Valor Mortis Guide | How to Use Firearms and Target Weak Points

Firearms play an important role in Valor Mortis, providing players with a reliable way to exploit enemy weaknesses, interrupt dangerous attacks, and deal damage from a distance. While melee combat remains the foundation of the game's Soulslike mechanics, understanding how to use firearms effectively can make even the most challenging encounters significantly easier.

Unlike conventional action games, ammunition in Valor Mortis is limited, making precision more important than repeatedly firing at enemies. Targeting glowing weak points allows you to deal substantial damage, replenish Nephtoglobin, and create opportunities for powerful follow-up attacks.

This guide explains how to use firearms and target enemy weak points in Valor Mortis, including the differences between firearms, how to identify vulnerable areas, and the best strategies for managing ammunition during combat.

How to Use Firearms in Valor Mortis

Firearms serve as secondary weapons that complement melee attacks, allowing William to damage enemies without entering close combat. However, ammunition is scarce, so every shot should serve a specific purpose.

To use firearms effectively, follow these steps:

• Equip an available firearm from your weapon selection.
• Aim down sights to improve accuracy against distant or moving targets.
• Identify glowing weak points on the enemy's body.
• Wait for a clear opening before firing.
• Shoot the vulnerable area to deal damage and potentially destroy the weak point.
• Follow up with melee attacks or Transmutations while the enemy recovers.

Rather than using firearms for continuous damage, prioritize precise shots against exposed vulnerabilities. Destroying enemy weak points can also replenish Nephtoglobin, allowing you to use supernatural abilities more frequently. 

All Firearms in Valor Mortis

There are three firearms available in Valor Mortis, each offering different advantages depending on the distance and type of encounter.

Pistol

The Pistol is the first firearm obtained during Chapter 2 and serves as a reliable ranged option throughout the campaign.

Its versatility makes it particularly useful for targeting exposed weak points on regular enemies and bosses without approaching them directly.

The Pistol is especially effective when an enemy briefly exposes a vulnerable area during an attack animation.

It can also destroy glowing red-orange environmental nodes, opening previously blocked passages and revealing additional exploration routes.

Blunderbuss

The Blunderbuss becomes available during Chapter 3 and specializes in close-range combat.

Unlike the Pistol, which is better suited for precise shots against smaller targets, the Blunderbuss delivers powerful damage at shorter distances.

It is particularly effective against larger enemies when you can safely approach them during an opening.

However, the Blunderbuss is less suitable for targeting small, distant weak points. Prioritize using it against nearby opponents rather than wasting ammunition on difficult long-range shots.

Musket

The Musket is obtained during Chapter 5 and provides a more powerful long-range alternative to the Pistol.

Its increased range makes it particularly useful for targeting distant enemies and vulnerable areas that are difficult to reach with conventional melee attacks.

However, the Musket's slower firing speed requires careful timing. Missing a shot can leave you vulnerable while preparing another attack.

For the best results, use the Musket when you have enough distance to aim accurately without immediately exposing yourself to enemy counterattacks. 

How to Identify Enemy Weak Points in Valor Mortis

Many enemies in Valor Mortis have glowing growths called lambent blisters, which serve as vulnerable weak points.

These growths typically appear as illuminated pustules attached to different parts of an enemy's body. Destroying them causes significant damage and can provide additional combat advantages.

To identify weak points:

• Look for glowing pustules: These indicate vulnerable areas that can be destroyed with precise shots.
• Follow glowing red veins: Certain enemies have illuminated veins leading toward their weak points.
• Observe enemy movements: Some weak points are concealed until an enemy attacks or changes position.
• Check different body parts: Weak points can appear on an enemy's arms, back, or other exposed areas.
• Aim carefully: Shooting the surrounding body instead of the actual growth may waste valuable ammunition.

Against bosses, destroying weak points can also contribute to significant posture damage, bringing them closer to becoming vulnerable to a critical attack. 

How to Destroy Weak Points With Firearms

Destroying weak points requires accuracy and proper positioning rather than simply firing at the enemy.

Once you identify a glowing blister, maintain enough distance to observe the enemy's movements and wait until the target becomes clearly visible.

Avoid firing while the enemy is rapidly moving or performing lengthy attack combinations. Instead, use openings after their attacks to line up accurate shots.

Some enemies expose weak points on their backs, requiring you to reposition before firing. Dodging around an opponent or creating distance can provide a better angle.

Successfully destroying a weak point can deal substantial damage, replenish Nephtoglobin, and help weaken the enemy's posture.

