Bloodborne: The Old Hunters is the only major expansion for the critically acclaimed action RPG developed by FromSoftware. Released in November 2015, this DLC expands the story and world of the base game, introducing new areas to explore, enemies to defeat, and mysteries to uncover. “The Old Hunters” is tailored for experienced players who are already familiar with the brutal world of Yharnam; however, it offers challenges of the highest caliber even for veterans. In this article, we’ll explore what this expansion brings to the game and why it has become iconic among fans.
Story – The Tale of Hunters and Nightmares
“The Old Hunters” delves into the past of the Bloodborne universe, revealing the mysterious history of ancient hunters who succumbed to madness in their fight against beasts. The expansion transports players to the so-called Hunter’s Nightmare—an alternate reality that serves as a torment for the souls of former hunters. This place is filled not only with powerful enemies but also with secrets related to the origins of the Hunters and their tragic fates. Throughout the gameplay, players uncover the story of the hunting organization whose members were cursed by their own thirst for power and knowledge.
The plot of the DLC enriches the mythology of the Bloodborne world, emphasizing the role of great minds in science, such as Ludwig and Laurence, in creating the nightmares that plague Yharnam. Players discover how the obsession with the Great Ones led many hunters to madness, trapping them in a nightmarish existence. The Hunter’s Nightmare serves as a metaphorical prison from which few can escape, and the DLC’s narrative is just as enigmatic as the base game, leaving much for players to interpret.
New Locations – Gothic Nightmares on a New Level
“The Old Hunters” adds several new, incredibly atmospheric locations that embody the gothic horror for which Bloodborne is renowned. One standout area is the Fishing Hamlet—a dark, occult-infused fishing village inspired by classic literary motifs from H.P. Lovecraft. Players also explore the Hunter’s Nightmare, where the past of ancient hunters intertwines with monsters spawned from their own minds.
Each of these new locations is brimming with detail, filled with hidden paths and dangerous nooks. The expansion also introduces new Lamps, serving as save points, and a complex system of shortcuts and passages—characteristic of FromSoftware’s level design.
New Enemies and Bosses – New Challenges for Hunters
One of the biggest attractions of the DLC is the introduction of new bosses and enemies encountered within the Hunter’s Nightmare. “The Old Hunters” features some of the most memorable encounters in all of Bloodborne. Notably, the battle against Ludwig the Accursed, one of the first hunters to succumb to madness, stands out. His fight is an epic duel divided into two phases, each offering entirely different tactical challenges.
Other notable bosses include Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower, whose battle feels like a duel against an equal opponent—her speed and skill require players to rely on their reflexes and mastery of the game mechanics. The Orphan of Kos is another formidable boss, often considered one of the most challenging encounters in the entire FromSoftware universe.
New Weapons and Gear – Expanding the Hunter’s Arsenal
“The Old Hunters” significantly expands the arsenal available to players, introducing unique weapons and hunting tools. One of the most iconic weapons is the Holy Moonlight Sword—a legendary weapon that appears in many FromSoftware games, offering players both powerful physical attacks and magical capabilities.
Other interesting weapons include the Whirligig Saw, a brutal tool resembling a chainsaw, which has become a symbol of the DLC, and the Bloodletter, a weapon requiring players to sacrifice their own health in exchange for dealing tremendous damage. Each new weapon features a unique mechanic, adding depth to the combat system.
Exploration Expansion – New Secrets and Challenges
“The Old Hunters” not only delivers new enemies and locations but also enhances gameplay mechanics. Players can further explore Chalice Dungeons, many of which have been updated with new challenges and secrets. New NPCs offer additional side quests that further develop the world’s story.
Moreover, the expansion introduces new Hunter Tools, magical tools that allow players to use special attacks and spells, adding further complexity to the combat system. Players can experiment with various strategies by combining new weapons, tools, and combat styles.
