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Sending arrows back: the complete guide
Blocking an arrow saves the ninja. Sending it back saves him and removes the archer, and every shot that archer would have fired after. It's the single most useful skill in Lineguard.
How a return works
An arrow bounces off your line the way light bounces off a mirror: it leaves at the same angle it arrived, on the other side of the line. So the direction of the line decides where the arrow goes.
- A line square to the arrow's path sends it straight back the way it came, toward the archer.
- A flat roof sends a falling arrow up and forward, usually harmlessly.
- A steep wall sends a flat shot straight back.
The simplest rule: draw across the red dots, at a right angle to them. The arrow then retraces its own path.
You get help
A returned arrow curves gently toward the nearest enemy in front of it, as long as it's already heading roughly that way. You don't need a perfect angle, just a good one.
Why steel is best for returns
Steel sends arrows back much faster than other inks, so the arrow flies back straighter and arrives sooner. If you're hunting archers, switch to steel. Avoid fire: it burns arrows instead of bouncing them.
Where to draw along the path
Anywhere on the dots works, but the middle is the sweet spot. Close to the archer, the arrow hasn't picked up its curve yet. Close to the ninja, the return trip is long. Block near the ninja only when you're late: it still counts as a save, and close blocks count as Perfect.
Trick shots
- Return to sender: an archer killed by his own arrow. Bonus points and a badge.
- Bank shot: the arrow bounces off two of your lines before hitting an enemy. Draw a second line where the first bounce will send it.
- Double and Triple kill: down two or three enemies in quick succession. A returned arrow that clears an archer just as another falls counts.
When a returned arrow closes in on its target, the game drops into a brief slow-motion kill cam, and the moment is saved as your run's highlight clip.
Shots from behind
From 350 metres, some archers turn round after you pass and shoot at the ninja's back. Those arrows can be returned too: draw across their dots, tilted toward the left. The curve toward enemies works in both directions.
Returning boss attacks
- Giant Archer: his arrows go home the same way. His heavy arrow counts double. See his guide.
- Rival Ninja: his kunai can be returned like arrows.
- Twin Archers: both twins' arrows, front and back. See the full plan.
- Shadow ninjas: a tilted wall returns their shuriken.