As both are similar, both require the usage of Ammunition. The Crossbow and the Bow both have two slots of their own, meaning you can use four different ammunitions in total if both a bow and crossbow are in hand. As it were, the damage also done with such weapons also is added with the quality damage of the Ammunition. If a +100 magic damage arrow was given to a +55 physical damage bow, it would receive 155 damage, with 100 being that of magic. Same for crossbows. As it were, ammunition for bows is also more varied than crossbows, as Bows have the special Fire and Poison Arrows that Crossbows don't have as Bolts. Despite the Distinction, the Bow requires both hands, while the crossbow requires only one, although two handing it will help with aiming. As it were, Using the bow would be recommended on the left-handed slot, as you can two hand the bow in any slot, left or right, giving room for more offensive weapons such as swords and such on the right. As such, the Bows are more friendly to novices and higher, while crossbows should be used with descretion for all experts of Dark Souls, as range is limited to only your eyes. The Sniper Crossbow, despite without aim, has a good long range, but aimage with camera and character is needed. Using the crossbow on your right hand would be viable if you want to use a shield, but the left hand can also be so, as you can pull it out when someone is out of your range from your right handed weapon. Crossbows are mostly seen as a quick draw weapon, while bows are seen as a stable one.
When using both weapons, it is reminded that Bows are more for scaling, as their base damage will always be lesser than a crossbow, as well as its ability to use poison and fire arrows at enemies from afar. Still, both are ment for different things, and both have their own qualities and faults, and the players must recognize that as much as they can.
Last edited by Acidic_Cook on Sat Feb 11, 2012 1:41 am; edited 1 time in total