Can You Aim with Crossbows in Dark Souls Remastered? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is: no, you cannot free-aim a crossbow in Dark Souls Remastered in the traditional sense. Unlike bows, which offer a first-person aiming mode, crossbows in this game are designed for a more straightforward, lock-on style of play. This can be a point of confusion and frustration for new players, so let’s delve into the specifics of how crossbows function in the game.

Understanding Crossbow Mechanics in Dark Souls Remastered

Crossbows in Dark Souls Remastered are designed for ease of use, but at the cost of aiming flexibility. Here’s a breakdown of their mechanics:

No Manual Aiming

The primary thing to understand is that crossbows do not have a free-aiming mechanic. When you equip a crossbow and prepare to fire, it will always shoot straight forward in the center of your screen, and vertically level with your character. You can’t directly control the arrow’s trajectory like you can with a bow. This means there is no first-person aiming mode accessible with crossbows.

Lock-On Targeting

The core method of aiming with a crossbow is through lock-on targeting. When facing an enemy, you can click the right stick (or the equivalent button on your platform) to lock onto them. Once locked on, your crossbow bolt will automatically be directed towards your target. This is why you will want to position your character on the vertical plane of your target.

No Crosshair

Another point to understand is that the crossbow does not provide a crosshair for manual aiming like a bow does. When using a bow, you enter a first-person view with a crosshair for precision aiming. This is not the case with crossbows; the reticle only appears with the zoom button (explained below), and is still a locked-in mechanic. Instead, the crossbow aims directly forward in the center of the screen.

Basic Crossbow Firing

When you are not locked on to a target, your crossbow will fire vertically at the center of the screen, but will still fire straight in the direction your character is facing horizontally. Your character must then be lined up with the desired target to make a hit.

Zoom Functionality on Controller

While not a true aiming mode, there is a zoom function available when using a controller. This functionality provides a slight zoom that can assist with target acquisition but is not a free-aiming mechanism. This is activated with the bumper button of the opposite hand you have it equipped in. For example, if the crossbow is equipped in your right hand, then the left bumper will activate the zoom. Using the zoom will add a reticle to the screen, but this reticle does not move. This zoom will only change the visual of the player, not the functionality of the crossbow.

Two-Handing Crossbows

Like other weapons, crossbows can be two-handed. This usually increases the power and impact of the weapon, but it doesn’t change the way you aim. The two-handed mechanism is only for the purpose of adding force to your weapon, not for free aiming.

Why No Free Aim for Crossbows?

The decision to omit free aiming for crossbows was likely a design choice to create a distinction between bows and crossbows. Crossbows, with their slower firing rate and higher damage per shot, function as a more point-and-click alternative to the more versatile bow. This was a conscious design choice, not an oversight.

Strategic Use of Crossbows

Given their limitations, crossbows are best used strategically. They excel in scenarios where a target is predictable or stationary. Lock-on targeting becomes your most valuable tool, so choosing your targets carefully and using environmental positioning to your advantage will make the use of crossbows more rewarding.

FAQs: Crossbows in Dark Souls Remastered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the specifics of using crossbows in Dark Souls Remastered:

1. Can I manually aim a crossbow in Dark Souls Remastered?

No, you cannot manually aim a crossbow. They are designed to be used with lock-on targeting and do not have a free-aiming mode.

2. How do I zoom with a crossbow in Dark Souls Remastered?

On a controller, use the bumper button of the opposite hand you have the crossbow equipped in. For example, if it’s in your right hand, the left bumper zooms in.

3. Do crossbows have a crosshair?

Yes, they have a stationary reticle when you zoom in, but it doesn’t function like a free-aiming crosshair. It’s only a visual assist.

4. Is it possible to free-aim a crossbow?

No, there is no way to free-aim with a crossbow in Dark Souls Remastered. They always shoot straight forward at the center of the screen.

5. Is there a way to aim at a specific point without lock-on?

No, the lock-on is the primary aiming system for crossbows. You can use environment to change your position to adjust for your target on the vertical.

6. How do crossbows work if I’m not locked on?

They fire straight forward in the direction your character is facing, at the vertical center of the screen. You must align your character with the target.

7. Are crossbows easier to aim than bows?

Crossbows are generally easier to use in terms of aiming because they always fire straight, at the cost of free-aim capabilities.

8. Can I use binoculars to aim with a crossbow?

Yes, while you can’t aim the crossbow, you can use binoculars to scout ahead or line up a shot and then fire your crossbow.

9. Does two-handing a crossbow change the aiming?

No, two-handing a crossbow only increases its damage, it doesn’t affect the aiming system.

10. Can I aim a crossbow in Demon’s Souls?

The crossbow mechanics in Demon’s Souls are similar to Dark Souls Remastered. No manual aiming is available.

11. How do I aim a bow in Dark Souls Remastered?

To aim a bow, equip it and press L1 (or the equivalent button) to enter first-person view with a movable crosshair.

12. Are bows better than crossbows in Dark Souls Remastered?

Bows offer more versatility with their free-aiming capabilities, while crossbows provide straight-forward point-and-shoot approach with stronger hits. The better option depends on player style.

13. What are the benefits of using a crossbow?

Crossbows are beneficial for their ease of use, higher initial damage, and usefulness in lock-on scenarios.

14. Why were crossbows designed this way?

The design choice was likely to provide different strategic options and differentiate crossbows from bows, each offering distinct advantages and limitations.

15. Is archery viable in Dark Souls Remastered?

Yes, both archery and crossbow use can be viable with a proper build and play style. They can be effective for ranged attacks in many scenarios.

Conclusion

While crossbows in Dark Souls Remastered don’t offer free-aiming, their straightforward lock-on mechanics and higher initial damage make them a practical choice for many players. Understanding their limitations and strengths will help you utilize them effectively within the game. The lack of manual aiming is a design choice, so do not fret; it will not get better. Focus on positioning and strategic planning, and you’ll find crossbows are a formidable addition to your arsenal in Dark Souls Remastered.