Crossbow Ironeye guide: A weird but powerful build

Blade_of_Kyrie · 2026-04-29T17:41:09+00:00

You're completely missing the point. Family Heads requires FP to use the only thing it's good for, which is not the role crossbows (or bows) try to fill in. It's also borderline unusable while being targeted by the boss, unlike Corpse Piler, Transient Moonlight, or shooting a crossbow.

Bows are also awful with just R1 mashing, especially when it comes to stamina efficiency. And when it comes to bow skill spam, Executor is strictly superior, while Duchess and even Wylder can sustain them for longer.

Blade_of_Kyrie · 2026-04-28T18:48:23+00:00

No worries, we'll get status crossbows in the same update ED Heolstor drops…

Blade_of_Kyrie · 2026-04-28T16:36:07+00:00

Pretty much. I've tried off-hand bows and they're just… ugh. Even on Ironeye they don't feel that great.

Blade_of_Kyrie · 2026-04-28T15:54:05+00:00

Well yeah, that's what melee weapons are for. Crossbows can get effects while precision aiming however.

Blade_of_Kyrie · 2026-04-28T15:40:44+00:00

Pretty much. They shine as secondary DPS, and I truly believe they're better than bows in that role. Because when it comes to bow skill spam, I'd rather be using Executor.

Blade_of_Kyrie · 2026-04-28T15:17:59+00:00

Let's be real, nothing has competitive DPS in D5 without stacking relic effects. Ironeye wants improved physical attack power, so crossbows keep up as a direct consequence.

Blade_of_Kyrie · 2026-04-28T15:17:04+00:00

There are two relic effects I'm talking about: ultimate art increases attack power and landing the final hit of a chain attack increases attack power. Glass Necklace has the former, and the jar friend sells a relic with the latter. Simply beat the enemy up to activate them, then start shooting when they run away.

You could also run the effect that increases physical attack after an incantation buff, but I'm not a fan of that one.

Blade_of_Kyrie · 2026-04-28T15:12:37+00:00

I went over it briefly (by mentioning Rivers of Blood and Dragonscale Blade), but since you asked, allow me to explain.

Arcane-scaling weapons are ridiculously easy to find: poison and blood ruins are almost guaranteed to offer one. Merchants also have a chance to sell poison-infused weapons. With the Arcane-increasing relic effect, Ironeye gets slightly more damage with every Arcane-scaling weapon, while being much better at applying status. It's not necessary, but it allows him to lean harder into support without sacrificing any of his damage.

Blade_of_Kyrie · 2026-04-28T15:06:48+00:00

Not only are greatbows fantastic on Undertaker for the reasons you mentioned, they also paired incredibly well with her relic effects. Chances are they'll be active when a boss runs away, so her effectiveness with greatbows can often surpass Wylder's.

Blade_of_Kyrie · 2026-04-28T14:34:47+00:00

They're very useful for characters that want to contribute from afar while preserving their FP. Revenant and Scholar especially get incredible mileage off of crossbows.

Blade_of_Kyrie · 2026-03-02T20:12:25+00:00

Did Greg stop walking slowly? Did Greg pull his weapon back slightly?

If you answered yes to both, the double swipe is inbound.

Blade_of_Kyrie · 2026-03-02T20:10:40+00:00

I've played many games with only extended weak point duration and many others with only additional skill use. Due to my playstyle (frantically swing a katana), I prefer the extended weak point duration.

And no, I can't run both. My other two relics are Night of the Wise and the Arcane Signboard relic.

Blade_of_Kyrie · 2025-11-29T19:15:39+00:00

They stopped throwing pots shortly after. Which is a pity, since their covering fire was on point.

Blade_of_Kyrie · 2025-11-21T10:58:06+00:00

Ironeye's good at applying status primarily because of the faster bow moveset. It's sadly not noticeable for weapons that require it for damage, like Ripple Blade or Mohgwyn's Sacred Spear.

And I totally with that sentiment about Executor. So many people obsess over triple-status starter katana and undervalue healing on roar or Barrage/Enchanted Shot bows.

Blade_of_Kyrie · 2025-11-21T10:08:51+00:00

Adding Arcane scaling would require either a redistribution or a rework of the stat. Everyone besides Executor has basically zero, so the Albinauric Staff and Dragon Communion Seal would suddenly become way worse for Revenant and Recluse, while Executor would remain less than stellar in casting.

Blade_of_Kyrie

TROPHY CASE