Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 Gameplay Reveals Bloodthirsty Combat

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is back with a fresh look at gameplay following its move to Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture developer The Chinese Room.

In the video, we see player character Phyre engage in combat from the upcoming first-person action RPG sequel, due out fall 2024 on PC, Xbox Series X and S, and PlayStation 5.

In the video we see an early-game mission in which Phyre infiltrates an abandoned warehouse to uncover clues about the mysterious mark on their hand. The combat involves stealth-focused gameplay and plenty of blood-sucking, as you’d expect. But when the action kicks off proper, we see just how punchy Phyre can be.

We’re then treated to a rather disturbing cutscene in which Phyre confronts the court’s secret keeper, Willem. You have a dialogue choice to make before Willem pounces. Acting as “The Sheriff” of the Court, Phyre’s choices impact how the world perceives them and bring them closer to uncovering Seattle’s secrets, publisher Paradox said.

You choose one of four clans for Phyre: the rebellious Brujah, blood sorcery masters Tremere, adjudicators of justice Banu Haqim, or the persuasive Ventrue.

Here’s the official blurb:

“Each clan has its own playstyle and Disciplines, creating different ways to explore. Whether it’s the Brujah’s brute force, Banu Haqim’s cloak-and-dagger approach, Ventrue’s cutthroat manipulation, or Tremere’s blood magic, players have a wide range of options.”

“The gameplay and action of Bloodlines 2 is a sort of dance,” said Alex Skidmore, Creative Director at The Chinese Room. “As players explore the world, soak in the atmosphere, and make strategic choices, they affect their relationships with the characters around them. Players can choose their legend, but the world is dynamic, and characters will remember how you treat them. Think carefully, and trust no one.”

Bloodlines 2 is of course the successor to the cult-classic Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines, which came out in 2004 courtesy of developer Troika Games. But it has endured a difficult development. Bloodlines 2 re-emerged in June 2023 for the first time in quite a while after Paradox let go of the game’s original developer, Hardsuit Labs.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.