I Played Elden Ring Nightreign as a Third-Person Shooter. Here's Why You Should Pick Up a Bow

When it comes to FromSoftware games, I'm usually drawn to building my character into a formidable force on the battlefield. In Bloodborne, I wielded the Hunter's Axe with pride, and in Elden Ring, I strapped on colossal swords for maximum impact. But when disaster struck – literally, as my DualSense controller's USB cable burst during the review period – I found myself facing an unexpected challenge: playing Elden Ring with a keyboard and mouse.

I quickly realized that my gaming roots in third-person shooters had prepared me for this unexpected twist. While most players opt for lock-on mechanics, I employed free-aim crosshairs to take down enemies with surprising accuracy. The bow, once seen as an underutilized tool, became an extension of my character's arsenal – a versatile and deadly instrument that allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the team.

What struck me most about playing Ironeye, the roguish assassin, was how seamlessly her archery skills translated from a third-person shooter to this new context. Free-aiming with a two-handed bow felt smooth and responsive in Nightreign, thanks to FromSoftware's generous free aim camera. This allowed me to target weak points that my teammates couldn't reach, taking down even the most formidable foes.

The game also made it clear why archery was essential for success in Elden Ring. With infinite arrows at my disposal, I could constantly pressure enemies from a safe distance, pincushioning bosses in their vulnerable spots while my allies hacked away at their legs. This allowed me to chip away at the health bar even during more treacherous phases of battle – and it gave me an edge when facing larger groups.

One of the standout features of Ironeye's archery was the ability to revive fallen squadmates from a distance, giving the team a much-needed boost. This capability alone solidified my conviction that archery is a vital component of Nightreign, and I soon found myself advocating for it as the best class choice for reviving teammates.

Ironeye's ultimate ability, Single Shot, proved to be an invaluable asset in clearing out crowds of enemies and clearing a path for critical hits. The massive great bow's arrival on the battlefield gave my team an opening to unleash devastating attacks – making it clear that archery is not just a viable option, but one that holds its own against other classes.

The Verdict: Why You Should Grab Your Bow and Arrows in Elden Ring Nightreign

In the end, playing Elden Ring as a third-person shooter showed me the full potential of archery in this game. Ironeye's deadly skills and versatility made it an excellent choice for contributing to the team, supporting my squadmates, and even reviving fallen allies. If you're looking to find success in Nightreign, it's time to pick up that bow and show FromSoftware what you're made of.