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Marksmanshipis one of the most criticalCombat Skillsplayers need to upgrade to succeedin Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.This skill governs Henry’s ability to shoot, recharge, and aim with bows, crossbows, and firearms.
This guide has everything players need to know about how to progress using that combat style, including how to level up, where to get their first bows and arrows, and the best perks and builds to create the ultimate Bohemian Ranger.
Where To Find Your First Bow In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Crossbows are definitely the best choice for beginners inKingdom Come: Deliverance 2,and since there’s a high chance of coming acrossan Old Hunting Crossbow early on(which is sold at Troskowitz for around 66 Groschen), that’s a great way to get their hands on their first ranged weapon: if they have the coin.
If players want to go for a cheaper option, they will be able to find their first bow if they travel northeast from Troskowitz, following the road, then reaching a POI named ‘Target on a tree.’ There, Henry can get his first Marksmanship equipment, which includes theDogwood Town Bow, some arrows, and a Manual that will increase his skill when read.
It is recommended that players spend some time familiarizing themselves with the projectile physics and how the bow draws and recharges, that way there’s less chances to miss targets during combat.
It is important to mention that hitting targets and dummies will not increase Henry’s Marksmanship experience. But killing Rabbits, Deer, Boars, and Wolves is a great way to start piling up some Marksmanship points.
Don’t forget to pick up the Weak Bowman’s Brew from the stump near the practice target to boost Marksmanship temporarily.This brew is one of the best buff itemsto have if players are going for a ranged build, so it is probably best to learn its recipe (sold by Barnaby North of Trosky castle).
The Basics Of Marksmanship In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
To learn how to shoot a ranged, players will first need to equip one in their inventories, in any of the two weapon slots they have. It is important to mention that Bows, Crossbows, and Firearms all require ammunition, that is equipped in the Off-Hand slot. Without ammo, players won’t be able to start shooting so keep this in mind.
Shooting a ranged weapon requires the players to do three different actions, which will be described in the following sequence:
Each of the different types of weapons has a different feel to them, so practice aiming and shooting at targets before going into combat with them. Get the hang of how the bowstring and the aiming work as Henry’s stamina is depleted. Train your aim to follow targets even with the Crossbows, and count the seconds between recharges to know exactly how much time it will take for him to flee between shots.
Firearms are the most difficult optionfor Marksmanship, but they have a good payoff, so leave them for later once this Combat Skill has progressed enough.
Advantages Of Marksmanship In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
One of the best things about ranged combat is that it can be quite lethal if players know what they’re doing. From their humble beginnings as bowmen to powerful cavalry archers, players will be able to deal significant damage to their rivals and remain unseen most of the time.
Crossbows, Bows, and Firearmshave a lot of advantages against melee weapons but are rendered useless when the enemies close the gap. That’s why training and persistence are the key to being successful with this build.
Arrows, Bolts, and Ammo cause bleeding much easier than slashing weapons, and can penetrate most of the layers of defense in the enemy armor, or deliver critical hits when targeting their vulnerable spots (like the eyes).
How To Level Up Marksmanship
The best and fastest way to level up Marksmanship is to hit living targets, that is: Bandits, animals, and enemy soldiers. The second are the easiest to find, since there are hundreds of hunting spots that can be found thanks to Mutt’s passive skills.
Bandits can be quite problematic, but if players shoot, run, shoot, and run again, they will be able to do significant damage and prevent being overwhelmed by them. This should be the go-to afterclimbing up some Marksmanship ranksand unlocking its first perks.
Consider investing in Houndmaster as well, since its perks pair up nicely with the Marksmanship skills.
Finally, consider investing in Skill Books, these can be bought from Scribes in Towns and Cities, and the first Marksmanship book can be found relatively easily and for free near Troskowitz early on.
How To Fight With A Bow
Players looking to train in the art of Marksmanship should know that having a bow (or crossbow/firearm) in hand is basically relinquishing their ability to defend themselves at melee range. So, the first combat advice is to aim, shoot, and run.
This might sound cowardly, but in a realistic combat simulation (as the one this game offers), players will notice that they will be absolutely overwhelmed by rushing enemies if they are careless.
Players should use the terrain to their advantage first, starting by shooting from above walls, hills, or anything they can climb on. Then, the next stepwill be training in mounted shooting, which is extremely difficult, but the payoffs are worth it.
Having a good stamina pool, light armor, and a good lay of the land is the way to go. To master the art of Marksmanship, using guerrilla tactics, ambushing Bandits, and taking advantage of Mutt’s heightened senses to prevent becoming the ambushed part is a must.
Arrow quality is paramount to cause the maximum possible damage, but pay attention to the different types of arrows (and bolts) and select those that are good for each occasion. For example: Hunting arrows will be better to slay animals, while Sharpshooter Bolts are great for taking down armored bandits with the Crossbow.
Best Perks To Pick
Perks are important for players looking to be good when firing ranged weapons. Most of them affect Crossbow and Bow handling, as well as the recharge time of these weapons, but they also apply to Fireams (which are quite primitive, as one should expect from a Medieval Combat game).
This section will summarize the best perks to pick to turn Henry into the ultimate Ranger:
Best Equipment For Marksmanship Build In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Best Armor For Marksmanship Build
Considering that this build requires a lot of mobility, stealth, and noise reduction, Henry should not be equipped with heavy armor. Instead, Leather Armor, Brigantines, and Chainmail are the best choices since they offer good protection and are light enough to give him an edge during Guerrilla warfare.
Here’s the standard equipment for a basic Marksmanship Build:
Remember, using light armor is the go-to for every Marksmanship build, and doing otherwise will only result in being easily surrounded and killed while trying to shoot down one single opponent.
Best Weapons For Marksmanship Build
TheHazel Longbow, or theHunting Crossboware the best choices for players trying these builds. They’re relatively easy to get, powerful, and reliable. As mentioned before.
Firearms are not as good as players might think, but if they’re hellbent on trying their luck, then the optimal choice would be theMarksman’s Hook Gun, which can be purchased further down the adventure.
