Online play and bow build question

[Champ147]

So I was wondering how does this online play work? Is it kinda like the old Dragon's Dogma style where you can add your friends avatars and use them as AI companions? Or is it like regular online get together and play? I'm currently grinding levels in hopes of being able to fight high level (150+) enemies. I'm not that good at this game but I'd like to be able to get my hands on some of the best gear if that's possible. If it's really online, maybe any takers to help me get a good item drop? I'm a bow user and looking for, essentially, best in game for each thing (weapon, armor, both acc). I've been looking online and everything seems to essentially say, grind for another hundred hours, then maybe you can have it. Or if someone could list out what the best bow builds are and where to get the stuff (how), that would also be nice and I can see what I can get, thank you.