- Bloodborne DLC weapons add 11 trick weapons and firearms exclusive to The Old Hunters.
- Top picks: Whirligig Saw, Holy Moonlight Sword, and Rakuyo dominate most builds.
- Best entry level: Start the DLC around level 60–80 for a comfortable weapon hunt.
- Key locations: Weapons are spread across the Hunter's Nightmare, Research Hall, and Fishing Hamlet.
- Upgrade rule: Commit Blood Stone to one DLC weapon that matches your build.
Bloodborne DLC Weapons Overview
The Old Hunters, Bloodborne's sole major expansion, delivers some of the most distinctive Bloodborne DLC weapons in the entire game. Every weapon on this list can only be obtained inside the Hunter's Nightmare, and several of them—like the Holy Moonlight Sword and the Kos Parasite—completely change how a character fights.
Video Highlights:
- Official look at the world of The Old Hunters expansion
- Shows nightmare environments where DLC weapons are found
- Features hunter combat with expansion equipment
The DLC is designed for experienced hunters. A character around level 60–80 can begin exploring, while level 80–100 or higher is more comfortable for a first complete run. Before hunting weapons, confirm your main weapon is already well reinforced—DLC enemies punish under-leveled equipment quickly.
Do not start The Old Hunters under-leveled. The opening Hunter's Nightmare enemies hit far harder than main-game Central Yharnam, and early weapon pickups are guarded by tough optional routes.
Full DLC Weapon Location Table
Every DLC trick weapon, where to find it, and which build it serves best:
| Weapon | Location | Best Build | Scaling Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whirligig Saw | Nightmare Church approach, near Ludwig's arena | Strength | Str heavy |
| Beast Cutter | Hunter's Nightmare early area | Strength | Str |
| Amygdalan Arm | Nightmare of Hunter's Nightmare, shortcut path | Strength/Arcane | Str, Arcane |
| Boom Hammer | Hunter's Nightmare, below the first shortcut | Strength | Str |
| Holy Moonlight Sword | Dropped by Ludwig, the Holy Blade | Quality/Arcane | Str, Skl, Arcane |
| Church Pick | Research Hall, on a transformed stair ledge | Skill | Skl |
| Beast Hunter Saif | Forbidden Woods entrance re-entry point, Hunter's Nightmare | Skill | Skl |
| Bloodletter | Fishing Hamlet, lighthouse route | Bloodtinge/Strength | Str, Bloodtinge |
| Rakuyo | Fishing Hamlet, shark-guarded well depths | Skill | Skl |
| Simon's Bowblade | Given by Simon the Harrowed Hunter | Skill/Bloodtinge | Skl, Bloodtinge |
| Kos Parasite | Dropped by Lady Maria's aftermath / Hamlet pickup | Arcane | Arcane |
| DLC Firearm | Location | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Church Cannon | Research Hall upper area | Heavy ranged burst |
| Fist of Gratia | Research Hall, side room | melee-style firearm |
Follow the natural DLC route—Hunter's Nightmare, then Research Hall, then Fishing Hamlet—to collect weapons in ascending build power. The strongest picks (Rakuyo, Kos Parasite) come last.
Top DLC Weapons Ranked by Build
Whirligig Saw (Strength)
- Sustained multi-hit saw attacks
- Excellent transformed spin damage
- Fire gem synergy is strong
- Best overall Strength DLC pick
Rakuyo (Skill)
- Fast dual-blade transformed moveset
- Superb visceral attack setup
- Short range demands aggression
- Rewarding for experienced hunters
Holy Moonlight Sword (Quality)
- Moonlight arcane projectiles
- Reliable sword form plus magic greatsword
- Str/Skl/Arcane hybrid scaling
- Iconic all-purpose choice
Bloodletter (Bloodtinge)
- Transformed blood damage burst
- Drains health when transformed
- Pairs with Chikage builds
Simon's Bowblade (Skill/Bloodtinge)
- Sword and bow hybrid
- Transformed bow uses Quicksilver Bullets
- Unique ranged melee mix
Kos Parasite (Arcane)
- Arcane-only flail attacks
- Requires Milkweed rune for full value
- Centerpiece of dedicated Arcane builds
| Weapon | Damage | Moveset | Build Accessibility | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whirligig Saw | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Rakuyo | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Holy Moonlight Sword | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Church Pick | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Beast Hunter Saif | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Boom Hammer | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Bloodletter | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Kos Parasite | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
Choose one DLC weapon that matches your main damage stat rather than collecting several. DLC upgrade materials are limited per playthrough, so a fully reinforced Whirligig Saw or Rakuyo outperforms three half-upgraded alternatives.
