Ranged combat has always been a part of Soulslike games, but Lords of the Fallen takes it one step further with a new, innovative system that makes flinging projectiles a core part of combat regardless of what build players use. While Lords of the Fallen mainly focuses on melee combat, the developers have included ranged weapons as part of a character's main kit. Using bows, crossbows, and throwing weapons is still optional, but such weapons have been implemented in a way that encourages their creative use. This guide covers everything there is to know about ranged weapons.
How to Use Ranged Attacks in Lords of the Fallen
First, players will need to equip a ranged weapon and ammunition via the inventory screen. To use grenades and throwing weapons like hatchets and javelins, equip the Throwing Hand in the ranged weapon slot and place the throwing items in the ammo slots.
To fire or throw projectiles, players must equip their ranged weapon and enter Ranged Stance by holding the Left Ctrl/LT/L2 button. From here, select the desired ammunition, press LMB/RB/R1 for a quick shot, or hold down RMB/RT/R2 for an aimed shot.
Instead of having individual units of ammunition in their inventories, players have a certain number of Ranged Slots that determine how many times they can shoot or throw. Different ammo types have varying ammo costs, with stronger ammunition types consuming more slots when used. Ranged Slots can be increased by investing in Vitality.
The bar below the player's stamina indicates the current state of their Ranged Slots. The yellow segments represent how many slots will be consumed with the player's next shot. Ranged weapons can no longer be used when there are no more Ranged Slots left to consume.
Resting at a Vestige restores all ammunition, which means players don't need to go scrounging around or hopping between two worlds for arrows and explosives every time they run out of Ranged Slots. Ammunition Pouches and Satchels can be used while in the middle of exploration to regain ammo without resting.
Each of the starting classes have their own unique ranged weapons based on their overall theme. These weapons are:
- Hallowed Knight — Grenades
- Udirangr Warwolf — Bloody Hatchets
- Partisan — Crossbow
- Mournstead Infantry — Short Javelins
- Blackfeather Ranger — Bow
- Exiled Stalker — Lacerating Knife
- Orian Preacher — Orian Preacher Catalyst/Radiant Flare
- Pyric Cultist — Pyric Cultist Catalyst/Infernal Orb
- Condemned — Throwing Rocks
Spells require Catalysts, and the type of spell determines what kind of Catalyst players need (Umbral/Radiance/Inferno). Like normal ammo, spells can be equipped onto the quick action bar and used by entering Ranged Stance.
Lords of the Fallen is available now on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.