For the vast majority of the game, Half Sword is about using medieval melee combat weapons, although these can technically be thrown with a bit of skill. However, there is also one ranged weapon, a crossbow, although getting hold of it isn't easy. This guide will show players where to find a crossbow in Half Sword and how to use it, including the tricky part of reloading.
Best Weapons in Half Sword
Check out the best weapons in Half Sword, including swords, maces, axes, and more.
How To Get A Crossbow In Half Sword
Unless things change during the course of early access, crossbows cannot be bought. They can only be found in a chest next to the abandoned wagon on the forest map. This is in Progression mode, and players must reach the Peasant rank to unlock the forest map.
It won't spawn there every time, however, so keep trying. After defeating your opponent, don't advance, and instead head over to this chest and pick up the crossbow with Q or E.
Make sure you're holding the crossbow or have it on your back when exiting the map.
Insure The Crossbow To Keep It & Gain It In Free Mode
To permanently keep hold of the crossbow, head to the trader at the inn and insure it. This will cost gold, but it's worth the investment, and then you'll also have the crossbow unlocked in Free Mode.
How To Get Quivers & Bolts
While you can whack opponents over the head with anything in Half Sword, including the crossbow, you can't shoot it without bolts.
To get a quiver full of bolts, look in the smaller chest in the forest, next to where the crossbow can be found. Again, this comes down to chance. Other quivers can also be found in barrels or chests, sometimes on the alley map.
Bolts can also be picked up once shot. Sometimes they can even be pulled out of foes.
How To Use A Crossbow In Half Sword
To use the crossbow in Half Sword, it's advised to momentarily enter the first-person view by pressing V. This will allow for more accurate aiming.
Then hold RMB to raise the crossbow and aim. To shoot, press LMB.
How To Reload The Crossbow In Half Sword
Unless multiple foes are occupied in modes such as carnage, you'll rarely get time to reload. Given the chance, however, press R to begin reloading.
The crossbow and quiver should be displayed as part of the UI. Use LMB to drag the string down on the crossbow until you hear it click in place. Now use LMB to click on a bolt in the quiver, and drag it over.
If you have no bolt, press R again to cancel reloading.
Half Sword: Mechanics The Game Doesn't Teach You
There isn't much of a tutorial in Half Sword, so check out the following mechanics that the game doesn't teach you.
Tips For Using The Crossbow In Half Sword
- Start fights with one shot, but then switch to a melee weapon.
- Crossbows are almost useless once enemies wear breastplates and helmets.
- Only drop the crossbow during fights if you've insured it.
- You can make foes surrender by pressing the crossbow into their neck.
- Aim for their midriff for the best chance of hitting.
- Aim lower than where it looks like the arrow will go.
- Aim for the legs once they start wearing chest armor.
- You can pick up bolts and hold them as weapons.
- Released
- 2026
- Developer(s)
- Half Sword Games
- Publisher(s)
- Game Seer Publishing
- Number of Players
- Single-player
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Action, Simulation, Fighting, Hack and Slash
