Evelyn vs. Hunter Pistol: Unveiling the Differences Between These Iconic Sidearms
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The Evelyn and the Hunter Pistol are two distinctive firearms often encountered in specific video game environments, particularly within the world of Bloodborne. While both are considered sidearms and share some functional similarities, they cater to drastically different playstyles and character builds. The primary difference lies in their damage scaling: the Evelyn scales primarily with Bloodtinge, while the Hunter Pistol scales primarily with Skill. This foundational difference dictates their optimal usage, ammunition consumption, and overall effectiveness.
Damage Scaling: The Core Divergence
The Evelyn’s strength hinges on high Bloodtinge. This stat governs the damage dealt by firearms that utilize Quicksilver Bullets as ammunition. The higher your Bloodtinge, the more damage the Evelyn will inflict. Consequently, builds focused on Bloodtinge, often associated with transformative weaponry like the Chikage or the Bloodletter, find the Evelyn to be an invaluable ranged tool. Its superior scaling translates to significantly higher damage output compared to the Hunter Pistol for Bloodtinge-focused characters.
In contrast, the Hunter Pistol shines for Skill-based characters. Its damage output is directly tied to the player’s Skill stat. This makes it a suitable choice for builds emphasizing dexterity, melee weapon prowess (e.g., the Saw Cleaver, Threaded Cane), and visceral attacks. While the Hunter Pistol doesn’t reach the same damage ceiling as the Evelyn for Bloodtinge builds, it provides a reliable ranged option without requiring a substantial investment in a stat that wouldn’t otherwise benefit the character.
Ammunition Consumption and Efficiency
While both pistols utilize Quicksilver Bullets, their efficiency differs slightly. The Hunter Pistol is generally considered more ammo-efficient, especially in the early game. Its lower damage per shot necessitates more frequent firing, but the cost remains manageable due to its reasonable damage scaling with Skill.
The Evelyn, with its higher damage potential, can be more ammo-intensive if used liberally. Players need to be mindful of their Quicksilver Bullet reserves, particularly during extended engagements. However, for Bloodtinge builds, the higher damage often justifies the increased consumption, as fewer shots are required to eliminate enemies. The Evelyn can also be upgraded to the Reiterpallasch, a trick weapon that also has access to Bloodtinge scaling.
Role in Combat and Playstyle
The Hunter Pistol typically serves as a supplementary tool for Skill-based builds. Its primary function is to interrupt enemy attacks and set up visceral attacks through parrying. The damage output, while respectable, is secondary to its utility in controlling enemy aggression and exploiting openings.
The Evelyn, on the other hand, can function as a primary damage source for Bloodtinge builds. Players can effectively whittle down enemy health from a distance, conserving melee weapon durability and minimizing risk. It also excels at quickly dispatching weaker foes, allowing players to prioritize their melee weapon for tougher encounters.
Acquisition and Availability
Both firearms are relatively accessible early in the game. The Hunter Pistol is one of the starting weapons available to the player at the beginning of Bloodborne. This makes it a readily available option regardless of your chosen starting class.
The Evelyn, however, requires a bit more effort to acquire. It’s found in Cainhurst Castle, a hidden location accessible by obtaining the Cainhurst Summons from Iosefka’s Clinic after defeating Vicar Amelia. This means players need to progress through the early game and overcome at least one significant boss before gaining access to it.
Upgrading and Gem Imprints
Both the Evelyn and the Hunter Pistol can be upgraded at the workshop in the Hunter’s Dream. Upgrading improves their attack power and scaling. They also both accept Blood Gems, which can further enhance their damage output or add special effects.
However, the effectiveness of specific Blood Gems will vary depending on the chosen weapon and the character’s stats. For instance, gems that boost physical attack power will benefit the Hunter Pistol more directly (though Bloodtinge builds can still use these, especially early-game), while those that increase Bloodtinge damage will be far more effective on the Evelyn.
