How to access Bloodborne: The Old Hunters expansion

Hello, Bloodborne fans! The Old Hunters expansion will soon be bringing a brand new nightmare world of dangers and horrors for you to conquer, not to mention a host of new weapons and armour for your arsenal. If you haven’t already done so, pre-order on PlayStation Store by Monday to get a special bonus PS4 theme. That way you can have it equipped when The Old Hunters launches on Tuesday for £15.99/€19.99.

Keep reading for more information about the expansion and how to access it within the game, as well as details about the new content and updated online features in the 1.07 title update hitting today (title update available to all Bloodborne players).

As outlined in previous blog posts, The Old Hunters introduces many new horrific environments and enemies, as well as devastating new weapons and abilities.

Brador, seen donning the scalp and horns of a foul beast, is an ancient Hunter and assassin once employed by the Healing Church who sits in a dark cell, waiting for something — or someone — with bell in hand. And while exploring the new nightmare, beware of the Bell Holder. This massive enemy wields the Bell Axe and is one of the most formidable beasts you will face.

I’m also excited to share information about two new weapons available in The Old Hunters expansion. The first is the Bloodletter, a sick and demented weapon wielded by Brador. This weapon assumes its true form after drawing upon the blood of its wielder. In other words, you must plunge it into your own chest in order to unleash its true power.

You will also find the Gatling Gun, a portable version of the stationary rapid-fire gun that Djura uses to rain down lead from the tower in Old Yharnam. While it is great for rapid-fire attacks, it is also cumbersome and goes through Quicksilver Bullets very quickly.

Players will also discover a new rune called The Beast’s Embrace. After many failed experiments, this rune was forbidden from use. That did not stop its discovery from becoming the foundation of the Healing Church, however. Those brave, or foolish, enough to unleash the power of this rune take on a ghastly form and enjoy boosted transformation effects, especially when wielding a beast weapon.

Once you have purchased and downloaded The Old Hunters expansion, you’ll need to follow the below steps to access the new content.

Step 1

Defeat the boss of the Cathedral Ward and examine the altar in the back of the room to change the in-game time to night.

Step 2

Go to the Hunter’s Dream and receive the Eye of a Blood-Drunk Hunter from a messenger.

Step 3

Go to the Oedon Chapel and leave via the left-hand exit to enter the square.

Step 4

Go to the right-hand end of the square to trigger an event. This event will take you to the new area: the Hunter’s Nightmare.

Lighting the lamp in the new area will allow you to travel to and from the area via an Awakening Headstone in the Hunter’s Dream.

Prior to the launch of the DLC, all Bloodborne owners will receive title update 1.07, which adds new features and drastically changes the online component of the game. The patch goes live today, so remember to update your game and try out the new features.

As mentioned in our last blog post update 1.07 also adds the “League” feature and introduces new NPCs into the game’s world. Join the League by meeting with Summon Master Valtr and obtaining the “Impurity” rune. You’ll need to summon him inside the shack to the right of the first lamp in the Forbidden Forest.

Once you have memorised the “Impurity” rune, you will be able to access League ranking screens. Upon successfully completing a coop session, you’ll receive the “Vermin” which you must crush to increase your points and therefore your position on the League leaderboard.

You will also be able to summon NPCs to come to your aid, just like cooperative play, including inside Chalice Dungeons. To do so, first you will need to acquire the “Old Hunter Bell” from the messengers in the Hunter’s Dream area. In some areas you may be able to summon up to two NPC Hunters, or a mix of one NPC Hunter and one other online coop player.

In addition, when there are players near you that have used the Beckoning Bell or Small Resonant Bell and are waiting to join a coop session, they will appear in your game as an illusion or phantom with a ripple effect at their feet. That assumes they are within the correct level range and would be able to match with you.