History Main / MultiShot

* Done on ''Series/{{Arrow}}'', while Ollie is drugged and not sure to hit his target, who just said that he didn't think Arrow could aim a single arrow, he just decides to shoot three. Although in point of fact, only one of them hits his target. The shot was also taken from barely 10 feet away from the target, sidestepping the 'reduced power' issue.

* During the robbery of the tax wagon in ''Film/BeyondSherwoodForest'', Robin Hood shoots two arrows at once to simultaneously know the crossbows out of the hands of two guards.

How do you show an archer to have ImprobableAimingSkills UpToEleven? Have him loose ''multiple'' arrows at once from the same bow! Who needs AutomaticCrossbows when your archer can kill five people at the same time?

* In ''Disney's WesternAnimation/{{Hercules}}: The Animated Series'', when Hercules meets Orion, Orion shows Hercules his signature hunting move: the Orion Cluster. Orion takes as many arrows as he can grab from his quiver and shoots them all in one tight blast. He uses this to hunt ''[[ThereIsNoKillLikeOverkill small woodland

While technically possible in RealLife, it is very difficult to aim and loosing two arrows would cut the force behind each arrow in half, [[AwesomeButImpractical ruining the range and impact]]. However, sometimes archers shooting ''en masse'' would opt for [[RainOfArrows volume of arrows over accuracy and force]]. Shooting more than two arrows only appears in fiction, as loosing ''n'' arrows means a force of 1/''n'', quickly putting you in AnnoyingArrows territory.

* While it is incredibly dangerous to do so, it is actually possible to loose more than one arrow from a bow in RealLife. The problem is that with every additional arrow, less and less force is imparted to each projectile, making them fly with less force.[[note]]Three arrows shot at once, for example, will each fly with about one-third of the force of one arrow.[[/note]] Also, each arrow beyond the first is placed at a less than ideal location on the string in terms of creating a smooth (and predictable) trajectory. "Double stringing" was therefore most common when medieval archers were shooting indirectly into massed troops. Under those circumstances the number of arrows lofted was more important than individual accuracy.

* Basara from ''Manga/SamuraiDeeperKyo'' has the power to shoot a whole storm of arrows in the air with such timing they land on whoever tries to attack him right when need'em, so it's no surprise he can shoot as many arrows as necessary against his opponents. In the anime, shooting a stream of organic arrows from his very arm is the power granted to him by the OneWingedAngel form he obtained.

* ''VideoGame/{{Fable}}''. {{Multishot}} {{Roboteching}} arrows, no less.

* While it is incredibly dangerous to do so, it is actually possible to loose more than one arrow from a bow in RealLife. The problem is that with every additional arrow, less and less force is imparted to each projectile, making them fly with less force. Also, each arrow beyond the first is placed at a less than ideal location on the string in terms of creating a smooth (and predictable) trajectory. "Double stringing" was therefore most common when medieval archers were shooting indirectly into massed troops. Under those circumstances the number of arrows lofted was more important than individual accuracy.

* ''Webcomic/EightBitTheater'' parodies this when Ranger first nocks three arrows on the same bow, then dual-wields his bows, then dual-wields his dual-wield to make it '''12''' arrows loaded on four bows. [[spoiler:He missed.]]
** Well, [[spoiler: he was aiming at an all powerful RealityWarper wizard. Who took all those arrows, stuck them in a box, and delivered them to Ranger's wife. While the arrows were still in mid-flight. Cue Ranger's wife opening a box full of RainOfArrows. But the implication, then, is that his tactics WOULD HAVE WORKED on a weaker target.]]

* This was also done in the ''ComicBook/{{Hawkeye}}'' comics. The second Hawkeye, [[ComicBook/YoungAvengers Kate Bishop]], [[SurpassedTheTeacher shot five arrows at once in the third issue of the new volume of ''Hawkeye''.]]

** An update changed Ivara's Artemis Bow to allow it to equip its own mods rather then inheriting them from your primary weapon. You can get up to 150% multishot chance, and since that chance is applied to each arrow separately and can rounde up you are guaranteed 14 arrows with a chance of up to ''21''. Its every bit as ridiculous/awesome as it sounds.

** An update changed Ivara's Artemis Bow to allow it to equip its own mods rather then inheriting them from your primary weapon. As such its possible to get up to 150% multishot, guaranteeing 14 arrows with a chance of up to 17. Its every bit as ridiculous/awesome as it sounds.

[[folder:Web Comics]]

** It is crucial to a later CrowningMomentOfAwesome. The arc villain, [[spoiler:Tarquin]], is hanging on to the side of an airship. One of Haley's arms was broken moments before, so she braces the bow ''with her foot'' to shoot two arrow at once, forcing her target to [[ArrowCatch catch both of them]], thus letting go of the airship.

