• Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!

Starting Bloodborne for the first time. Anything I should know?

I feel about Bloodborne how some DeS players feel about DkS.

Namely that the first half is phenomenal, and the second half peters. But that the DLC is a strong return to form.
 
how long is this game? it came bundled with my ps4 but I didnt play it yet (I created a character but then stopped playing in the middle of the 'tutorial'.
 
ty_hot said:
how long is this game? it came bundled with my ps4 but I didnt play it yet (I created a character but then stopped playing in the middle of the 'tutorial'.
Click to expand...

Uhhh, depends. The world is designed in such a way where you can speed run it in a pretty short amount of time but that's for crazy people. Realistically, anywhere from 20 to 40 hours depending on skill. On new game plus the fastest I did was maybe 10 hours if not less, but that was me knowing everything backhand. It's a huge game but you can take a direct line from start to finish if you ignore a lot of stuff. But you shouldn't.

Kieli said:
Namely that the first half is phenomenal, and the second half peters. But that the DLC is a strong return to form.
Click to expand...

This is weird to me. The game kept getting more and more interesting as it went, both visually and otherwise. Mensis and on was just... holy fuck that was amazing.
 
Kieli said:
I feel about Bloodborne how some DeS players feel about DkS.

Namely that the first half is phenomenal, and the second half peters. But that the DLC is a strong return to form.
Click to expand...

Gonna have to disagree strongly here, the game just keeps getting better and better especially when you start to find out what's really going on. I don't wanna talk too much about it because this is a beginner's guide but things just keep getting more and more twisted as the player progresses.

For Dark Souls you can clearly tell they ran out of time and budget near the end but that's not quite the case for Bloodborne.
 
Whoever gave the advice about having to commit to actions, thanks. It makes me that much more aware of my actions in the thick of things.

So, I'm only a few minutes in, but kept getting beat down by a mob of enemies walking forward. I figured "Fuck it, nothing else to try" and started throwing pebbles at them, one by one to separate them from the pack and dispatch them one by one.

I can't believe that worked. I have a good feeling about the rest of the game, haha.
 
You parry with the gun by shooting just at the right moment before the enemy hits you, do not make the same mistake as me and learn that after 2 playthroughs. Also most of the bosses in the game are optional but if you want to get special items you need to do all of them.
 
Seven Force said:
Whoever gave the advice about having to commit to actions, thanks. It makes me that much more aware of my actions in the thick of things.

So, I'm only a few minutes in, but kept getting beat down by a mob of enemies walking forward. I figured "Fuck it, nothing else to try" and started throwing pebbles at them, one by one to separate them from the pack and dispatch them one by one.

I can't believe that worked. I have a good feeling about the rest of the game, haha.
Click to expand...
I know the point you're talking about. When you die next and have to get past them a second time, just run. Never be afraid to run past enemies.

Also, remember to look for shortcuts, or you're going to find Bloodborne a very frustrating game! Especially this first level...

Hint:
Roll to break boxes.

It took me ages to find the first real shortcut. Don't be afraid to ask here if you can't.
 
Sometimes running past enemies is a great idea (especially the bigger enemies) so you can always come back and do a powered up backstab followed by a critical attack (walk right up to them slowly, hold down R2, stuns them, then walk up even closer and press R1 which will do a critical attack, taking a huge chunk of health off bigger enemies and normally instakills the regular enemies). Easy way of getting items/souls.

Use your summon bell if you get stuck on bosses and look for summon signs to summon other NPCs and players to help you out. Be warned though, an enemy will appear to summon an enemy player to fight you once you do this, so make for the boss gate quickly if you plan on just fighting the bosses after summoning.

Look for levers, elevators and doors that might open shortcuts to save points for you. Some of them are very easy to miss, so explore plenty.

I think any weapon is good in this game, just find whichever one works for you.

Remember to go back and repair your weapons occasionally (go into the building and the desk on the right next to the guy in the wheelchair) and upgrade your weapons too, don't just rely on your player stats to win, you will need to keep upgrading your weapons.

And don't get burned out playing the Chalice dungeons, I only tend to use them for loot and fighting extra bosses for fun, but I don't go crazy with it since it would have burnt me out.
 
