Vampire Hunters Unveiled in Bloodlines 2: What to Expect

A recent development update from The Chinese Room has shed new light on the intriguing world of Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2, particularly focusing on the vampire hunters. This faction, known as the Information Awareness Bureau (IAB), operates covertly on a shadow budget, even though they lack official government support. Their agents, tasked with hunting down vampires—whom they refer to as "Hollow Ones"—masquerade their operations under the guise of "training exercises" and "counter-terrorism efforts."

Leading the charge in Seattle is Agent Baker, the disciplined and pragmatic head of the bureau. Known as "The Hen" among her loyal followers, Baker is relentless in her mission to eradicate vampires permanently. She meticulously investigates strange occurrences and delves into historical data to uncover the connections to the hidden vampire society, showcasing her unwavering authority and dedication.

The hunters of the IAB are a well-coordinated force, guarding their base with both external and internal security measures. Confronting them alone is a daunting task, as they operate in teams, use spotlights for surveillance, and maintain constant communication via portable radios. In combat, they wield thermic batons that can bypass defensive maneuvers and deploy phosphorous grenades to flush enemies out of cover. Their sniper crossbows are particularly lethal, firing explosive bolts that can cause devastating damage if not quickly removed.

Despite their formidable tactics, the hunters have vulnerabilities. Physically weaker than both ghouls and vampires, they can be outmaneuvered with the right skills. For instance, players with the Fire ability can catch grenades or bolts mid-flight and hurl them back at the hunters. Additionally, members of the Ventru clan can use their powers to possess an enemy, turning them against their own team.

Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2 is set to launch in the first half of 2025, available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. This eagerly anticipated game promises to deliver a rich and immersive experience, with the vampire hunters adding a thrilling layer of challenge and strategy to the gameplay.