Quick Links
Summary
Bloodbornehas remained one of the most relevant Soulslike experiences years after its release, and its emphasis on player agency through build variety is an important part of its legacy. WhileBloodbornemay not feature the highest number of weapons in its arsenal, it’s known for having some of the strongest focus on quality over quantity of any title released by FromSoftware. When it comes to the game’s signature firearms and their differing ability to parry and damage enemies, however, some options ultimately come out on top in the eyes of many players.
It may be an extremely unique released when compared to the likes ofDark Soulsdue to the guns present in its Victorian era setting, butBloodborne’s firearms don’t exactly just break the game. They are integrated primarily as a parrying tool that stuns enemies and opens them up toVisceral Attacks, but some are still able to deal some heavy damage in certain situations.
S Tier
Few ofBloodborne’s firearms truly stand above the rest at the top, but this is only a testament to their effectiveness. Evelyn is one of the most unique ranged weapons in the game, but it is also ultimately a relatively simple variation of the default Hunter Pistol. While the starting firearm can remain strong while equipped throughout the entire length ofBloodborne, Evelyn requires a bit more effort. Found in Cainhurt Castle, the Evelyn is capable of dishing out more damage than the Hunter Pistol at the cost of itsBloodtingerequirement. For players running a Bloodtinge-focused build, which requires investing in the stat most closely associated with firearm usage, running the Evelyn is almost always the best choice. Otherwise, the Hunter Pistol is more than enough to parry even late-game enemies, making it a top pick by virtue of its easy accessibility.
A Tier
Still powerful in the right hands, the more aggressively oriented firearms ofBloodbornerequire a different approach than the typical parrying shot. The Repeating Pistol echoes the default Hunter Pistol yet again, but its cost of two Quicksilver Bullets per shot demands careful planning at times. The stunning spray of the Hunter Blunderbuss and its variants makes for a potentially great offensive option, especially for players who may struggle with the timing parries. Iterating on the spread fire concept, the Piercing Rifle features a much more narrow shot, while Ludwig’s Rifle balances the two into a heavier option.
B Tier
Much likeBloodborne’s Trick Weapons, its firearms are technically all viable with the correct build, but this doesn’t mean they are all easy to use. The Flamesprayer may be able to deliver devastating damage with the correct gems and stat distribution, but it lacks any sense of immediacy found in the traditional gun options. The Rosmarinus occupies a similar space with its focus on pure Arcane damage, while the other picks of this tier share the flaw of being costly to shoot. The Cannon and Church Cannon both consume so many Quicksilver Bullets that their shots need to be carefully planned, while the Gatling Gun consumes ammo aggressively once it gets started.
C Tier
Some of the more unconventional options found in the game, the most challenging ofBloodborne’s firearmsare not even guns at all. While they occupy the firearm slot, these weapons are more experimental approaches to the off-hand equipment of the game. The Wooden Shield and Torch are not recommended by the majority of players, but the Hunter’s Torch and Loch Shield both have potential in the right hands. Similarly, the Fist of Gratia can be a formidable back-up slot pick due to its stun-locking potential that can come in handy when all Quicksilver Bullets have been spent.
Bloodborne
WHERE TO PLAY
Hunt your nightmares as you search for answers in the ancient city of Yharnam, now cursed with a strange endemic illness spreading through the streets like wildfire. Danger, death and madness lurk around every corner of this dark and horrific world, and you must discover its darkest secrets in order to survive.A Terrifying New World: Journey to a horror-filled gothic city where deranged mobs and nightmarish creatures lurk around every corner.Strategic Action Combat: Armed with a unique arsenal of weaponry, including guns and saw cleavers, you’ll need wits, strategy and reflexes to take down the agile and intelligent enemies that guard the city’s dark secrets.A New Generation of Action RPG: Stunningly detailed gothic environments, atmospheric lighting, and advanced new online experiences showcase the power and prowess of the PlayStation(R)4 system.Ever-changing Chalice Dungeons to Explore: Use holy chalices to gain entrance to a network of vast underground ruins, filled with traps, beasts, and rewards, to explore and conquer alone or with others. These procedurally generated dungeons offer brand new challenges to master, and can be uploaded or shared with friends.