Summary Table
| Feature | Evelyn | Hunter Pistol |
|---|---|---|
| ——————– | ———————————————- | ————————————————- |
| Primary Scaling | Bloodtinge | Skill |
| Damage Potential | High (for Bloodtinge builds) | Moderate (for Skill builds) |
| Ammo Efficiency | Lower (potentially ammo-intensive) | Higher (more ammo-efficient) |
| Combat Role | Primary damage source (Bloodtinge builds) | Supplementary tool (Skill builds) |
| Acquisition | Cainhurst Castle (mid-game) | Starting weapon (available immediately) |
| Best For | Bloodtinge-focused characters | Skill-focused characters |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use the Evelyn effectively on a Skill build?
Yes, but its performance will be suboptimal. While it will still function as a firearm, its damage output will be significantly lower compared to a Bloodtinge build. The Hunter Pistol is generally a better choice for Skill-based characters.
2. Can I use the Hunter Pistol effectively on a Bloodtinge build?
Similar to the Evelyn on a Skill build, the Hunter Pistol is usable but not ideal. Its damage will be underwhelming compared to the Evelyn. Consider investing a few points into skill for the Rifle Spear, a very potent bloodtinge weapon.
3. Which pistol is better for parrying?
Both pistols have the same parry frames. The choice between them depends entirely on your build. Use the Hunter Pistol on Skill builds and the Evelyn on Bloodtinge builds.
4. Does the Evelyn’s damage scale with anything besides Bloodtinge?
The Evelyn has minimal scaling with other stats. Its primary, and almost sole, source of damage scaling is Bloodtinge.
5. Does the Hunter Pistol’s damage scale with anything besides Skill?
The Hunter Pistol has some scaling with Strength, but it’s far less significant than its Skill scaling. Focus on Skill for optimal damage.
6. Which pistol is better for beginners?
The Hunter Pistol is often recommended for beginners due to its availability and suitability for Skill-based builds, which tend to be more forgiving.
7. Can I upgrade both pistols to their maximum level?
Yes, both the Evelyn and the Hunter Pistol can be upgraded to their maximum level using Blood Stone Shards, Twin Blood Stone Shards, Blood Stone Chunk, and a Blood Rock.
8. Does weapon durability affect the damage output of firearms?
No, weapon durability does not affect the damage output of firearms. However, it’s still important to maintain your melee weapon’s durability.
9. Are there any other firearms similar to the Evelyn and Hunter Pistol?
Yes, other firearms like the Repeating Pistol, Ludwig’s Rifle, and the Cannon exist, each with its own unique characteristics and stat requirements.
10. How do I increase my Bloodtinge stat?
You can increase your Bloodtinge stat by leveling up at the Hunter’s Dream after spending Insight.
11. How do I increase my Skill stat?
You can increase your Skill stat by leveling up at the Hunter’s Dream after spending Insight.
12. Where can I find Quicksilver Bullets?
Quicksilver Bullets can be found throughout the game world, purchased from the Messengers in the Hunter’s Dream, or crafted using Blood Echoes and Blood Vials via the Caryll Rune “Blood Rapture”.
13. Is there a way to conserve Quicksilver Bullets?
Yes, the Caryll Rune “Blood Rapture” allows you to regain Quicksilver Bullets upon performing a visceral attack. There are also weapons with both melee and Bloodtinge scaling that don’t use bullets when used for melee, like the Reiterpallasch, Simon’s Bowblade, or the Bloodletter.
14. Which pistol has a faster firing rate?
The firing rates are very similar. Skill is more important for getting more shots in between enemy attacks than firing speed of either.
15. Which pistol is better overall?
There is no universally “better” pistol. The optimal choice depends entirely on your character build and playstyle. The Evelyn reigns supreme for Bloodtinge builds, while the Hunter Pistol provides a reliable option for Skill-based characters. Your character’s build decides what’s best for you.