* Some bow-wielding characters, such as Ina, in the [[VideoGame/DynastyWarriors various]] ''[[VideoGame/SamuraiWarriors Warriors]]'' [[VideoGame/WarriorsOrochi games]] by Koei can use this as attacks, combos, and Musou attacks. The action's so fast though that it's hard to notice.
** Starting with ''VideoGame/DynastyWarriors 4'', archer characters Xiahou Yuan and Huang Zhong (and later [[GameBreaker Sun Shang Xiang]]) shot a perfect horizontal line of arrows as part of some of their charged attacks, and in ''VideoGame/WarriorsOrochi'' some of their special attacks border on arrow apam--Xiahou Yuan is notable in particular for releasing a left-to-right fan of five-arrow spreads in rapid succession as his special attack, understandably a spectacular crowd-clearing attack.

* ''VideoGame/{{Fable}}''. {{Multishot}} {{Roboteching}} arrows, no less.

* Usopp of ''Manga/OnePiece'', although not an archer, does this from time to time with his slingshot. The move that comes to mind is his Triple Gunpowder Star, which, considering their explosive capabilities, is well-worth the loss in accuracy.

* When she is a magical girl, ''Anime/PuellaMagiMadokaMagica'''s titular character is capable of doing this with her EnergyBow.

* Shows up regularly in ''ComicBook/GreenArrow'' and ''ComicBook/{{Hawkeye}}'' comics.
** Green Arrow's apprentice, Speedy, as well as other associated characters.
** The second Hawkeye, [[ComicBook/YoungAvengers Kate Bishop]], [[SurpassedTheTeacher shot five arrows at once in the third issue of the new volume of ''Hawkeye''.]]

* ComicBook/{{Thorgal}} can do this. The most triumphant example is when he's up against a crossbowman and looses two arrows simultaneously: one to ''deflect the crossbow bolt'' and the other to mortally wound the man who shot it.

* ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyEquestriaGirlsFriendshipGames'' has an archery contest involving a moving target. Sour Sweet looses three arrows at once. All three hit the target and one hits the bullseye.

* During the robbery of the tax wagon in ''Film/BeyondSherwoodForest'', Robin Hood shoots two arrows at once to simultaneously know the crossbows out of the hands of two guards.

* Done on ''Series/{{Arrow}}'', while Ollie is drugged and not sure to hit his target, who just said that he didn't think Arrow could aim a single arrow, he just decides to shoot three. Although in point of fact, only one of them hits his target. The shot was also taken from barely 10 feet away from the target, sidestepping the 'reduced power' issue.

* This is how archers use the Both Guns Blazing gun schtick from ''TabletopGame/FengShui'', since one cannot very well use two bows at once (since bows require both hands to use).

* In ''VideoGame/RagnarokOnline'' Archers can use the skill Double Strafe which shoots two arrows for additional damage - ''each'' of those two deals almost double damage, resulting in QuadDamage.
** One of their advanced classes, the Clown/Gypsy can fling [[RainOfArrows tens of arrows]] using either the strings of their instruments or their whips, easily leading to a OneHitKill against average characters.

* ''Diablo''

** ''VideoGame/DiabloIII's'' Demon Hunter has a skill that's actually ''called'' Multishot. It shoots a large burst of multiple arrows in a conical spray in front of him/her, damaging any enemies in it.

** Starting with ''VideoGame/DynastyWarriors 4'', archer characters Xiahou Yuan and Huang Zhong (and later [[GameBreaker Sun Shang Xiang]])) shot a perfect horizontal line of arrows as part of some of their charged attacks, and in ''VideoGame/WarriorsOrochi'' some of their special attacks border on arrow apam--Xiahou Yuan is notable in particular for releasing a left-to-right fan of five-arrow spreads in rapid succession as his special attack, understandably a spectacular crowd-clearing attack.
* Some ''VideoGame/{{Ultima}}'' games have the [[AutomaticCrossbow Triple Crossbow]], which releases a spread of three quarrels. Might not be a perfect fit as this is a device ''designed'' for the purpose, not a fancy shooting trick.
* Hunters in ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'' learn an ability of that name which shoots three projectiles for the cost of one as far as ammunition goes, and works no matter whether you use a gun, a bow or a crossbow.
** This was changed for the ''Cataclysm'' expansion, allowing the ability to loose an arrow at every enemy within a certain range of your target. Releasing a few dozen arrows at once is entirely possible during some encounters.
*** This used to [[AWizardDidIt cost mana]], implying it involved magic. Now that hunters use "focus" as a resource, it's purely that they're Just That Good.
* ''VideoGame/WarcraftIII'' has the Barrage ability, which allows a siege engine to fire up to three rockets simultaneously at different air units.
* The Archery power set in ''VideoGame/CityOfHeroes'' and ''VideoGame/CityOfVillains'' has two multi-arrow attacks. "Fistful of Arrows" can affect up to 10 targets in a cone radius, and "Rain of Arrows" can up to 16 in a long-ranged circular radius.
* In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyCrystalChroniclesRingOfFates'' and ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyCrystalChroniclesEchoesOfTime'', Selkies can gain the ability to shoot up to five arrows at once.
* The Barrage ability in ''VideoGame/GuildWars''.
** The [[VideoGame/GuildWars2 sequel]] keeps that, and also gives us a few abilities that loose a conical spread of 3-7 ingnited/icy/poisoned arrows, as well as the Warrior's Longbow auto-attack, shooting two arrows at the same target for no real reason.

