How to Get and Use Bow in No Rest for the Wicked

Discover how to get and use the bow in No Rest for the Wicked and how to utilize them for ranged combat in this article.

The combat system in No Rest for the Wicked encourages a melee-focused playstyle, but you can still utilize ranged weapons like bows. Understanding how to equip and fire the bow takes some getting used to. This guide explains how to get and properly use the bow in No Rest for the Wicked.

How to Get a Bow in No Rest for the Wicked

You can acquire a short bow randomly from enemy drops or treasure chests.

Alternatively, merchants Fillmore the blacksmith and Whittacker the woodworker occasionally stock bows for purchase, typically costing around 1 silver and 50 copper pieces.

However, their inventories are randomized, so check back regularly.

How to Equip and Use the Bow in No Rest for the Wicked

To use a bow, first equip it in your off-hand weapon slot – the same slot normally occupied by a shield. You’ll need to invest points into the Dexterity stat when leveling up.

Unlike melee weapons, bows don’t directly deal damage themselves. Instead, they rely on equipped skills that automatically generate arrows to fire. Here’s how to ready and fire the bow:

• Hold CTRL (PC) or LB/L1 (Controller) to switch to the bow.
• Press 1/X, 2/Y, 3/A, or 4/B to cycle between the bow’s skill slots.
• Right-click (PC) or press X/Square (Controller) to fire the selected skill’s arrows.

The Basic Arrow Skill

All bows come pre-equipped with the basic “Arrow” skill, which fires a single arrow consuming 15 Focus points. With a full Focus bar, you can rapid-fire around 6 arrows before needing to recharge.

There’s also the “Multishot” skill that expends your full Focus meter to unleash a triple arrow spread – useful for burst damage up close.

Expanding Bow Versatility

For increased versatility, you can slot additional skills onto the bow using Runes purchased from Eleanore at the Sacrament Marketplace. Runes add new arrow types and abilities.

While bows offer ranged flexibility, No Rest for the Wicked heavily incentivizes a melee combat focus by tying your Focus resource to weapon attacks.

Most players may prefer reserving the off-hand slot for a shield to aid in defense and parrying.