Among the many powerful weapons and gear found in Baldur’s Gate 3, few have captured the attention of the community quite like the Ne’er Miss’er. This unique crossbow has sparked intense discussion across Reddit, especially among players who specialize in ranged characters. Its effectiveness in certain builds and its tactical advantages in combat have made it a fan favorite, and threads about how to find, use, and maximize this item are widespread. The buzz surrounding Ne’er Miss’er has grown as more players uncover creative uses and synergy with various class features, especially in turn-based combat situations where precision is everything.
What Is the Ne’er Miss’er?
Weapon Type and Stats
The Ne’er Miss’er is a powerful and precise ranged weapon in Baldur’s Gate 3. It is a +1 hand crossbow, which makes it particularly appealing to classes and subclasses that rely on finesse, dexterity, and bonus actions for ranged attacks.
- Type: Hand Crossbow
- Rarity: Uncommon (with +1 enhancement)
- Damage: 1d6+Dex piercing damage
- Bonus: +1 to attack and damage rolls
- Effect: Grants the user a unique skill called True Strike Shot or Magic Missile Shot, depending on patch and updates
Unlike a regular hand crossbow, Ne’er Miss’er also has a guaranteed hit mechanic in specific uses, which is why it’s dubbed never miss by players.
How to Get the Ne’er Miss’er
Location Details
The Ne’er Miss’er can be acquired relatively early in Act 1 of the game. It is typically found in the Underdark, either through looting or specific encounters. According to many Reddit posts, the most consistent way to acquire it is through the merchant Roah Moonglow.
- Merchant: Roah Moonglow
- Location: Sharran Temple or Goblin Camp (depending on choices and progression)
- Alternate Method: Steal or pickpocket from Roah, or purchase for a modest amount of gold
Tips from Reddit Users
Reddit threads frequently mention that if you plan to side with the Goblins temporarily, you can access Roah early and purchase the Ne’er Miss’er without conflict. However, siding with the Druids may block off this opportunity unless you act before major story choices lock out access.
Why Ne’er Miss’er Is So Popular on Reddit
Guaranteed Hit Mechanics
One of the main reasons this weapon has exploded in popularity is due to its ability to circumvent hit chances. Players using characters with lower accuracy or facing enemies with high armor class find that Ne’er Miss’er provides a reliable source of consistent damage. The ability that comes with it, often compared to Magic Missile, is unmissable and does not require a hit roll.
Bonus Action Synergy
Because it is a hand crossbow, it can be used in an off-hand setup. Reddit users often pair it with dual wielding builds where both main and off-hand attacks can be fired using bonus actions, especially on characters with the Crossbow Expert feat or similar features.
Class Compatibility
It pairs extremely well with the following:
- Rogues: The extra damage from Sneak Attack benefits from the guaranteed hit if enemies meet the conditions.
- Rangers: Particularly Gloomstalker and Hunter builds for early round damage.
- Bards: College of Swords or Valor Bards can benefit from ranged versatility with flair.
Popular Builds That Use Ne’er Miss’er
Rogue Assassin
On Reddit, players share how pairing Ne’er Miss’er with the Assassin subclass leads to a deadly surprise round. The guaranteed hit ensures Sneak Attack lands, and in surprise scenarios, critical damage can be doubled.
Gloomstalker Ranger
Combining Ne’er Miss’er with Gloomstalker’s Dread Ambusher feature allows for extra attacks in the first round. This build can eliminate weaker enemies before they even act, especially with initiative bonuses and ambush setups.
Dual Hand Crossbow Fighter
Many Reddit users experiment with Fighters who use Action Surge to fire multiple times. With the right feats, a Fighter with two hand crossbows can dominate single targets or spread damage efficiently.
Patch Changes and Community Observations
Adjustments Over Time
Some discussions on Reddit warn that the Ne’er Miss’er has changed slightly over time due to patches. Earlier versions had different secondary effects or didn’t always include the guaranteed-hit feature. Always check your version of the game or patch notes if something seems different.
Balance Concerns
Some Redditors argue that Ne’er Miss’er may be slightly overpowered in Act 1, especially when given to high initiative characters. Others point out that while powerful early, its usefulness diminishes in later acts as stronger weapons become available.
Strategic Use in Combat
Dealing with High AC Enemies
When facing bosses or elite enemies with high Armor Class, players often switch to Ne’er Miss’er for the guaranteed hit. This avoids wasting turns due to missed attacks, particularly with status effects that depend on a successful hit to trigger.
Utility for Hybrid Casters
Hybrid spellcasters like Eldritch Knights or Arcane Tricksters may use Ne’er Miss’er as a backup when spell slots are low. Its consistency and damage allow for sustained output between casting phases.
What Redditors Say
Player Reviews and Feedback
Common threads include titles like Ne’er Miss’er Saved My Run or Is This the Best Early Game Weapon? Feedback is generally positive, though opinions vary based on build and playstyle.
- Perfect for my dual-wield rogue. I never miss my sneak attacks now.
- A lifesaver in the Underdark where my hits kept missing!
- Great until Act 2, then I swapped it for a legendary longbow.
Reddit Meta Discussion
Discussions often go beyond mechanics into roleplaying and lore. Some players imagine the Ne’er Miss’er as a legendary artifact or even suggest it should be upgradable to stay viable throughout the game. Creative builds, homebrew rules, and challenge runs featuring only hand crossbows have all stemmed from this weapon’s popularity.
Whether you’re a new adventurer looking to survive the treacherous paths of Baldur’s Gate 3 or a seasoned tactician optimizing every action, the Ne’er Miss’er remains a highly regarded tool in your arsenal. Its consistent damage, synergy with popular builds, and unique features make it stand out in a game full of incredible gear. The vibrant Reddit community continues to explore its applications, offering insights and strategies that keep this weapon in the spotlight. If you’re crafting a ranged or stealthy character, don’t overlook the Ne’er Miss’er it may become your most reliable companion in combat.