Are Guns Worth It in Bloodborne?

Yes, guns are absolutely worth it in Bloodborne. While they aren’t designed for raw damage output like the tricked forms of your trick weapons, guns are invaluable for parrying enemy attacks to open them up for devastating Visceral Attacks. They also excel at controlling enemy aggression, drawing enemies out individually, and interrupting specific enemy actions. Mastering gun usage is crucial for survival and achieving victory in Yharnam.

The Power of the Parry: Why Guns Reign Supreme

Bloodborne differs significantly from its Soulsborne predecessors in its emphasis on aggressive, offensive gameplay. This is exemplified by the central mechanic of parrying with guns. Unlike shields, which primarily offer defensive options, guns are designed to interrupt enemy attacks at the precise moment before impact. A successful parry staggers the enemy, leaving them vulnerable to a Visceral Attack – a powerful, critical strike that deals significant damage and often staggers other nearby enemies.

This system transforms combat from a cautious dance of blocking and dodging into a fast-paced, strategic exchange. By learning enemy attack patterns and mastering the timing of gunshots, players can consistently exploit openings and turn the tide of battle. The satisfaction of a perfectly timed parry and the subsequent Visceral Attack is a cornerstone of the Bloodborne experience.

Beyond the Parry: Utility and Crowd Control

The usefulness of guns extends far beyond just parrying. They are also essential tools for crowd control. In Bloodborne, you’ll often face groups of enemies, and trying to engage them all at once is a recipe for disaster. Guns allow you to draw enemies out individually, thinning the herd and making encounters more manageable. A well-placed gunshot can lure a lone beast away from its pack, allowing you to deal with it without being overwhelmed.

Furthermore, certain enemies have specific actions that can be interrupted with a gunshot. For example, some enemies will attempt to heal or buff themselves. A timely gunshot will stop them in their tracks, denying them the advantage and leaving them open to attack. This adds another layer of strategic depth to combat, rewarding players who pay attention to enemy behavior and utilize their guns accordingly.

Stat Allocation and the Importance of Bloodtinge

While guns don’t scale with Strength or Skill like your trick weapons, they are primarily affected by the Bloodtinge stat. This stat governs the damage output of firearms and other Bloodtinge-scaling weapons. While a low Bloodtinge stat will allow you to effectively parry, investing points into Bloodtinge will significantly increase the damage of your guns, making them more viable as a supplementary damage source, especially against enemies resistant to physical attacks.

Even without a high Bloodtinge stat, certain guns, like the Evelyn, still offer a respectable damage output when fully upgraded. Consider your build when deciding how much to invest in Bloodtinge, but remember that even a moderate investment can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your firearms.

Gun Options: Choosing Your Weapon

Bloodborne offers a variety of firearms, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some popular choices include:

• Pistol: The starting weapon, and a reliable all-around option. Good for parrying and interrupting.
• Blunderbuss: A shotgun-type weapon with a wide spread. Excellent for parrying enemies at closer range.
• Evelyn: A faster-firing pistol with higher Bloodtinge scaling. Ideal for players who want to deal significant gun damage.
• Hunter’s Torch: While not a gun, it replaces the left-hand weapon slot and is useful for illuminating dark areas and setting beasts ablaze.
• Ludwig’s Rifle: Similar to the Pistol, but deals slightly more damage and consumes more Quicksilver Bullets.

The best gun ultimately depends on your playstyle and preferred range. Experiment with different options to find the one that suits you best. Also, remember to upgrade your chosen gun at the workshop to maximize its effectiveness.

Strategic Gun Usage: Tips and Tricks

• Learn Enemy Attack Patterns: The key to successful parrying is knowing when to fire your gun. Study enemy attack patterns and practice your timing.
• Conserve Quicksilver Bullets: Quicksilver Bullets are a limited resource, especially early in the game. Use them wisely and try to rely on melee attacks when appropriate.
• Backstab Opportunities: Some enemies can be staggered with a gunshot to the back, creating an opening for a backstab attack.
• Environmental Awareness: Use your gun to trigger traps or explode barrels from a safe distance.
• Strategic Reloading: Pay attention to your bullet count and reload strategically. Reloading in the middle of a fight can leave you vulnerable.