* Talina in ''VideoGame/NeoQuest II'' can do this, with up to four arrows.
* The Archer class in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyV'' has an ability called "X-Fight" that presumably is this for them, but can be used by other classes as well.
* Splitting Arrow in ''VideoGame/DivinityIITheDragonKnightSaga'' mimics the effect by having one arrow divide itself into multiple arrows mid-flight.

* Buckfire (and subsequently, the A-Trans you get) from ''VideoGame/MegaManZX Advent'' shoots out flaming arrows in a SpreadShot of three.
* In ''VideoGame/Commando2'', one of the weapons you get releases three ''exploding'' arrows.
* ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'':
** In ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaFourSwordsAdventures Four Swords Adventures]]'', one of the weapons available to the Links is a slingshot that shoots seeds in three directions. This weapon originated in ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOracleGames Oracle of Seasons]]''.
** This weapon is again featured in ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSkywardSword Skyward Sword]]''. The standard slingshot can be upgraded to the Scattershot, which releases 9 seeds in a matrix formation (which seems more than slightly implausible).
** The bow in ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkBetweenWorlds A Link Between Worlds]]'' can be upgraded to loose three arrows at once.
** Certain bows in ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild Breath of the Wild]]'' have the ability to loose multiple arrows, anywhere from two to five, while still only consuming one from Link's stock.

* The Ranger/Survivalist class from VideoGame/EtrianOdyssey has the Double Shot/Multihit ability. Upgraded to its maximum level, this ability lets go of 3 arrows at once, all of which deal noticably more damage than a regular shot, making rangers better damage dealers than any of the attack specialist classes. The ability got [[{{Nerf}} nerfed]] beyond recognition (along with a major upgrade for the typical attackers) in the second game, making it feel more like the realistic version of this trope.

* All archer classes in ''VideoGame/{{Maplestory}}' love this trope. All archers in the game can (and should) be shooting two arrows minimum from the time they can wield a bow/crossbow/dual bowgun. By the time they hit endgame status, they loose either 8-16 arrows per second or a volley of 8-10.

* The Elf of ''VideoGame/DragonsCrown'' has two skills that let her do this. Rapid Fire allows her to loose several arrows in quick succession, while Clone Strike allows her to loose several arrows at once.

* Mina Makijina of ''VideoGame/SamuraiShodown'' fame does this in a few variations, including her super move, where she lobs practically the entire contents of her quiver into the air and then catches and shoots each arrow as they come down, at a speed that seems more in tune with a machine gun.
* In ''VideoGame/MightAndMagic VI'' to ''IX'' the Master rank of the Bow skill (which also covers crossbows) makes you loose two arrows on every attack. In ''VI'' this was the top rank, while in ''IX'' the Grandmaster rank makes you loose ''three'' arrows on every attack (in ''VII'' and ''VIII'' the Grandmaster rank made the skill add directly to damage -- considerably more powerful, but not as cool-looking).
* In ''VideoGame/AssassinsCreedOrigins'', Bayek has a bow that can shoot up to five arrows at once. While the trailer showed him taking out five enemies [[RuleOfCool simultaneously]] at long distance, in-game it works a bit more realistically as a very short-range bow for when aiming or force is not as necessary as the ability to stick a lot of arrows in someone.

* ''Webcomic/MagickChicks'': Callista is the captain of [[AllGirlSchool Artemis Academy's]] Archery Club, so naturally, she's the best shot at the school. Which she proves in her first appearance, [[http://www.magickchicks.com/strips-mc/black_cat by releasing three arrows at once]] (from the rafters) and striking all three of the Hellrunes' belt buckles [[http://www.magickchicks.com/strips-mc/deadeye with prefect precision.]]

* In ''Disney's WesternAnimation/{{Hercules}}: The Animated Series'', when Hercules meets Orion, Orion shows Hercules his signature hunting move: the Orion Cluster. Orion takes as many arrows as he can grab from his quiver and shoots them all in one tight blast. He uses this to hunt ''[[ThereIsNoKillLikeOverkill small woodland animals]]''.