Wild Hearts: how to play bow? Combo, gameplay guide

In Wild Hearts, the bow is one of the most versatile weapons, allowing players to deal powerful ranged damage while maintaining a relatively simple control scheme. While it may not feature the complex, multi-button combos of melee weapons, the bow's strength lies in its ability to strategically switch between different arrow types and take full advantage of resonance mechanics for devastating damage. Whether you're facing off against massive Kemonos or just trying to optimize your damage output, mastering the bow can elevate your gameplay to the next level.

The Basics: Understanding the Bow

Unlike melee weapons in Wild Hearts, the bow operates through two main components: horizontal and vertical shooting stances. These stances correspond to two distinct types of arrows — Haya arrows (horizontal) and Otoya arrows (vertical). Each type of arrow interacts with the other in a way that allows for combo-like effects, but without the need for frantic key mashing.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how the bow works:

• Haya Arrows: These are the arrows you shoot when holding the bow horizontally. They are the basic arrows you’ll use to deal damage to your target and "lodge" into the Kemono (the monsters in the game).

• Otoya Arrows: When you switch to the vertical position, these arrows are more powerful and resonate with the Haya arrows already lodged in the Kemono. When these arrows hit the right spots, they deal amplified damage based on the resonance mechanic.

Both arrow types work in tandem, with the goal of placing Haya arrows into the monster’s weak spots, then following up with Otoya arrows to trigger massive resonance damage.

Key Controls to Know

Although the bow doesn't require complex combos, you'll need to familiarize yourself with a few key controls to maximize your damage potential. Here’s a quick guide to the essential bow controls:

• Change Arrow Type
  PS5: Square | Xbox: X
  Switch between Haya and Otoya arrows to adjust your attack strategy.

• Bolstered Shot
  PS5: Triangle | Xbox: Y
  Empower your next shot, boosting its damage but consuming stamina. Timing is key, as the boosted shot significantly increases your damage output.

• Maximum Bolstered Shot
  PS5: Triangle (Hold) | Xbox: Y (Hold)
  Holding this button will further empower your shot to its maximum potential.

• Shoot an Arrow
  PS5: R2 | Xbox: RT
  Fire a basic arrow at your target.

• Load Next Shot
  PS5: R2 (Hold) | Xbox: RT (Hold)
  Hold to prepare your next shot and quickly fire it in succession.

• Erratic Shots (Horizontal)
  PS5: Triangle | Xbox: Y
  Fire multiple arrows in rapid succession. Great for laying down constant damage, especially if you’re aiming at vulnerable spots.

• Rain of Arrows (Horizontal)
  PS5: Triangle (Hold) | Xbox: Y (Hold)
  Unleash a volley of arrows in a wide arc, perfect for area denial or hitting multiple spots on the monster.

• Piercing Arrow (Vertical)
  PS5: Triangle | Xbox: Y
  Fire a powerful arrow that punctures the monster, dealing damage over multiple hits as it penetrates.

• High Resonance Arrow (Vertical)
  PS5: Triangle (Hold) | Xbox: Y (Hold)
  Fire a vertical arrow that inflicts extremely high resonance damage, triggering massive damage when it connects with Haya arrows.

Arrow Combinations: Making the Most of Your Shots

The key to mastering the bow in Wild Hearts is understanding how Haya and Otoya arrows complement each other. Here’s a look at how these two types of arrows interact:

1. Haya Arrows (Horizontal): Basic Damage Dealers

When you shoot Haya arrows, they become embedded in the Kemono. These arrows are your foundation, designed to set up the opportunity for your more powerful Otoya arrows. Try to aim for weak points or vulnerable areas to maximize damage.

2. Otoya Arrows (Vertical): Resonance for Extra Damage

Once you’ve shot Haya arrows, switch to Otoya arrows and fire them at spots where your Haya arrows are lodged. The Otoya arrows will resonate with the Haya arrows, amplifying the damage based on how many Haya arrows are present and their placement. This interaction is the core of the bow’s damage potential, and knowing how to place your Haya arrows effectively will make or break your attack strategy.

3. Bolstered Bow

One of the unique features of the bow is the ability to bolster your shots. By using the Bolstered Shot, you temporarily increase your attack power for the next few shots, at the cost of stamina. Keep in mind that while the Bolstered Bow can drastically increase your damage, it’s important to manage your stamina and timing effectively, as you don’t want to run out in the middle of a fight.

Advanced Arrow Techniques

To truly excel with the bow, you need to learn how to use the different arrow variations in combination for maximum effectiveness. Here’s a breakdown of the advanced techniques:

• Erratic Shots: When you need to fire a lot of arrows quickly, use the Erratic Shot (horizontal stance). This will shoot multiple arrows in a rapid burst, making it ideal for dealing consistent damage to large or fast-moving targets.

• Rain of Arrows: If you're facing multiple enemies or want to deal damage over a wide area, the Rain of Arrows is your best option. Hold down the attack button to release a volley of arrows, covering a large area in a short amount of time. Perfect for pinning monsters in place or hitting multiple weak spots simultaneously.

• Piercing Arrow: The Piercing Arrow (vertical stance) is a single, powerful shot that can penetrate deep into the Kemono, causing damage over multiple stages. This is ideal for targets with tough hide or where you want to apply constant damage over time.

• High Resonance Arrow: When you're in a situation where you can get multiple Haya arrows lodged in a Kemono, the High Resonance Arrow becomes your go-to. It inflicts massive resonance damage, especially when paired with a well-placed Haya shot. This is where understanding positioning and timing becomes crucial for maximizing your damage.

Positioning and Mobility

One of the challenges with the bow is the trade-off between range and mobility. While the bow allows you to deal high damage from a distance, shooting arrows, especially the powerful High Resonance shots, leaves you relatively immobile. That’s why positioning is key.

• Stay at Range: Use your distance to avoid enemy attacks. Keep an eye on your target’s movements and make sure you’re positioned in a place where you can quickly dodge incoming attacks.

• Dodge and Reload: While you’re shooting arrows, you’ll need to be ready to dodge at a moment’s notice. Don’t get too comfortable holding your shot for too long — always be ready to roll out of danger if the Kemono charges at you.

• Use Terrain to Your Advantage: Sometimes, positioning yourself on higher ground or behind cover can provide you with a tactical advantage. Make sure you know the environment around you, as it can give you the edge in avoiding attacks while you line up those critical shots.

Conclusion

The bow in Wild Hearts may seem straightforward at first, but its depth lies in how you combine your different arrow types and manage your stamina. By mastering the use of Haya and Otoya arrows, understanding the Bolstered Shot system, and making smart use of positioning and mobility, you can unleash devastating ranged attacks against the game's toughest Kemonos.

With practice, the bow can become one of the most satisfying and powerful weapons in your arsenal. So, take aim, find your target, and let the arrows fly!