Vampire Hunters in Bloodlines 2: What to Expect

The Chinese Room's recent development update for *Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2* sheds new light on the vampire hunters, a formidable faction known as the Information Awareness Bureau (IAB). Despite operating without official government backing, this group functions on a shadow budget, using the guise of "training exercises" and "counter-terrorism efforts" to hunt down vampires, whom they refer to as "Hollow Ones."

At the helm of the IAB's operations in Seattle is Agent Baker, a disciplined and pragmatic leader known as "The Hen" among her loyalists. Her mission is to eradicate vampires permanently, and she achieves this by meticulously investigating strange occurrences and analyzing historical data to uncover the connections to the secretive vampire society.

The hunters of the IAB are a well-coordinated force, securing their base with both external and internal guards. Confronting them solo is daunting; they work in teams, use spotlights, and maintain communication through portable radios. In combat, they wield thermic batons that can bypass defensive tactics and phosphorous grenades designed to flush enemies from cover. Their sniper crossbows shoot explosive bolts, which can cause catastrophic damage if not removed promptly.

Despite their prowess, these hunters have vulnerabilities. They are physically weaker than both ghouls and vampires, making them susceptible to specific countermeasures. For instance, players with the Fire skill can intercept grenades or bolts in mid-air and hurl them back at the hunters. Additionally, members of the Ventru clan can employ their powers to possess an enemy, turning them against their own team.

*Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2* is set to be released in the first half of 2025, and will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.