In Bloodborne, character customization goes beyond merely changing appearance; it encompasses the development of unique playstyles through weapon choices, attributes, and abilities. The game offers a variety of builds that cater to different approaches to combat and exploration, allowing players to tailor their hunters to fit their preferred playstyle. In this guide, we will explore some of the best builds for hunters in Bloodborne, highlighting the key attributes, weapons, and strategies for each.
Strength Build: The Heavy Hitter
Overview: Strength builds focus on maximizing physical damage output through heavy weapons. This playstyle favors aggressive, melee combat and can deal massive damage to enemies and bosses.
Key Attributes:
- Strength: Prioritize leveling up this attribute to enhance the damage of heavy weapons.
- Vitality: Invest in health to withstand hits from enemies.
- Endurance: Increase stamina for dodging and attacking.
Recommended Weapons:
- Whirligig Saw: A brutal weapon with high damage potential and a unique transformation attack.
- Ludwig’s Holy Blade: Versatile weapon that can switch between a sword and a greatsword form, making it suitable for different combat scenarios.
- Beast Cutter: An excellent weapon for crowd control with its wide swing and high damage output.
Playstyle Tips:
- Use heavy attacks to stagger enemies and create openings for additional strikes.
- Engage enemies aggressively, utilizing your health advantage to withstand hits.
2. Skill Build: The Agile Hunter
Overview: Skill builds focus on precision and speed, using quick weapons and swift dodging to outmaneuver foes. This playstyle suits players who enjoy fast-paced combat and evasion.
Key Attributes:
- Skill: Level this attribute to enhance damage for skill-based weapons.
- Dexterity: Boosts physical attack power and improves the effectiveness of ranged weapons.
- Endurance: Invest in stamina to perform quick dodges and continuous attacks.
Recommended Weapons:
- Ritual Blood: A fast weapon that deals significant damage and allows for quick follow-ups.
- Blade of Mercy: Extremely fast and deals high damage, perfect for aggressive playstyles.
- Threaded Cane: A whip-like weapon that offers both melee and ranged attacks, providing versatility.
Playstyle Tips:
- Focus on quick, successive strikes and avoid getting hit.
- Use the Visceral Attack mechanic to maximize damage when you stagger enemies.
3. Arcane Build: The Sorcerer Hunter
Overview: Arcane builds leverage the power of arcane abilities, combining magic and weapon attacks. This playstyle is suited for players who want to mix ranged and melee combat.
Key Attributes:
- Arcane: Prioritize this attribute to boost the power of arcane attacks and items.
- Skill or Strength: Depending on the weapon choice, you can invest in either skill for faster weapons or strength for heavier weapons.
- Vitality: Maintain a decent health pool to survive encounters.
Recommended Weapons:
- Hunter’s Axe: Versatile weapon that can be paired effectively with arcane abilities.
- Holy Moonlight Sword: A unique weapon that deals both physical and arcane damage.
- Augur of Ebrietas: An arcane tool that allows you to cast powerful spells at range.
Playstyle Tips:
- Use arcane items, such as Beast Blood Pellets, to enhance damage.
- Engage enemies from a distance with spells, then switch to melee combat when they close the gap.
4. Bloodtinge Build: The Marksman Hunter
Overview: Bloodtinge builds emphasize ranged combat, focusing on firearms and blood-based attacks. This playstyle is ideal for players who prefer to keep their distance from enemies while dealing damage.
Key Attributes:
- Bloodtinge: Invest heavily in this attribute to increase damage dealt by firearms.
- Skill or Endurance: Depending on your preference for weapons, you can invest in skill for quick weapons or endurance for stamina.
- Vitality: Ensure you have enough health to survive encounters.
Recommended Weapons:
- Cannon: A powerful firearm that can deal massive damage to bosses and enemies.
- Repeating Pistol: Offers a balance of speed and damage, allowing for quick shots in combat.
- Bloodletter: A unique weapon that deals blood damage and can be used effectively with blood-based strategies.
Playstyle Tips:
- Use firearms to stagger enemies, opening them up for visceral attacks.
- Maintain distance from enemies and use ranged attacks to chip away at their health.
5. Quality Build: The Balanced Hunter
Overview: Quality builds aim for a balanced approach, mixing strength and skill to maximize versatility. This playstyle is suitable for players who want to experiment with various weapons and combat styles.
Key Attributes:
- Strength: Invest in strength to enhance heavy weapon damage.
- Skill: Level up skill to improve quick weapon damage.
- Vitality: A healthy pool of health is crucial for survivability.
Recommended Weapons:
- Ludwig’s Holy Blade: A flexible weapon that can adapt to different combat situations.
- Hunter Axe: A strong weapon that excels in both melee and crowd control.
- Kirkhammer: A unique weapon that combines a sword and a heavy hammer, providing versatility in combat.
Playstyle Tips:
- Adapt your strategy based on the enemies you face, switching between heavy and quick attacks.
- Balance your approach to combat by incorporating both ranged and melee tactics.
Conclusion
In Bloodborne, the diversity of builds allows players to tailor their hunters to their preferred playstyle. Whether you prefer to unleash devastating blows with a strength build, dance around enemies with skill, or harness the power of arcane abilities, there is a build to suit every player. Experimenting with different attributes, weapons, and strategies will enhance your experience in this challenging world, making each playthrough uniquely rewarding. Choose your path, and may your journey through Yharnam be filled with triumph and adventure!