Guns as an Essential Part of the Bloodborne Experience

In conclusion, guns are an integral part of the Bloodborne experience. They are far more than just a supplementary weapon; they are essential tools for parrying, crowd control, and strategic combat. Mastering gun usage is crucial for survival and success in the challenging world of Yharnam. Embrace the hunter’s arsenal, learn the rhythm of combat, and unleash the power of the parry. You’ll not only survive, but thrive, in the face of the hunt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Guns in Bloodborne

1. How do I perform a Visceral Attack after parrying?

After successfully parrying an enemy with a gunshot (or riposting with a charged R2 attack on certain enemies), walk up to them and press R1 when prompted to perform a Visceral Attack.

2. What stats affect gun damage in Bloodborne?

The primary stat that affects gun damage is Bloodtinge. The higher your Bloodtinge, the more damage your guns will deal.

3. Which gun is best for parrying in Bloodborne?

The Pistol and Blunderbuss are both excellent for parrying. The Pistol is more versatile, while the Blunderbuss is better at close range. Experiment to see which one suits your playstyle better.

4. How do I get more Quicksilver Bullets?

You can purchase Quicksilver Bullets from the Messengers in the Hunter’s Dream. You can also find them as loot throughout the game. If you run out, you can convert Blood Echoes into Quicksilver Bullets at the cost of one point, up to a maximum of five.

5. Can I parry every enemy in Bloodborne?

No, some enemies are too large or have attacks that cannot be parried. Pay attention to enemy behavior and experiment to see what works.

6. How do I upgrade my guns in Bloodborne?

You can upgrade your guns at the workshop in the Hunter’s Dream using Blood Stone Shards, Twin Blood Stone Shards, Blood Stone Chunks, and Blood Rocks.

7. Is it worth investing in Bloodtinge if I don’t want to use guns for damage?

Even if you primarily use guns for parrying, a moderate investment in Bloodtinge can still be beneficial. It will increase the damage of your guns, making them more effective for interrupting enemies and dealing with enemies resistant to physical attacks.

8. What is the difference between the Pistol and the Evelyn?

The Pistol is a reliable all-around option, while the Evelyn has higher Bloodtinge scaling and deals more damage. However, the Evelyn requires a higher Bloodtinge stat to be effective.

9. Does the Hunter’s Torch do damage?

Yes, the Hunter’s Torch does fire damage to enemies, particularly effective against beasts. It also illuminates dark areas.

10. Are there any other weapons that use Quicksilver Bullets besides guns?

Yes, several weapons, such as the Chikage and the Bloodletter, consume Quicksilver Bullets in their transformed states.

11. What is the timing for a successful parry?

The timing for a successful parry varies depending on the enemy’s attack. You need to fire your gun just before the attack lands. Practice is key to mastering the timing.

12. Can I parry boss attacks in Bloodborne?

Yes, many boss attacks can be parried, opening them up for Visceral Attacks. However, some boss attacks are unparryable, so be cautious.

13. Does the Bone Ash set affect gun damage?

No, the Bone Ash set increases fire damage, not gun damage. Gun damage is primarily affected by the Bloodtinge stat.

14. What is the best way to practice parrying in Bloodborne?

Find a relatively weak enemy with predictable attacks, such as the brick trolls in Central Yharnam, and practice your timing. Be patient and don’t be afraid to experiment.

15. Are there any Caryll Runes that affect gun usage?

Yes, some Caryll Runes affect gun usage. For example, runes that increase your maximum Quicksilver Bullet count or reduce the cost of using Quicksilver Bullets can be very helpful. Experiment with different runes to find the ones that best suit your playstyle.