Bow Controls Guide
How to actually use the bow — nocking, drawing, and aiming explained.
The bow is the highest-skill weapon in One More Delve, and the most frequently criticized for its control scheme. This guide explains exactly how to use it effectively.
How the Bow Works
Unlike firearms or magic, the bow in One More Delve requires a physical nocking process:
Step 1: Draw the Bow
Hold the trigger on your bow hand while gripping the bow. Your bow hand controls the direction you are aiming.
Step 2: Nock the Arrow
With your other hand, reach to your belt or the nearby spawn point and grab an arrow. Physically move the arrow to the bowstring.
Step 3: Draw
Pull back the bowstring with your bow hand. The further you draw, the more accurate and powerful your shot.
Step 4: Release
Release the trigger to fire. There is no trigger for the bow — release happens when you let go of the trigger.
Why There Is No Crosshair
ATVR deliberately chose not to include a crosshair to maintain immersion and realism. This means your aim depends entirely on your physical alignment with the target.
Tips for aiming without a crosshair:
- Use the tip of the bow as your aiming reference
- Raise the bow slightly above where you want to hit (arrows fall with gravity, similar to real archery)
- Practice in the hub on stationary targets before attempting dungeons
Common Problems
Arrow Phases Through Enemy
Ensure you are releasing the trigger cleanly. If you release mid-draw or while your bow is intersecting an object, the arrow may not fire or may behave unexpectedly.
Bow Spins Near Body
The June 8, 2026 patch largely fixed this issue. If it persists, try extending your bow arm fully and keeping your non-drawing hand away from your torso.
Cannot Find Arrows
Arrows spawn at your belt and near the hub practice range. If you have used all arrows, return to the hub and they will respawn.
When to Use the Bow
The bow is most effective for:
- Pulling single enemies from a distance before entering a room
- Shooting enemies that are too dangerous to approach (skeleton archers, shamans)
- Boss fights where keeping distance is safer than melee
For most dungeon room clears, melee or lightning magic is more efficient than the bow.
See also: Controls Hub, Quest 3 Controls, SteamVR Controls, and Weapons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about One More Delve.
How do I nock an arrow in One More Delve?
Grip the arrow from your belt or nearby spawn point with your non-bow hand, position it on the bowstring with your bow hand still holding the bow, then pull back with your bow hand to draw.
Why does my bow spin when I try to draw an arrow?
The June 8 patch fixed a major issue where the bow would spin out of control when drawing an arrow near your body. If this still occurs, try keeping your bow arm extended and your non-drawing hand closer to your chest rather than your shoulder.
Is there a crosshair for the bow?
No. There is no crosshair or aim assist for the bow in One More Delve. This is the primary complaint about the bow and the reason many players prefer Flintlock pistols.
Can I improve my bow aim without practice?
The only way to improve bow aim is through practice. Some players find that holding the virtual bow closer to their face (as they would in real archery) helps with alignment. The June 8 patch improved bow stability which makes aiming more consistent.