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Bloodborne

9.3
Developer: FromSoftware
Publisher: Sony
Released: 2015
Metacritic: 92
35–60h
Avg. Playtime
1 DLC
Expansions
Solo Only
Multiplayer
$19.99
Best Price
PS4
⭐ Read Review 📖 Beginner Guide 💸 Best Price

About Bloodborne

Bloodborne is FromSoftware's most atmospheric and daring game — a PS4 exclusive gothic horror action RPG that strips away the patient, shield-based defense of Dark Souls and replaces it with aggressive, rally-based combat. Set in the city of Yharnam, a place consumed by a blood-borne illness that transforms its citizens into terrifying beasts, Bloodborne casts you as the Hunter — a stranger who arrives in search of a cure and finds something far more ancient and cosmic waiting beneath the city's foundations.

The central mechanical innovation is the Rally system: when you take damage, attacking enemies immediately afterward recovers a portion of that lost health, indicated by a fading white bar. This mechanic fundamentally changes how you play — backing away from danger is often more deadly than pressing the attack. Bloodborne rewards aggression above all else, and learning to fight through damage rather than around it is the key to mastering it.

The world of Bloodborne is meticulously crafted. Yharnam begins as a Victorian gothic city and descends into cosmic horror as the truth of the blood healing and the Pthumerian civilization beneath the streets reveals itself. The transformation — from gothic architecture to alien geometry — mirrors the player character's growing understanding of what Yharnam truly is. Bloodborne's lore and atmosphere are unparalleled in the action genre, and The Old Hunters DLC adds some of the best content FromSoftware has ever created.

Why Players Love It

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Rally System

Take damage and immediately counter-attack to recover health. Bloodborne punishes passivity and rewards relentless aggression.

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Transform Weapons

Every weapon has two forms toggled mid-combo. The Saw Cleaver becomes a longer blade; the Threaded Cane becomes a whip. Mastering transforms is essential.

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Cosmic Horror

Beneath the gothic beast plague lies a story of Outer Gods, forbidden knowledge, and the cosmos — Lovecraftian horror at its finest.

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Chalice Dungeons

Procedurally generated underground labyrinths with unique bosses, rare materials, and optional challenging content.

Overview Video

9.3Outstanding

Our Verdict

Bloodborne is the most atmospheric and artistically daring action game ever made. Its rally system, cosmic horror narrative, and world design are unmatched.

Gameplay
9.5
Combat
9.5
Story
9.5
Graphics
9.0
Performance
7.5
Value
9.0
Read Full Review (1,500+ words)
Complete Beginner's Guide
⏱ 15 min · 📊 Medium · ✅ Progress tracking
Start Guide
Best Builds & Character Tips
⏱ 10 min · 📊 Easy · 🔧 Build Guide
View Guide
First Boss Guide & Strategies
⏱ 8 min · 📊 Hard · ⚔️ Boss Guide
View Guide
Tips & Tricks for New Players
⏱ 6 min · 📊 Easy · 💡 Tips
View Guide
Patch 1.09 — Final Update
Feb 2016
  • Improved matchmaking stability
  • Fixed rare crash in Chalice Dungeon co-op
  • Adjusted several enemy hitboxes in The Old Hunters DLC
  • Minor performance improvements
Patch 1.07 — The Old Hunters DLC
Nov 24, 2015
  • The Old Hunters DLC content added: three new areas, six new bosses
  • New Hunter tools and weapons including Holy Moonlight Sword
  • New NPC questlines

Community Tips

“Always dodge into attacks, not away. Most boss swings have tight hitboxes and rolling forward puts you in their blind spot with free punish time.”
— HunterOfYharnam · 1456 upvotes
“The Saw Cleaver is the best starting weapon and arguably the best in the game. Don't switch to exotic options until you know what you're doing.”
— ChaliceVeteran · 987 upvotes
“Pebbles interrupt enemy attacks from range for free. Throw one at a mob to trigger their attack animation, then punish from behind.”
— OldHunterMaster · 734 upvotes
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