Makeshift Bolt

Makeshift Bolt is the standard ammunition type used by basic crossbows. It serves as the routine bolt for early or improvised crossbow platforms and is described in multiple language localizations as the ammo for a basic or common crossbow. Makeshift Bolts are not found as guaranteed loot; they are obtained through crafting.

Makeshift Bolts can be recovered from fallen enemies by picking them up from corpses. Directly harvesting a corpse’s remains will destroy any bolts that are embedded in it, so players who want to reclaim ammunition should avoid salvage actions that break apart a corpse. The Vacuum tool is an effective way to retrieve bolts from a corpse when the bolt is out of manual reach due to the corpse’s position; using the Vacuum collects bolts without the need to move into awkward positions.

Because Makeshift Bolts are craft-only, conserving and reclaiming them is important to maintain supply. Practical considerations and recommended practices:

• Retrieve bolts from downed enemies whenever safe to do so rather than immediately performing destructive harvesting actions on the body.
• Use the Vacuum to collect bolts that are inaccessible by hand; this prevents wasted ammo when corpses fall into crevices or under geometry.
• Craft Makeshift Bolts as needed rather than stockpiling excessively, since they are the basic crossbow ammunition and are intended to be readily reproducible by the player through the crafting system.
• Be mindful of inventory space and weight when carrying large numbers of bolts; prioritize reclaiming bolts in the field to reduce crafting load.

The Makeshift Bolt functions as the straightforward, craftable bolt for basic crossbow weapons and forms the backbone of early ranged engagements where crossbows are used.