What’s New in Bloodborne: The Old Hunters

The Hunter’s Nightmare

If you’ve been playing Bloodborne for any amount of time, then you are undoubtedly familiar with the Hunter’s Dream. It’s the only safe haven in the game, where you can acquire some much needed supplies, and find just a moment’s respite from the cruel City of Yharnam. The Hunter’s Nightmare is the polar opposite, and it is where you will spend your time while playing Bloodborne’s upcoming expansion, The Old Hunters.

This is the realm where Hunters go once they’ve lost their minds. It is a twisted visage of the Yharnam you’ve come to know, full of even more shadows and demonic twists that do anything but invite a curious explorer. Demented Hunters roam the streets, new enemies hide in the shadows, and tougher bosses await your visit. This location is not for the faint of heart, and it is recommended that you be around level 65 before entering its limits. Do not take that recommendation lightly.

New Weapons

One of the shining elements of Bloodborne was the weapon collection. Many different tools of death, each with its very own special transformation that spelled disaster for your adversaries. The Old Hunters just wouldn’t be a proper expansion if it didn’t bring some brand new toys to the table, and it does not fail to disappoint.

Just take a look at the Whirligig Saw. It’s a bladed club that has a working chainsaw at the end which tears through enemies (and it’s perfect for all of you strength builds). There’s also a huge Gatling Gun and the Moonlight Sword, a blade that glows with a mysteriously powerful light. These aren’t the only three weapons, and there are actually more than 10 for Hunters to seek out and collect. Each offers a new transformation and a new way to play, so you may as well try them all to find out what is perfect for you.

Will you stick to your trusty weapon that’s brought you this far through Bloodborne, or will you grab something new and shiny?

A True Beast Form

Remember that Beast stat in Bloodborne? When the game was first released, many believed that you would be able to transform into one of the monstrosities you face in the game. The Blood Pellet item made it seem like the case, but it only made you glow for a second. It upped your stats for a bit, but fans wanted to see the fruits of their labor after painstakingly increasing the Beast stat over the course of their game. The Old Hunters finally grants that wish.

You’ll be able to obtain the Beast’s Embrace Rune, which allows you to become a werewolf-like creature. In this form, you deal a ton of damage, but with the expected cost to your defense. Still, at least you’ll look cool.  

Some Brand New Armor

You didn’t think they’d just add weapons to The Old Hunters and just call it a day, did you? Just as important as the weapons you wielded were the clothes you wore on your back, so it’s only right that Bloodborne’s first expansion introduces some fancy garb as well. Each of these new sets of armor will require skill and a keen eye to obtain, but just like the weapons it will be worth the extra work. Not only do they have unique, impressive looks, but they each have their own perks as well. 

New Locations

Although the Hunter’s Nightmare is just a twisted version of Yharnam, that doesn’t mean it must have the same locations, which is a good thing. Instead of just walking around a darker, much scarier version of the city you’ve probably memorized by now, you’ll now have new locations to explore.

There is the Astral Clock Tower which reaches up to the moon, a Fishing Hamlet, and a new version of the Research Hall. Each one will offer its own frights as well as new secrets to uncover. 

New NPCs

There are also new characters for players to become acquainted with. These folks will both help you and, depending on what you do, try to kill you. Like those you’ve met in Bloodborne already, they’re interesting folk that will help to uncover the secret of the Hunter’s Nightmare, as well as get you to places you never new existed.

Some may also grant you rare items and weapons, so be very careful with how you deal with them before making rash decisions. One thing you should always keep in mind is that not all Hunters are evil.

Are you ready for Bloodborne: The Old Hunters? Have you been preparing for the nightmare that awaits you? Feel free to let us know in the comments below.