Bloodborne - The Old Hunters DLC - FAQ
A lot of people periodically ask questions about the DLC especially if they've just gotten the game or want to get the DLC now. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
I have used spoiler warnings to block out information like boss names and major plot points in case new players don't want to be spoiled.
Some of the answers such as recommended levels are subjective and some are based off my own observations, so take those with a grain of salt.
Q: What is The Old Hunters DLC?
The Old Hunters DLC is an expansion for Bloodborne. It functions like extra optional locations rather than an extension or something tacked on before or after the base game.
It has more bosses, more areas, more weapons, more gear, more runes, more lore, more challenges, more difficulty, and so on. Basically, it's more Bloodborne so if you liked Bloodborne a lot, this DLC is very highly recommended.
Q: When can I access the DLC?
You can access the DLC in your current NG cycle as long as the Cathedral Ward boss called Vicar Amelia is dead and you have interacted with a nearby item which is a skull on the altar.
If you have moved into NG+ or started a new game, you must complete the game up to that point to be able to access the DLC. Going into NG+ cuts off your access and will reset the DLC when you re-enter it.
No matter when you purchase the DLC and activate it, you can access it as long as the above requirement has been reached.
Q: How can I access the DLC?
Once the above is done, you will find a key item back in the Hunter's Dream. Once that is in your possession, simply go to the Cathedral Ward lamp and exit the chapel via the left door. Hug the right fence near where you can find the Top Hat set until magic happens when you are grabbed by a creepy thing and you will find yourself in the first area of the DLC.
Q: When should I go through the DLC?
The DLC is considerably harder than the base game. You can start exploring it early-mid game though it may take you all the way to late game to complete it.
For NG, you should probably attempt to fully complete the DLC right before defeating the second boss of the final mandatory area called The Nightmare of Mensis. The boss is called Mergo's Wet Nurse and defeating this boss will trigger the endgame phase.
You can still do the DLC in the endgame phase though you will miss out on some dialogue from The Doll. However, once you are in the endgame phase (which is identified by the Hunter's Dream being on fire) your next plot-related action will likely force you into NG+.
If you are already in NG+ and you are comfortable with your ability, you can attempt to finish the DLC at any time you wish.
You can access the DLC earlier if you wish and go on suicide runs to pick up the various weapons in the first area. The enemies will hit hard, but you can get a lot of shiny new toys without facing a single boss.
Q: What are the recommended levels for the DLC?
For NG, since you are still building your character, you should go later. If you followed the recommended timing in the previous question, your character should be at a good point to try to complete the DLC while accounting for how much you may have leveled to get to that point.
NG:
Bare minimum recommended level: 65
More comfortable and commonly recommended level range: 70 - 90
In NG+, bosses become considerably harder than NG. Things are more reliant on your own personal skill so the recommended level range is a lot larger.
NG+:
Bare minimum recommended level: 110
More comfortable and commonly recommended level range: 125 - 175
In NG++ and onwards, the bosses hit incredibly hard and some have almost ridiculous HP pools. Character growth will also slow down if you are consistently leveling up to that point, so completing the DLC is even more skill-dependant rather than based on what level you are.
If you are playing the DLC for the first time in NG+ or higher and you find it is too challenging, making a new character and trying it out in NG will be easier. That way you will have the chance to learn the bosses instead of getting two-shot in a matter of seconds.
Q: Do the Old Hunters trophies count towards the platinum for Bloodborne?
No, the trophies for the DLC do not impact the platinum in any way.
There are probably other questions that can be included here, but these are the most common ones I managed to think of. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please let me know. I hope this at least benefits someone :)
Thanks as always to u/eric-plutono and u/mayowulf for providing quality assurance.
Posted Mar 14, 2016, 8:22 PM UTC