What to Expect from Vampire Hunters in Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines 2

The latest development update from The Chinese Room sheds new light on the vampire hunters in Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2. This faction, the Information Awareness Bureau (IAB), operates covertly on a shadow budget, without any official government support. Their mission is to hunt down vampires, whom they refer to as "Hollow Ones," under the guise of conducting "training exercises" and "counter-terrorism efforts."

Leading the bureau in Seattle is Agent Baker, known for her disciplined and pragmatic approach to permanently eliminating vampires. She delves deep into investigating odd occurrences and analyzing historical data to uncover the connections to the elusive vampire society. Her authoritative demeanor has earned her the moniker "The Hen" among her dedicated followers.

The hunters are a formidable force, well-organized and heavily guarded, both outside and within their base. Confronting them alone is daunting, as they work in coordinated teams, use spotlights for surveillance, and communicate 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 shoot explosive bolts that can cause catastrophic damage if not swiftly removed.

Despite their prowess, these hunters have vulnerabilities. They are physically weaker than ghouls and vampires, making them susceptible to certain countermeasures. For instance, characters with the Fire skill can intercept grenades or bolts in mid-air and hurl them back at the hunters. Additionally, players utilizing the Ventru clan's abilities 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. This eagerly anticipated game promises a deep dive into the shadowy world of vampire hunters and their relentless pursuit of the undead.