Seven Force said:
Whoever gave the advice about having to commit to actions, thanks. It makes me that much more aware of my actions in the thick of things.

So, I'm only a few minutes in, but kept getting beat down by a mob of enemies walking forward. I figured "Fuck it, nothing else to try" and started throwing pebbles at them, one by one to separate them from the pack and dispatch them one by one.

I can't believe that worked. I have a good feeling about the rest of the game, haha.
Click to expand...
Another rule of thumb with these game is the following:

*Whenever you see something for the first time, kill it if you can. Some tougher enemies or groups have a one time initial guaranteed item drop. But killing them after the first time is unnecessary as you will not get the special item again and it's just better to run past them at that point.
 
Learn to stagger enemies with the gun. Take advantage of the regain system and use runes to help you regain health. Use blood bullets.

Also, try to stay calm and focused during boss fights.
 
prepare to be disappointed. theres only a handful of weapons and most of them are useless, compared to dark souls its a joke

i bought a ps4 for this and its literally collecting dust right now
 
Yeah, make sure to find runes and attach them to strengthen your character. Your storage and stuff is in that hub area.

bidguy said:
prepare to be disappointed. theres only a handful of weapons and most of them are useless, compared to dark souls its a joke

i bought a ps4 for this and its literally collecting dust right now
Click to expand...
No.
 
bidguy said:
prepare to be disappointed. theres only a handful of weapons and most of them are useless, compared to dark souls its a joke

i bought a ps4 for this and its literally collecting dust right now
Click to expand...
There are like 26 unique weapons in the game not including firearms and magic. Each weapon transforms. The problem is the average player wont come across most of them till late in the game.
I was more disappointed at the number of outfits and the fact that they basically did nothing.
 
What you need to know, OP, that despite it's rather unassuming and low-key appearance, Threaded Cane is one of the best, if not flat out THE best, weapons in the game.
 
Kieli said:
I feel about Bloodborne how some DeS players feel about DkS.

Namely that the first half is phenomenal, and the second half peters. But that the DLC is a strong return to form.
Click to expand...

I agree. Second half plot kind of went too far imo. But still a Souls game meaning it's amazing start to finish.
 
Learn how Weapons get buffed by certain skills, focus on figuring out what build you want.

I sorta just leveled up all of my stats and the game took forever to beat as a result.
 
I recommand ,if you find a high level area early on,a sucide runs were you just run past the enemies and grap as much loot as you can get.
This tactic work much better in DS1, but even here levels were this tactic will come in handy.
 
SAW CLEAVER + AXE strong attack stagger later on

LRN 2 DODGE

LRN 2 PARRY

ROLL UP ON HOMIES HARD AND FAST, NO BREATHING ROOM

A HOONTER MUST HOONT

GIT GUD

PREPARE 2 DIE
 
If a boss feels really difficult & annoying, have a think to yourself about if you should really be tackling them at this very moment in time.
 
Don't worry about understanding everything at the beginning (including game mechanics).

Make a run for it to explore an area until you eventually die then you can go through the same area knowing where it leads. Also make a run for it to open shortcuts and activate spawn areas.

Be patient. Even at 'max' level, some common enemies can kill you with a couple of hits.

Don't worry about upgrading. Once you are accustomed with a weapon, level it up. Don't try to level every weapon. Also, the starting weapon is excellent.

Ask for help during boss battles or difficult areas (there is an item in the game that allows co-op).

If you get stuck in an area, watch a playthrough or speed run to know where a shortcut is or a spawn point and run for it to activate it.
 
bidguy said:
prepare to be disappointed. theres only a handful of weapons and most of them are useless, compared to dark souls its a joke

i bought a ps4 for this and its literally collecting dust right now
Click to expand...

Just what? Useless? Compared to Dark Souls that actually has useless junk all over?
 
After a few dozen tries, I beat the Cleric Beast. That was a great feeling. Took me a while to realize that there was a helpful equipment set in the sewers.

Dodging in instead of away has been lifesaving.
 
You should know that it is like a rejected Dark Souls game, bad decisions were made all around.

