Bow & Flintlock Pistols
Ranged options for players who prefer distance over melee.
Ranged weapons let you deal damage safely from a distance, but each option in One More Delve comes with meaningful trade-offs that make ranged combat a higher-skill path than melee.
The Bow
The bow is the original ranged weapon in One More Delve. It requires the most physical skill of any weapon type:
- Draw an arrow from your quiver with your off-hand.
- Position the arrow nock on the bowstring with your bow hand.
- Draw the string back.
- Release to fire.
There is no crosshair. Aiming is entirely physical — you point the bow by physically aiming it. This system is immersive but inconsistent for precision targets.
When to Use the Bow
The bow excels in two situations:
- Taking out distant enemies before they close distance
- Shooting at enemies that are too dangerous to approach
When NOT to Use the Bow
The bow is cumbersome in close quarters, against fast-moving enemies, and when multiple targets are closing simultaneously. If you are engaged in melee range, switch to your melee weapon.
Flintlock Pistols (1.0)
Added in the July 2026 1.0 release, Flintlock pistols eliminate the nocking complexity of the bow. Simply point and pull the trigger to fire. This makes them significantly more practical for general dungeon crawling.
Advantages Over Bow
- No nocking required
- Faster rate of fire
- More effective in close quarters
Considerations
- Ammunition management may be a factor (unconfirmed)
- Community data on pistol performance is still accumulating
See also: Controls, How to Use Ranged Weapons, and New Weapons 1.0.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about One More Delve.
Is the bow viable for boss fights?
The bow can deal damage to bosses, but the lack of a crosshair and the nocking process make it unreliable for sustained boss damage. Magic or melee are generally preferred for boss encounters.
Are Flintlock pistols better than the bow?
For most practical purposes, yes. Pistols remove the nocking complexity while providing immediate ranged damage. The bow remains a niche choice for players who enjoy the physical aiming challenge.
Can I use the bow one-handed?
No. The bow requires two hands — one to hold the bow, one to draw and nock the arrow. This is physically demanding and leaves you without a shield.