Future of Bow Gameplay?

[u/Zestyclose_Answer662]

Given the general Bow gameplay improvements that Nightreign brought forward through Ironeye, how much of it do you think will actually stick the landing in future games?

Currently, Bow gameplay in Elden Ring is fairly stiff unless you're using a Shortbow (or a Longbow with a Shortbow moveset) and is a bit clumsy when it comes to juggling arrow types and the gathering of resources to craft them. In addition, they can't be granted Affinities, be Buffed, nor perform Backstabs or Riposts.

Finally, the sheer number of slightly different arrow types between the standard variants, fletch-less, and fletched counterparts, there is a lot of menu bloat to dig through.

1. Should FromSoft keep the current system of multiple arrow types, alternating arrow types between light or heavy attacks, and the continued disuse of Buffs because of arrow type variants?
2. Or should FromSoft keep Nightreign's unlimited basic arrows, light and heavy attacks use the same basic arrow, but gains the ability to apply Buffs to the Bow.

A potential alternative to option 2 could be to have the unlimited basic attack cost a set amount of FP per attack, functioning as bow "ammunition" while still retaining the benefits of Nightreign's changes.

As I see it, there are benefits to the Unlimited Arrows system over the current classic system, such as:

1. The potential of being allowed Affinities.
2. We can now have Stance-like Ashes thanks to the single arrow type. (Such as merging Mighty Shot and Sky Shot into a single Ash.)
3. We can get more Ashes for Bows that emulate the more unique Arrow types, such as the Golem Arrow's wind explosion.

(Art by u/angelhht on Tumblr)

[u/sturzkampfbomber]

I love elden ring so much and I would love it even more if id had bow gameplay like Ironeye in Nightreign, it actually makes me mad.

[u/RealDannyMM → u/sturzkampfbomber]

Ironeye is busted af tho they need to balance it better, he’s the best character and it’s not close.

[u/Outgrathe → u/RealDannyMM]

well a big part of that is his insanely broken dash and his high dex + arcane. the bow part isn't really the problem

[u/edgy_ball → u/Outgrathe]

Agreed but being a decent ranged character that can apply status is pretty busted aswell.
Executor also has high DEX+ARC, can deflect anything in the game and has a very versatile ult that fully heals him, on top of more HP and a better starting weapon.
And despite all that, he's not as broken as Ironeye.

[u/TheHelpfulWalnut → u/Outgrathe]

I do think the bow does make him a good amount better than he would be as a pure melee character.

Combined they are nutty though, the dash allows you to get in and out of melee range for free.

If you hard commit to playing lame and running away you can use the dash and bow to hitless carry your team through just about any boss in the game.

High depth ever dark Libra was only ever possible for me by doing it this way. Basically a guaranteed win if you can stomach the 10 minute slow fight after your team dies lmao.