Changes to aiming with a bow.

[Spenker]

I keep finding my self missing shots with a boy while hunting mainly because the bow doesn't move up or down. Being on top of a hill is just as difficult hunting down a boar sprinting through tall grass because you just cant see it. The bow is always blocking the view and it seems like the animals know this and will just be in that blind spot. It would be awesome if the bow would sway every direction so you can see and not have to take blind shots due to the bow itself blocking the view.

 

[Teh Pizza Lady]

Have you tried putting an apple on his head?

[LadyWYT]

Or just try leaving the kids at home while you're out hunting? Jokes aside, I'm very confused about what's being described here. The bow doesn't block that much of one's vision, and one can just...move to the side a bit when shooting. Likewise, the player already holds the bow off to the side of the aiming reticle, so unless you're standing right next to the target you should have clear vision, barring anything like brush and whatnot.

In any case, welcome to the forums! I'm guessing the main issue here is animals being somewhat difficult to spot at times due to the terrain or local plant life. Plants and other obstacles can make it difficult to track prey, but this is also part of the game's challenge. I will also note that majorly wounded animals will always run when the player gets too close, which could also be a factor.

[Entaris]

Have you tried Combat Overhaul?

[Krougal]

12 minutes ago, Entaris said:

Have you tried Combat Overhaul?

Why?

There's nothing wrong with the vanilla bow.

I tried combat overhaul briefly and it was awful, the aim was all over the place.

Edited September 13, 2025 by Krougal

[Entaris]

15 minutes ago, Krougal said:

Why?

There's nothing wrong with the vanilla bow.

I tried combat overhaul briefly and it was awful, the aim was all over the place.

OP already hates vanilla bow. That's the post, K.

Maybe OP will like CO.

[Ryilo]

On 9/11/2025 at 5:34 AM, Spenker said:

I keep finding my self missing shots with a boy while hunting mainly because the bow doesn't move up or down. Being on top of a hill is just as difficult hunting down a boar sprinting through tall grass because you just cant see it. The bow is always blocking the view and it seems like the animals know this and will just be in that blind spot. It would be awesome if the bow would sway every direction so you can see and not have to take blind shots due to the bow itself blocking the view.

 

I am currently playing as hunter and I use only the bow. I don't understand: "The bow doesn't move up or down"? Yes, it moves in every direction you want while aiming, and even while moving (but if you move the accuracy drops so much that it's useless).

It's true that you can't see your prey if it goes in the vegetation, but what I do to hunt boars is this (if you have a good bow and metal arrows): Hit him one time, it runs towards you to attack, hit him a second time when it's close, it runs away in fear, hit it the third and final time.

"The bow is always blocking the view": again, how is it possible? What bow are you using? Are you using any mods? Because if you're aiming at something the bow is not in the way at all.

Also, recurve bow or nothing, the accuracy bonus at long distances is just better.

[Thornment]

On 9/11/2025 at 5:34 AM, Spenker said:

I keep finding my self missing shots with a boy while hunting mainly because the bow doesn't move up or down. Being on top of a hill is just as difficult hunting down a boar sprinting through tall grass because you just cant see it. The bow is always blocking the view and it seems like the animals know this and will just be in that blind spot. It would be awesome if the bow would sway every direction so you can see and not have to take blind shots due to the bow itself blocking the view.

 

I'm not a fan of bows either. For me, wild boar are best hunted with a spear.

Edited September 14, 2025 by Thornment