Vampire Hunters in Bloodlines 2: What to Expect

The Chinese Room's latest development update for Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2 provides a deep dive into the intriguing faction of vampire hunters, known as the Information Awareness Bureau (IAB). Operating on a shadow budget without official government backing, the IAB's agents hunt down vampires, referred to as "Hollow Ones," under the guise of conducting "training exercises" and "counter-terrorism efforts."

Leading the charge in Seattle is Agent Baker, a figure known for her disciplined pragmatism and relentless pursuit of permanently eliminating vampires. Her meticulous approach to investigating strange occurrences and analyzing historical data has helped her uncover the connections to the vampire society, earning her the nickname "The Hen" among her loyal followers due to her unwavering authority.

The IAB hunters are a formidable force, characterized by their well-coordinated operations and stringent security measures at their bases. Facing them alone is daunting, as they work 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 hiding. Their sniper crossbows are particularly lethal, firing explosive bolts that can cause devastating damage if not removed promptly.

Despite their prowess, these hunters have vulnerabilities. Physically weaker than ghouls and vampires, they can be outmaneuvered with specific skills. For instance, characters with the ability to manipulate Fire can intercept grenades or bolts in mid-air and hurl them back at the attackers. Additionally, players utilizing the Ventru clan's powers can 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, promising an immersive experience filled with strategic combat and intricate storytelling.