbow to load it and fire. Furthermore, a crossbow can be charged and put away to be fired later.