Use Firearms to Exploit Environmental Weaknesses

Firearms are not limited to damaging enemies. Certain environmental objects can also be targeted to create additional advantages during combat and exploration.

For example, some enemies carry explosive barrels that can be detonated with a well-placed shot.

Destroying these barrels can deal significant damage and potentially eliminate dangerous attacks associated with the explosives.

You can also shoot glowing red-orange nodes to remove certain barriers and access previously blocked locations.

Before engaging a powerful enemy, examine the surrounding area for explosive objects or other environmental opportunities. Using these effectively can conserve ammunition and reduce the risks associated with prolonged melee encounters. 

How to Restore Ammunition in Valor Mortis

Ammunition management is essential because firearms cannot be used continuously without replenishing their supplies.

Defeating enemies frequently provides ammunition pickups, allowing you to recover resources while progressing through an area.

Resting at a Lantern also replenishes your ammunition, although doing so causes regular enemies to respawn.

To avoid running out of ammunition during important encounters:

• Save shots for exposed weak points and dangerous enemies.
• Collect ammunition dropped by defeated opponents.
• Use melee attacks against weaker enemies whenever possible.
• Rest at Lanterns to replenish ammunition before difficult encounters.
• Avoid firing repeatedly at armored body parts when a weak point is available.

Maintaining a balance between melee combat and firearms will help ensure you have enough ammunition when facing tougher opponents.

Best Tips for Using Firearms Against Bosses

Boss encounters often provide limited opportunities to attack safely, making firearms especially valuable when used strategically.

Rather than firing continuously, observe the boss's movements and identify when its weak points become exposed.

The following strategies can improve your effectiveness:

• Target weak points first: Destroying vulnerable growths can deal significant damage and contribute to posture breaks.
• Use the appropriate firearm: Choose the Pistol or Musket for precision and the Blunderbuss for close-range damage.
• Create openings through dodging: Reposition after avoiding attacks to obtain a clearer shooting angle.
• Combine firearms with Transmutations: Restore Nephtoglobin through weak-point destruction and use it to unleash supernatural abilities.
• Avoid wasting ammunition: Save shots for moments when the boss is recovering or its weak points are clearly exposed.
• Capitalize on posture breaks: Follow up with melee finishers when the boss becomes staggered.

One particularly effective strategy is to alternate between melee attacks and precise firearm shots. This allows you to maintain offensive pressure while generating the resources needed for Transmutations.

Best Ambers for Firearm Combat

Certain Ambers can improve the effectiveness of firearm-focused builds by providing additional ammunition or enhancing weak-point damage.

Two particularly useful options include:

• Marksman's Bane: Allows you to parry incoming bullets and gain one Pistol round for every successful bullet parry.
• Volatile End: Causes an explosion when you successfully shoot an enemy's weak point, dealing additional damage.

Marksman's Bane is useful against firearm-wielding enemies, while Volatile End rewards accurate shooting and makes weak-point destruction even more effective.

Experimenting with these Ambers can help create a more efficient firearm-focused combat setup. 

Final Thoughts

Firearms are an essential part of combat in Valor Mortis, providing reliable options for targeting enemy weak points, exploiting environmental hazards, and maintaining offensive pressure from a distance.

While the Pistol offers balanced precision, the Blunderbuss specializes in close-range damage, and the Musket provides stronger long-range capabilities. Learning when to use each weapon is essential for conserving ammunition and maximizing damage.

Focus on identifying glowing weak points, combining firearms with melee attacks, and using the environment to your advantage. With proper timing and resource management, firearms can become some of your most valuable tools against powerful enemies and bosses.

FAQ

How do you target weak points in Valor Mortis?

A. Look for glowing pustules or lambent blisters on an enemy's body. Aim down sights with your firearm and shoot the vulnerable growth to deal significant damage.

Q. What is the best firearm for targeting weak points in Valor Mortis?

A. The Pistol is a versatile option for targeting weak points, while the Musket is particularly effective against distant enemies. The Blunderbuss is better suited for close-range damage.

Does destroying weak points restore Nephtoglobin?

A. Yes. Successfully destroying enemy weak points replenishes Nephtoglobin, allowing you to activate Transmutations more frequently.

Q. How do you get more ammunition in Valor Mortis?

A. You can replenish ammunition by collecting drops from defeated enemies or resting at Lanterns. Certain Ambers, such as Marksman's Bane, can also provide additional ammunition through specific combat actions.