Dragon Quest XI: How to Use the Crossbow

How to Use Crossbow in Dragon Quest XI

It has been eight whole years since we last saw a mainline Dragon Quest game release in the West, so there will inevitably be new fans thinking about picking up Dragon Quest XI who won’t be familiar with the series’ weapons and combat. One of the weapons you’ll certainly be using as you play through the game is the crossbow. Here’s everything you need to know about how to use the crossbow in Dragon Quest XI to give you an advantage in combat.

You don’t get access to the crossbow from the start of Dragon Quest XI, with you instead unlocking it a little while into the game. Once you do get it, it will be mapped to the X button on PlayStation 4, and works like hitting enemies with your sword to get a preemptive strike. If you’re looking at an enemy that’s a fair way away from you in the game, and you see a little cursor appear above their head, you’re able to shoot them with the crossbow. Simply press X and you’ll fire a shot at them.

This will get the enemy’s attention and they’ll begin to run towards you. Getting their attention this way will also increase the damage you’ll do with your preemptive strike. Be sure to keep in mind, however, that bigger enemies will not be affected by the crossbow, since they’re too powerful.

The other use for the crossbow has to do with the targets you’ll find scattered around each area. If you shoot them all with the crossbow, you get a reward.

That’s all you need to know about how to use the crossbow in Dragon Quest XI. For more tips and tricks on the game, be sure to check out our extensive wiki guide.