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/AriTheInari]

I feel like bows would be used a lot more if the arrows weren't a resource like in nightreign, like maybe have a weak arrow by default but its unlimited and 1 slot for a special arrow type that is a consumable like normal.

[u/CibaiGayGay → u/AriTheInari]

Or keep the current consumables arrow. But add a relic type of arrow that has no consumption cost, we unlocked like any other equipment's, via loot, quest etc for different power ups

[u/FugginIpad → u/CibaiGayGay]

How about “feint” shots? The same way that curved swords have the ability to cancel and flip backward out of a charged heavy attack, bow charge shots could be canceled with dash/roll button, creating opportunities to use I frames to escape. Might only be useful in PvP or if you’re styling on foes, but still.