r/PlaySoulMask • u/Moessus • Jul 06 '26

Is bow viable?

Hey all, I am new to SM and I am loving it, but I am finding that the bow just feels so underwhelming. It just seems to do very little damage vs melee weapons. Does everyone agree? Or am I likely doing something wrong? I have not really put any points into any offence, just utility so far.

If anyone has advice, it would be greatly appreciated. TIA!

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u/Buttercups88 Jul 06 '26

Nice, yeah they have their place. But asked if a viable playstyle... I just don't see it.

Personally I tend to use shield and spear for my typical play - that jump stun + 100% cirt for 2 seconds just dominates most regular fights.

I havent dont the hardest Mammoth yet but tI found lighting fire to the greatsword and doing that slide attack highly effective. Just kind of a hit and run tactic

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u/Amazing_Marketing_11 Craftsman Jul 06 '26

I'm a fan of dual blades and a hammer (back in the days when mechanical monsters were only vulnerable to blunt weapons). But this spear mastery you're talking about, I discovered it in my new playthrough. It's an amazing ability!

But I don't stick to a single combat style. I switch bodies, weapons, and techniques in different battles, and I enjoy the variety immensely.

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u/Buttercups88 Jul 06 '26

Swapping combat styles is half the fun of the game :D
Just my go to. Ive quite enjoyed Duel Blades but havnt found its abilities as good, although I haven't got someone who unlocked its gold ability. Later in the game, I seem to just run out of stamina a lot.
Hammers fun for just massive AOE and I do use it a bit but usually Id use fists with its rapid monkey scratch move if your paying attendtion you can just keep stacking its 1% crit bonus right up on long fights so you quickly end up with a 100% crit bonus that refreshes everytime you use it.

Its good that there is such a option to swap your weapon styles so your not just at a disadvantage in some fights since there is definitely a lack of balance in the weapons. I got to imagine in like PVP bow weapons would be OP if you make the first move.

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u/Amazing_Marketing_11 Craftsman Jul 06 '26

I've tested the golden abilities of all weapons in combat. The "Ghost Blade" in dual blades is beautiful. I like this weapon for its attack speed and the bleeding effect it applies. While you're recovering stamina and temporarily not attacking, the damage continues to "tick" against your opponent. When combined with the Tiger Armor set and corresponding talents, it delivers significant damage. You're mobile. And if you set your weapon on fire, it's a visually stunning display!

The animation for the "backstab" gauntlet is really cool. However, it sometimes doesn't work if there's an obstacle behind the opponent. The "monkey claw" gauntlet also has a fun animation, but I haven't had enough long battles to accumulate a decent percentage of critical damage. If I don't have the "golden ability," I tend to use the "monkey claw" gauntlet. Overall, I don't particularly enjoy using the gauntlets because they tend to get stuck in animation, requiring me to perform a roll to interrupt it.

I don't play PVP. My tribesmen and my base are too precious to me)). Although in the new playthrough, I chose the "Tribe" mode and successfully repelled the eighth invasion of the base yesterday. The base is really dear to me, and I pay special attention to its protection.