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Target Shooting
April 27, 2026 at 04:41 PM
Cleaned punctuation and AI-style phrasing (2026-04-27)
Target shooting (also called shooting contests) is a mini-game in Crimson Desert that tests the player's aim with ranged weapons. It was confirmed in the Features Overview #3 trailer and has been referenced in coverage from preview coverage, andother outlets as one of the core competitive side activities. Shooting contests join arm wrestling, fight clubs, and horseback racing as skill-based challenges that reward gold and prizes.
Target shooting builds on Crimson Desert's manual aiming system. The game has a full bow-and-arrow ranged combat system with manual aim (with optional aim assist on controllers). This same aiming system forms the foundation for target shooting contests.
Based on confirmed coverage, shooting contests are competitive challenges that likely involve:
Hitting designated targets placed at varying distances and positions
Scoring points based on accuracy, with bullseyes or center hits worth more
Possible time pressurerequiring quick aim and decisive shots
Competition against NPC opponents or against a score threshold
The skills you develop in target shooting directly transfer to combat. Crimson Desert's ranged combat system includes:
Ranged Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Manual aiming | Hold the aim button to draw the bow and aim freely. Release to fire. |
Enter a dead-eye style targeting mode for precise headshots while aiming. | |
Special arrows | Explosive and freezing arrow types add tactical variety to ranged combat. |
Palm Attacks | Elemental ranged attacks that do not require a bow. Cycle elements with the D-Pad. |
Practicing in shooting contests is an excellent way to sharpen your aim for real combat encounters, especially against mobile enemies and bosses with weak points.
Shooting contests are found in settlements across Pywel. Exact locations are still being mapped by the community, but expect them in towns that feature other competitive activities. Any settlement with a tavern or event area is a likely candidate.
Winning shooting contests earns gold and prizes. As a skill-based contest, better performance (higher accuracy, faster completion) likely translates to better rewards. The mini-game provides a non-combat way to earn gold while also improving your aim for encounters across the open world.
The bow-based shot contest takes place at Lioncrest Manorthe estate of House Alfonsolocated northwest of Hernand City. This contest is played as Kliff and uses the bow aiming system. You are introduced to the archery contest through the main story quest Skilled in Archerythe 52nd main mission in Chapter 4 (The Price of Knowledge). After meeting Naira southwest of Hernand Castle and riding with Duane to the venue, you compete for the first time. After completing the introductory quest, the bow shot contest becomes freely repeatable at Lioncrest Manor.
The firearms-based shot contest is located in Hernand and is played as Damiane. This version becomes available after Damiane is unlocked through story progression. The gun contest uses the firearm aiming system and follows the same basic format as the bow version: shoot ten targets before your opponent.
Both shot contests follow the same core structure. Ten pop-up targets appear at random positions across the shooting range, and you must shoot all ten before your NPC opponent does. The contest provides infinite arrows or ammunition, so you never need to worry about running out. Targets appear suddenly at varying distances and positions (left, center, right), and the player who hits all ten first wins the round.
The NPC opponents have extremely fast reflexes, making these contests genuinely challenging. The key strategy is to keep your crosshair centered on the middle of the screen between shots, then snap quickly to whichever side a target appears. After shooting a target, immediately return your aim to the dead center of the screen. This minimizes the distance your crosshair needs to travel for the next target.
Focused Shot and similar precision abilities cannot be used during shot contests. The contest is designed as a pure speed and accuracy test.
The single most important tip for winning shot contests is to maximize your camera speed and camera acceleration in the Options menu before entering the contest. The default camera sensitivity is far too slow to compete with the AI opponents, who have near-instant reflexes. Cranking both settings to maximum lets you snap between targets quickly enough to match the AI's speed.
Be aware that maximum camera sensitivity will feel extremely jarring during normal gameplay. After finishing the contest, reset your camera speed and acceleration back to your preferred settings. Leaving them at maximum during exploration and combat will likely cause disorientation or motion sickness.
Contest | Buy-In Cost | Reward | Repeatable |
|---|---|---|---|
Bow Shot Contest (Lioncrest Manor) | 80 Copper | Level 1 Abyss Gear | Yes |
Variable | TrophyShooting Contest Champion Defeated | Yes |
Both contests are repeatable, making them a reliable source of rewards and gold. The bow contest at Lioncrest Manor is particularly accessible early in the game, since it only costs 80 Copper per attempt and can be repeated as many times as you want.
Shot contests are part of a broader category of competitive side activities in Crimson Desert. Other skill-based contests include arm wrestlingfight clubs (weapon duels and unarmed boxing), and horseback racing. All of these contests provide gold and rewards while testing different gameplay skills.
Practice Precision Focus (dead-eye mode) in combat before entering shooting contests. Mastering the slow-aim mechanic gives you an edge in timed challenges
Adjust your controller sensitivity or mouse DPI to find a comfortable aiming speed. Shooting contests reward precision over speed
If available, choose contests with higher difficulty for better rewards once you are confident in your aim
Shooting practice translates directly to combat effectiveness, especially against bosses with specific weak points
