- Bloodborne DLC refers to The Old Hunters, the game's only major expansion set in the Hunter's Nightmare
- Entry requirement: Defeat Vicar Amelia, trigger the Blood Moon, and collect the Eye of a Blood-drunk Hunter
- Recommended level: 60-80 to start, 80-100+ for a comfortable full clear
- Boss order: Ludwig, Living Failures, Lady Maria, Orphan of Kos, plus optional Laurence
- Key rewards: Holy Moonlight Sword, Rakuyo, Simon's Bowblade, Church Pick, Bloodletter
What the Bloodborne DLC Adds
The Old Hunters is the single expansion for FromSoftware's gothic action RPG, released exclusively for PS4. It transports the hunter into a separate nightmare realm connected to the main game, adding new areas, over ten trick weapons, new Caryll Runes, hunter tools, NPC encounters, and several of the most demanding boss fights in the entire game. You can read the official announcement on the PlayStation Blog.
New Areas
- Hunter's Nightmare: Distorted Yharnam streets
- Research Hall: Vertical puzzle-laden laboratory
- Fishing Hamlet: Coastal village hiding an old sin
New Weapons
- Holy Moonlight Sword: Ludwig's iconic blade
- Rakuyo: Maria's dual-blade skill weapon
- Whirligig Saw, Boom Hammer, Bloodletter and more
New Bosses
- Ludwig, the Holy Blade
- Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower
- Orphan of Kos, the DLC's brutal finale
The DLC is balanced for late-game characters. A hunter around level 60-80 can begin exploring, but level 80-100 or higher is generally more comfortable for a first complete run.
How to Unlock The Old Hunters
Access is not granted through a menu. Follow the sequence below to reach the Hunter's Nightmare from the main game.
Defeat Vicar Amelia
Clear the Grand Cathedral boss in the main story. This is the baseline requirement for the DLC entry chain.
Trigger the Blood Moon
Return to the Grand Cathedral and interact with the skull on the altar. This advances the world state needed for DLC access.
Collect the Eye of a Blood-drunk Hunter
Pick up the item in the Hunter's Dream. It marks the hunter as prey for the nightmare's guardian.
Let the Amygdala Grab You
Travel to the Oedon Chapel lamp in Cathedral Ward. Step out toward the left graveyard and allow the invisible Amygdala to seize the hunter, transporting you to the Hunter's Nightmare.
Enter after gaining access to Forbidden Woods or after defeating a few mid-game bosses. Starting too early makes the opening enemies and Ludwig extremely punishing.
DLC Route and Boss Order
The expansion follows a mostly linear route with one major optional detour. The table below summarizes the recommended progression.
| Order | Area | Boss | Key Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hunter's Nightmare / Nightmare Church | Ludwig, the Holy Blade | Holy Moonlight Sword, Guidance rune |
| 2 | Research Hall | Living Failures (Lumenwood Garden) | Accursed Brew, Church Pick, Kos Parasite |
| 3 | Astral Clocktower | Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower | Access to Fishing Hamlet |
| 4 | Fishing Hamlet | Orphan of Kos | Ends the DLC nightmare |
| Optional | Nightmare Grand Cathedral | Laurence, the First Vicar | Laurence's skull, trophy progress |
| Boss | Difficulty | Best Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Ludwig | 5/5 | Stay at his sides, punish recovery windows, use fire paper; second phase has wider sword sweeps |
| Living Failures | 3/5 | Focus one caster at a time, dodge meteor barrages by running sideways |
| Lady Maria | 5/5 | Parry her lunges, keep mid-range spacing, respect blood-enhanced phase 3 |
| Orphan of Kos | 5/5 | Stay mobile, short attack strings, dodge lightning in phase 2, never heal without space |
| Laurence | 5/5 | Similar patterns to Cleric Beast but with lethal lava area attacks in phase 2 |
In the Research Hall, activate the stair and elevator mechanisms to rearrange the building. This unlocks shortcuts back to the lamp and is required to reach the Astral Clocktower. Don't forget the Brain Fluid items for Adeline's quest along the way.
Notable DLC Weapons and Items
The expansion adds some of the most distinctive weapons in the game. Prioritize the ones that match your build.
| Weapon | Build Fit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whirligig Saw | Strength | Serrated multi-hit transformed mode, strong vs beasts |
| Holy Moonlight Sword | Quality / Arcane | Mixed physical and arcane moonlight attacks |
| Church Pick | Skill | Fast thrusting weapon with extended reach |
| Rakuyo | Skill | Maria's dual blades, excellent visceral synergy |
| Simon's Bowblade | Skill / Bloodtinge | Sword that transforms into a bow |
| Bloodletter | Bloodtinge | Transforms into a blood blade at HP cost |
| Kos Parasite | Arcane | Unique kin weapon, best with Milkweed rune |
| Beast Hunter Saif | Skill | Fast attacks with advancing transformation moves |
Only commit Blood Stone chunks to weapons you intend to keep. The DLC enemies and bosses are a reliable source of high-tier upgrade materials, so finish your main weapon here before experimenting with sidearms.
Preparation Checklist
Before Entering the Hunter's Nightmare:
- Upgrade your primary weapon to a high level (+8 or better)
- Stock Blood Vials, Quicksilver Bullets, and elemental papers
- Carry Insight for summoning and DLC interactions
- Defeat Vicar Amelia and trigger the Blood Moon
- Unlock shortcuts early before repeatedly attempting bosses
A full DLC clear leaves you with endgame weapons, powerful Caryll Runes like Guidance and Milkweed, and enough upgrade materials to finish the main story's final bosses with confidence.
FAQ
Q: What is the Bloodborne DLC called?
The only expansion is The Old Hunters. It adds the Hunter's Nightmare, Research Hall, and Fishing Hamlet areas, plus new bosses, weapons, and runes.
Q: When should I start The Old Hunters DLC?
Aim for level 60-80 at minimum, ideally after unlocking Forbidden Woods or clearing several mid-game bosses. Level 80-100 or higher makes a first full run much more comfortable.
Q: Who is the hardest DLC boss?
Orphan of Kos is widely considered the toughest fight in the expansion, with fast jumping attacks in phase one and lightning-enhanced aggression in phase two. Lady Maria and Laurence are close behind.
Q: Can I enter the DLC before finishing the main game?
Yes. You only need to defeat Vicar Amelia and trigger the Blood Moon. Finishing the main story first is not required, though it makes the DLC noticeably easier.