Overview
Shooting Contests are competitive minigames in Crimson Desert where players test their marksmanship against NPC opponents. There are two distinct types: the Shot Contest: Bow, which uses traditional archery, and the Shot Contest: Gun, which uses firearms. Each contest has its own location, playable character, and set of rules. Shooting contests are among the most repeatable and profitable side activities in the game, making them an excellent source of early income.
Shot Contest: Bow (Archery Contest)
Location
The archery contest is found at Lioncrest Manor, the estate of House Alfonso, located northwest of Hernand City. The contest area is set up in the manor's courtyard.
Character
Kliff handles the archery contest. This contest is available from early in the game, making it one of the first minigames most players encounter.
Rules
The archery contest is a speed-based target shooting challenge. Ten targets appear at random positions around the shooting range, and your goal is to hit all ten targets faster than your NPC opponent. You have unlimited arrows, so you do not need to worry about running out of ammunition. The contest ends when either you or your opponent hits all ten targets.
Rewards
Outcome | Reward |
|---|---|
Victory | 80 Copper per win |
Defeat | No reward (entry fee forfeited) |
The archery contest is repeatable with no daily limit, making it one of the most efficient money-making activities in the early game. At 80 Copper per win, players can quickly accumulate funds for purchasing equipment, bags, and other essentials.
Tips for the Archery Contest
Keep your crosshair aimed at the center of the range between shots. Targets appear randomly, but centering your aim minimizes the distance you need to adjust for any target.
Snap to targets quickly rather than carefully lining up each shot. Speed is more important than precision since a hit anywhere on the target counts.
Increase your camera speed and camera acceleration in the options menu to their maximum settings. The NPC opponents have extremely fast reflexes, and you need high sensitivity to keep up.
The contest is very easy once you get the hang of it. Practice a few rounds and you should be winning consistently in no time.
Shot Contest: Gun (Firearms Contest)
Location
The firearms contest is located in Hernand City. Look for the shooting range area within the city.
Character
Damiane handles the firearms shooting contest. Since Damiane is not unlocked until Chapter 3 of the main campaign, you cannot access this contest until you have progressed far enough in the story.
Rules
The firearms contest follows a similar format to the archery contest. Targets appear at various positions and you must shoot them as quickly as possible. The key difference is that firearms require more precise aiming and the targets may move or appear at greater distances. You cannot use special abilities like Focused Shot during the contest; it is purely a test of raw aim.
Rewards
Outcome | Reward |
|---|---|
Victory | Gold and valuable items |
Defeat | No reward (entry fee forfeited) |
Tips for the Firearms Contest
This contest is significantly harder than the archery version. The NPC opponents have extremely fast reflexes that can feel almost unfair.
Crank your camera speed and camera acceleration to the absolute maximum in the options menu. This is not optional; it is the only way to snap your crosshair between targets fast enough to compete.
After shooting a target, immediately snap your crosshair back to dead center. This reduces the distance to the next target regardless of where it spawns.
The high camera sensitivity will feel jarring at first. Consider practicing in the open world with the new settings before entering the contest.
Remember that you cannot use Focused Shot or any other ability. Do not waste time trying to activate them.
General Contest Tips
Both contests are repeatable as long as you have the entry fee. They are excellent for farming gold in between story missions.
The archery contest with Kliff is available much earlier than the firearms contest with Damiane, so focus on archery for early income.
Winning shooting contests may also contribute to your Contribution with the local faction, providing reputation alongside monetary rewards.
Check for related challenges and achievements tied to shooting contest victories.