DLC Weapon Farming Route: Step-by-Step
Unlock the Hunter's Nightmare
Defeat Vicar Amelia, trigger the Blood Moon at the Grand Cathedral skull, collect the Eye of a Blood-drunk Hunter in the Hunter's Dream, and let the Amygdala near the Oedon Chapel lamp grab you into the DLC.
Sweep the Hunter's Nightmare
Collect the Beast Cutter, Boom Hammer, and Amygdalan Arm from the opening region and shortcut areas before approaching the Nightmare Church.
Defeat Ludwig
Ludwig, the Holy Blade guards the route forward and rewards the Holy Moonlight Sword. Grab the Whirligig Saw nearby before the fight if you want extra firepower.
Clear the Research Hall
Rotate the stair mechanisms to reach the Church Pick, Church Cannon, and Fist of Gratia, then defeat the Living Failures in the Lumenwood Garden.
Conquer the Fishing Hamlet
Defeat Lady Maria, then follow the coastal route for Simon's Bowblade, the Beast Hunter Saif, the Bloodletter, the Rakuyo, and the Kos Parasite before facing the Orphan of Kos.
DLC Weapon Collection Checklist:
- Reinforce main weapon to +9 or higher before entering
- Stock Blood Vials, Quicksilver Bullets, and Fire/Bolt Paper
- Collect all three Hunter's Nightmare Strength weapons
- Defeat Ludwig for the Holy Moonlight Sword
- Rotate Research Hall stairs for the Church Pick
- Clear the Fishing Hamlet well for the Rakuyo
- Sweep remaining areas for runes and hunter tools
Gem and Rune Pairings
DLC weapons reach full potential with the right blood gems and Caryll Runes. Deep Chalice Dungeons remain the main source of top-tier gems.
| Weapon | Best Gems | Recommended Runes |
|---|---|---|
| Whirligig Saw | Physical, Fire conversion gems | Clawmark, Clockwise Metamorphosis |
| Rakuyo | Physical Skill gems | Clawmark, Blood Rapture |
| Holy Moonlight Sword | Nourishing gems | Clockwise Metamorphosis, Formless Oedon |
| Bloodletter | Blood attack gems | Oedon Writhe, Communion |
| Kos Parasite | Arcane gems | Milkweed, Formless Oedon |
Use Nourishing gems on multi-damage weapons like the Holy Moonlight Sword, and pure physical or elemental gems on single-damage weapons. Mismatched gems waste a large share of your damage.
FAQ
Q: How many DLC weapons does The Old Hunters add to Bloodborne?
The Old Hunters adds 11 trick weapons along with new firearms like the Church Cannon and Fist of Gratia. All of them are found inside the Hunter's Nightmare, Research Hall, or Fishing Hamlet areas.
Q: What is the best Bloodborne DLC weapon for a Strength build?
The Whirligig Saw is widely considered the top Strength pick thanks to its sustained transformed spin attacks and strong gem synergy. The Boom Hammer and Beast Cutter are solid alternatives for slower, heavier playstyles.
Q: When should I start The Old Hunters to collect DLC weapons?
Around character level 60–80 is the practical entry point, with 80–100 more comfortable for a first full run. Reinforce your main weapon before entering, because DLC enemies are significantly tougher than main-game encounters.
Q: Where do I find the Rakuyo?
The Rakuyo lies at the bottom of a well in the Fishing Hamlet, guarded by powerful shark-like enemies. Defeat Lady Maria first to unlock the Hamlet, then prepare carefully before descending.