Not a bad game, but pales in comparison to the 4 Souls.

This is all just my opinion though, play it and form your own.
 
I'd say watch a video to get familiar with the mechanics. The game does a shitty job telling and showing you what to do in the beginning. For sure, get comfortable with interrupting at the very least and you should be good to go at least. Other than that, be sure to be cognizant of your timing but once you see an opening, it's better to be aggressive and dodge a lot when needed.

Worst case scenario it's quite easy to just run by a lot of fights if you're getting frustrated. Additionally, some people say to farm blood vials, I NEVER did this after my first playthrough, you gain more than enough through drops and you can buy whatever you need a lot of times with your blood echoes. Other than that, just enjoy the game; it's one I wish I could play again fresh for the first time.

Edit: also ignore the haters.
 
Quick update. Just got to Old Yharnam. Been taking my time with things so it's been slow going, but the game's been absolutely godlike so far. Aesthetically, it feels like a current gen Castlevania game that'll never, ever happen.

many places said:
I do too. Except for the fact that he has to fight
Gasciogne

God, that fight took me forever.
Click to expand...

Yeah, he fucked me up a few times. I took a day long break from the game, fought him, and handled him without an issue, even that
second form he takes in the latter part of the fight.
It's funny what a clear head does for this game.
 
Finally started playing this (again), and got to the Cleric Beast for the first time. Well that was an oh fuck moment. Whatever happened to the nice fog doors so I can at least mentally prepare myself for a boss fight?

And seriously, how far away is the next lantern? I like opening up shortcuts but Dark Souls had bonfires at reasonable distances

Laughing Banana said:
What you need to know, OP, that despite it's rather unassuming and low-key appearance, Threaded Cane is one of the best, if not flat out THE best, weapons in the game.
Click to expand...
I had used it for my first attempt a few months ago, but I'm making better progress with the Saw Cleaver. Why is the Cane so good?
 
More_Badass said:
Finally started playing this (again), and got to the Cleric Beast for the first time. Well that was an oh fuck moment. Whatever happened to the nice fog doors so I can at least mentally prepare myself for a boss fight?

And seriously, how far away is the next lantern? I like opening up shortcuts but Dark Souls had bonfires at reasonable distances
Click to expand...

Lanterns are pretty much for beating bosses. There are only a handful that aren't at the start of an area or for beating a boss.

The complete polar opposite of Dark Souls 3 where bonfires were everywhere.
 
Does someone have a good online map guide or something?

This is my first Souls style game and I am not finding it very difficult at all outside of being completely confused about how to proceed further. I am constantly running into locked off areas, etc. and am just completely lost. I'm not that far into the game, I'm at the Cathedral Ward and have opened a gate or two but I seem to keep going back towards the starting area. The last time I tried playing I ended up back in the starting area with some guy sniping me or something from across the way. I have not fought Vicar Amelia and have no idea how to even get to her. When I read guides I just get completely turned around and have no idea where they are telling me to go.
 
Don't sell any of your armors. Most of them will have a good attribute (ie - fire resist) that you can equip for certain situations
 
Use PS+. Upload your save to cloud. The game tries to waste your time and you can counter that problem.

More_Badass said:
I had used it for my first attempt a few months ago, but I'm making better progress with the Saw Cleaver. Why is the Cane so good?
Click to expand...

It has long range in second form and I use it to glitch out some encounters.
 
you'll be in for one hell of a journey! :) and don't give up! master the move-sets and you will have the most epic fights you can imagine! ;) good luck hunter
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Starting Divinity: Original Sin EE for the first time… any advice before I regret everything?
14
506
Touch fuzZy. get BizZay replied
Starfield Hits 27,000 Players On Steam For The First Time Since 2024
Event Platform  2
51
472
Hero of Spielberg replied
A Topic for Lore-friendly and first-time ideal Mods Suggestions!
0
110
KiteGr replied
Mat Piscatella: For The First Time In Three Years, Starfield Was The Best-Selling Game In The US Thanks To PS5
Sales-Age 
18
180
Fake replied
PS5 for a PS Portal? Should I…?
47
1K
Three replied
Top Bottom