Bows Once Again Suck

[Antasco]

You would think one day Fromsoft would make bows actually viable. Sure they added some cool arrows but then they go and remove all Scaling from bows. There is basically not a single bow with above a D Scaling in either Strength or Dexterity. Every Bow is basically a Quality Weapon. What is with Fromsoft's hate for Bow Builds? Bows are practically not viable at all unless you're using environmental cheese.

[Zwei Assoc. Fixer Kiba]

have you tried upgrading them

[Antasco]

Originally posted by npc_group3m_male_09:

have you tried upgrading them

+9 Black Bow. D/D in Str/Dex. This isn't a joke. Pulley Bow? Same story. These two are basically the best bows in the game and they suck absolute ♥♥♥♥.

[hewhoishere]

I haven't used bows much, as my first playthrough is mostly melee, but can you change their affinity at all? If so, that would likely help the situation.

[Antasco]

Originally posted by hewhoishere:

I haven't used bows much, as my first playthrough is mostly melee, but can you change their affinity at all? If so, that would likely help the situation.

Like previous games... No. Its all Standard Affinity.

[Zephkiel]

Anything that cant have its scaling changed suck because it will stay at basic level.
Bows cannot have their scaling changed.

[HedgieMage]

I played through DS1 and DS3 with only bows (and tons of other weapon-specific categories; I run each game with every category). Bows don't suck. If you think they suck, you need to adjust how you're playing with them. It's obviously not the same as a melee weapon.

[HedgieMage]

If you want a weapon that sucks, try using catalysts (staves or w/e they call them now) as your weapon. Then you can complain.

[Leoscar]

In the early game they're quite good, a shame they can only serve as aggro tools later.

[MANJORAY]

I think too STR weapon like Ultra greatswords and bow hard to play more than INT build mage so powerfull damage. I hope they buff STR build damage

[Antasco]

Originally posted by ExplosiveDruid:

I played through DS1 and DS3 with only bows (and tons of other weapon-specific categories; I run each game with every category). Bows don't suck. If you think they suck, you need to adjust how you're playing with them. It's obviously not the same as a melee weapon.

I did Ds2 and 1 Bow/Crossbow only. I never got around to finishing 3. And its still it is absolute garbage. Don't say I don't know the suffering, I do in-fact know the suffering. Bows in Elden Ring are the second Worse they've ever been. Ds1 was the Worst.

[Mike]

Now are you using Bows fully. Like using all arrow types...etc. I feel with a bow/crossbow you will need to utilize all arrow types to be effective endgame or at least that is how I am going to play once I get around to a bow only build.

[HedgieMage]

I prefer the DS1 bow to the DS3 bow, but they're both fine. They make many encounters much easier than even melee. Some encounters are harder, yes. Not every weapon is suited for every encounter. But as a weapon, it does not suck by any means.

[Green1]

Nah. They are very useful in some situations and then I pull out my weapon of choice.

[HedgieMage]

Crossbows on the other hand, different story. Those do suck and are miserable to use.

[Viper]

Game Balance having a bow that did as much damage as a long sword or even more would be OP and make the entire game a piece of cake.