What Gun is Better in Bloodborne? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of which gun reigns supreme in Bloodborne is more nuanced than a simple “best” versus “worst” scenario. The truth is, the ideal gun depends heavily on your build, playstyle, and the specific situation. There isn’t a single, universally superior firearm. However, if we’re aiming for a direct answer, the Evelyn, when optimized for a Bloodtinge build, is generally considered the most powerful, damage-dealing gun in Bloodborne. However, this is not the full picture, and we need to consider multiple other firearms that are better suited for specific situations or builds.
Understanding the Role of Guns in Bloodborne
It’s crucial to understand that guns in Bloodborne are not primarily designed for ranged damage. Instead, their primary purpose is to interrupt enemy attacks and create openings for Visceral Attacks. Knowing when and how to parry, also known as a counter shot, is paramount for mastering Bloodborne’s combat. Enemies telegraph their attacks with distinct wind-ups, allowing you to use your firearm to stagger them, leaving them vulnerable for a devastating critical strike. This function is the bread and butter of firearm use, far more so than dealing direct damage. This means the effectiveness of a gun is greatly influenced by its speed, range, and ease of timing, as well as the player’s skill.
Key Firearms and Their Strengths
While the Evelyn might be the highest damage gun for a Bloodtinge build, other firearms have their advantages:
The Blunderbuss
The Blunderbuss excels in crowd control and can be effective against quicker, smaller enemies or when needing to buy yourself some time to retreat and heal. Its spread shot has a wider range than the pistol, but its slower fire rate means timing is crucial for effective parries. The Blunderbuss’s slight delay can sometimes work in your favor, allowing for parries based more on reaction rather than prediction, but it’s generally considered less ideal for parrying than the pistol.
The Hunter Pistol
The Hunter Pistol is the starting firearm and is a reliable all-around choice for parrying due to its faster trigger speed. Once you learn enemy attack patterns, it becomes much easier to parry with the pistol. Although it deals less damage than the Blunderbuss at close range, its speed makes it a more versatile parrying tool for most situations. It’s better suited for targeting single enemies.
Ludwig’s Rifle
Ludwig’s Rifle, a variant of the Blunderbuss, is noteworthy for its high damage at close ranges, making it powerful for low Bloodtinge builds. However, its effectiveness diminishes as Bloodtinge increases beyond level 30, at which point the Hunter Blunderbuss becomes more powerful. It is particularly effective for staggering enemies, opening them up for a Visceral Attack.
The Repeating Pistol
The Repeating Pistol trades higher damage for the cost of two bullets per shot. It’s a decent alternative to the Evelyn for players who don’t want to commit to a full Bloodtinge build. It boasts respectable damage, but its higher cost may not make it a viable main weapon.
The Evelyn
As mentioned, the Evelyn is the superior gun for Bloodtinge builds due to its exceptional scaling, high damage, and overall fantastic performance. It requires 18 Bloodtinge to wield, which means it is not a weapon for all builds. However, for those who invest in Bloodtinge, it becomes incredibly powerful, able to dispatch enemies and even some bosses.
The Flamesprayer
Though not strictly a gun in the traditional sense, the Flamesprayer is a powerful arcane tool that should be considered if you’re investing in Arcane. It is exceptional for dealing with enemies that are weak to fire. The combination of the Flamesprayer with Oil Urns can produce absolutely devastating damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are guns essential in Bloodborne?
Guns are crucial for parrying, creating openings for Visceral Attacks, and interrupting enemy attacks. While not designed for dealing significant ranged damage, they are fundamental for mastering Bloodborne’s combat.
2. Should I upgrade my guns in Bloodborne?
Yes, you should upgrade your gun to at least unlock the gem slot, allowing you to use HP regen gems. If you are doing a Bloodtinge build, upgrading your gun is essential for maximizing damage.
3. What is the easiest gun to parry with in Bloodborne?
The Hunter Pistol is generally considered the easiest gun to parry with due to its fast trigger speed.
4. What is the best gun for a Bloodtinge build in Bloodborne?
The Evelyn is the best gun for a Bloodtinge build, thanks to its high damage and superior scaling.
5. Is the Blunderbuss or the Pistol better for parrying?
The Pistol is generally better for parrying due to its faster trigger speed, although the Blunderbuss’s slight delay can help in reaction-based parrying in certain situations.
6. What gun is best for crowd control in Bloodborne?
The Blunderbuss is the preferred choice for crowd control due to its wide-spread shot.
7. Does Ludwig’s Rifle deal more damage than the Blunderbuss?
Ludwig’s Rifle deals more damage than the Hunter Blunderbuss at lower Bloodtinge levels, but the Hunter Blunderbuss is better once you get your Bloodtinge above 30.
8. Is the Repeating Pistol better than the Evelyn?
For a pure Bloodtinge build, the Evelyn is superior. The Repeating Pistol is a decent alternative for those who do not heavily invest in Bloodtinge, but it uses two bullets per shot, which is a significant drawback.
9. Can guns be used effectively for ranged attacks?
While guns can be used for ranged attacks, they are not their primary purpose. Throwing knives can be more effective for dealing ranged damage, particularly for skill-based builds.
10. Is the Flamesprayer a good weapon in Bloodborne?
The Flamesprayer is an excellent Arcane weapon, especially when paired with Oil Urns. It’s particularly effective against enemies weak to fire.
11. What are the worst guns in Bloodborne?
While no gun is strictly “bad,” weapons like the Rifle Spear are considered less effective than others due to their limited uses.
12. Should I rely on guns for damage output in Bloodborne?
No, guns are primarily for parrying and creating openings for visceral attacks. They should not be your primary damage source unless you have a dedicated Bloodtinge build with a high-level Evelyn.
13. How important is a gun’s scaling in Bloodborne?
Scaling is very important, particularly if you are building around Bloodtinge. The Evelyn’s excellent scaling makes it the top choice for those invested in the Bloodtinge stat.
14. What is the difference between the Blunderbuss and Ludwig’s Rifle?
Ludwig’s Rifle is a more damaging blunderbuss and the best damage for low bloodtinge, but the Hunter Blunderbuss becomes more powerful as Bloodtinge increases above 30.
15. What should I buy first in Bloodborne?
While there are many choices, the Yharnam armor set purchased from the Messengers Bath for 2,500 Blood Echoes is one of the most helpful early game purchases for defense and survivability.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the “best” gun in Bloodborne is subjective and dependent on your build and playstyle. For those committing to a Bloodtinge build, the Evelyn is the clear choice for damage. However, the Hunter Pistol is a reliable parrying tool, the Blunderbuss excels in crowd control, and the Flamesprayer devastates enemies weak to fire. Understanding the purpose of firearms in Bloodborne, mastering their use for parrying, and choosing the best option for your build is key to surviving the hunt.