Pathfinder 1E 5-ft. Step + Shooting longbow

[Ramm83]

Ok here is the situation

PC is an archer-type who is in combat with a melee fighter.
It is the PCs turn in the round and he does a 5ft. step backward and shoots an arrow at the melee fighter.
Does this provoke an Attack of Opportunity or not?

 

[The Crimson Binome]

No, it does not. This is one of the main uses of the 5-foot step. Spellcasters are encouraged to do the same thing, since casting a spell also provokes an attack of opportunity.

If the fighter wants to trap the archer, and prevent the 5-foot step, he or she can try to trap the archer between another ally or a wall, or there is even a feat (Step Up) which allows the fighter to take a 5-foot step to follow anyone who tries to 5-foot step back.

 

[Thotas]

Yeah, that's like Legolas 101.

 

[Ramaster]

If you are DMing, don't worry! Just give your critters Step Up (as was mentioned above) and use the same tactic with your archers/casters against the melee PCs and you are done. Alternatively, use enemies with reach.