Guns vs Bows?

[yakusoku]

So I just started a new character, and i want to play ranger. Can you help me to decide which is better between Guns and Bows, Gunner and Archer? Or should I use either one according to the situations?

[wcc]

I think the greatest appeal about a gun-oriented approach is that you're more likely to hit because of their range, the velocity and later Chlorophyte Bullets. I tried to compare its dps to bows in boss fights, but most of the time guns won just because they hit their target more reliably, even compared to Magic Quivers. The main weakness of guns is imo vs big armies (invasions and events). That's where either the Dart Gun/Rifle or different Rocket Launchers come into play.

[Darth Cannabis]

Originally posted by Shinden-EX:

Originally posted by some sort of a guy:

Those poor repeaters and launchers are just crying in a corner.

their fault for not being abundant

Actually launchers themselves aren't too bad. Starting with the grenade launcher (or snowball cannon if you throw it in the group), you quickly move to rocket launcher, proximity mine launcher, electrosphere launcher, the Celebration, Snowman Cannon (and feels like I may be forgetting one).

Then with 1.4.1, we got additonal rockets as well. Liquid rockets (dry, wet, honey, and lava), cluster rockets, and mini nukes.

All of which are rather powerful post mechanical boss items.

Compared to repeaters, they are actually better off, since most repeaters are just a hold over from being the hardmode equivalent of crafted bows. The only repeater outside of the distinct line of crafted hard mode fill in's until you find something better is the Stake Launcher. Repeaters just have a lack of post golem options, while also being a not until hardmode item. Comparable launchers come into play, and then have quite a variety for end game, even if not available until Plantera.

In my opinion, a few more late game repeaters would be nice, but launchers need all their future upgrades thinking from the ammo point of view. The greater selection is a good step, now to think of what else can be added to that variety.

I also wouldn't mind some more darts and some dart guns. When it comes down to it, its just a small sub segment with room to grow. While what is there is solid, I can't help wish for some sort of fully automatic wrist shooter for darts, so I can throw on certain wings, and then pretend to be The Monarch.

[wcc]

Don't forget the Stynger in your list. It's great in events or even vs. the Pillars!

[Darth Cannabis]

Originally posted by wcc:

Don't forget the Stynger in your list. It's great in events or even vs. the Pillars!

I had a feeling I was forgetting one, even thou I consider that more a repeater that happens to have special explosive tips bolts in same way stake launcher uses stakes. That is definitely one to mention thou. I won;t nitpick if someone who considers character a repeater specialist, uses it.

Also I forgot the Celebration MK2 (only mentioned Celebration in general), and the Pumpkin Launcher.

But point is, for that small window of Plantera to end, there is actually quite the selection.

Compared to the repeater window of all of hard mode, with only a single option past that point where launchers come into play.

[Scythia]

I did my first post 1.4 run with ranged, and guns were the way to go. The range is much better, and there's no need to account for parabolic arc. Also, the bullet variety was just too useful. Meteorite ammo ricochet is great in enclosed areas like caverns or the dungeon, then in hardmode crystal ammo is good against bosses. Once you get chlorophyte ammo it's the pinnacle, nearly every fired bullet will hit something. The high fire rate/chance not consume ammo weapons will chew through just about anything.

Later on, launchers become a good secondary weapons for hardened targets.

[Darth Cannabis]

Originally posted by Scythia:

I did my first post 1.4 run with ranged, and guns were the way to go. The range is much better, and there's no need to account for parabolic arc. Also, the bullet variety was just too useful. Meteorite ammo ricochet is great in enclosed areas like caverns or the dungeon, then in hardmode crystal ammo is good against bosses. Once you get chlorophyte ammo it's the pinnacle, nearly every fired bullet will hit something. The high fire rate/chance not consume ammo weapons will chew through just about anything.

Later on, launchers become a good secondary weapons for hardened targets.

One playthru route I think is kind of fun, is to to a "tech" character playthru. The rule being all "tech", or laser guns (technically magic, but no other magic is allowed), launchers, and flamers. Also the one allowed melee weapon being phasesabers and phaseblades. Tech character is allowed a lightsaber.

You start with the snowball cannon as your first class weapon. That lasts you until the first laser crafted once you get meteorite. Then the progression of laser rifle, flamer, and so on. You also try to avoid wings, preferencing tech based accessories like the hover board and jet pack.

its just a different way to play thru, whenever one is bored of traditional melee, ranged, magic, and summoner. Its a slightly different challenge for some of the bosses, a little bit different armor (rocket based shroomite at that point) and equip choice. Just thought of it with what you mention as far as launcher for hardened targets, as it pairs well with the pew pew.

[Mo]

Bows But Guns Can Also Be Useful

[TheMorningShlurp]

during the beginner stages of this game usally go as an archer but then when i find the boomstick in the jungle that's when i switch to gunner

[Mr.man]

i'd say bows are better

[Shinden]

Originally posted by Mr.man:

i'd say bows are better

We know.

[wcc]

~8]

[Fumo Bnnuy n Frends]

Depends on your accessories.

Ideally bows are super low maitnence and easy to make early pre hardmode. Guns arrive a bit later.

There's also the ammo issue as most guns can chew through ammo while bows really are economical and theres no damage fallout on say shotguns.

Guns really get a buff once hardmode starts with ichor and chlorophyte bullets where aiming isn't a necessity.

I'd say overall bows for many enemies and guns for a singular enemy. Rockets are the best of both worlds sorta but they come much later post plantera.