Is a bow considered a 2 handed weapon Diablo 4?

Is a Bow Considered a 2-Handed Weapon in Diablo 4?

In Diablo 4, bows are a type of ranged weapon that has been a staple in the franchise for years. But, like in any game, there are nuances and rules that govern how these weapons function. In this article, we will answer the question: Is a bow considered a 2-handed weapon in Diablo 4?

Direct Answer
Bows are considered 2-handed weapons in Diablo 4. This means that when a character equips a bow, they can’t use a shield or another weapon, including another ranged weapon like a crossbow.

Why Are Bows Considered 2-Handed?
In Diablo 4, bows are designed to be used in the off-hand, which allows the player to use a shield in their main hand. This is to reflect the traditional concept of a bowman using a shield to protect themselves from the front while using their bow from behind. However, this creates an interesting scenario where a character needs to choose between using a shield and having two hands free to use other abilities.

Consequences of a 2-Handed Bow
Considering a bow as a 2-handed weapon in Diablo 4 has several consequences. When a character equips a bow:

• No Shield Equipped: The character cannot use a shield in their main hand since they need to hold the bow with both hands.
• No Two-Handed Abilities: If the character has abilities that require using two hands, they cannot use these abilities when they have a bow equipped in both hands.
• Limited Off-Hand Slot: Since the bow takes up one hand, the character has limited opportunities to use items in the off-hand slot. Typically, these slots are reserved for potions, ammo, or other utility items.

Subsequent Consequences
While bows are considered 2-handed, crossbows are not. This means:

• Crossbow Allows Shield: When a character equips a crossbow, they can still use a shield in their main hand.
• Crossbow Free Hand: With a crossbow, a character can use their off-hand slot to equip items like potions or ammo without affecting their ability to use a shield.
• Bow vs. Crossbow Balance: The difference in balance between bows and crossbows highlights the design choice to make bows 2-handed. This distinction acknowledges the differences in playstyle between a traditional bowman and a crossbow-wielding character.

Tables: Bows vs. Crossbows in Diablo 4

Conclusion
In summary, a bow is considered a 2-handed weapon in Diablo 4, which affects playstyle and equipment choices. This difference highlights the distinct characteristics of each ranged weapon and encourages players to adapt to these unique situations.