- Bloodborne PS4 is FromSoftware's gothic action RPG, exclusive to PlayStation 4 since 2015.
- Rally system: Attack back immediately after taking damage to recover lost health.
- Firearm parries: A well-timed shot staggers enemies, enabling powerful visceral attacks.
- Best first weapons: Saw Cleaver and Hunter Axe cover nearly all early-game needs.
- Explore first, fight later: Unlock shortcuts and upgrade weapons before challenging bosses.
Bloodborne PS4: Getting Started in Yharnam
Bloodborne is a PS4-exclusive gothic Victorian action RPG from FromSoftware, set in the plague-ridden city of Yharnam. Unlike slower souls-style combat, Bloodborne rewards aggression: the rally system lets you regain health by striking back after taking a hit, and firearms exist to parry rather than to deal damage. You can confirm platform and product details on the official PlayStation page.
Video Highlights:
- Official debut trailer showcasing Yharnam's gothic atmosphere
- Introduction to the Hunter and the hunt
- First look at trick weapons and beast enemies
The opening hours in Central Yharnam teach every core system. Treat the mob-filled streets as a training ground: pull enemies away from groups, watch for ambushes, and open gates and elevators that create shortcuts back to the lamp.
| Core System | What It Does | Beginner Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Rally | Recover HP by attacking after taking damage | Learn immediately |
| Firearm Parry | Stagger enemies for visceral attacks | Practice mid-game |
| Blood Vials | Primary healing item, capped carry limit | Stock constantly |
| Insight | Unlocks systems; gained from bosses | Spend wisely |
| Blood Echoes | Currency for levels and gear | Recover after death |
When you die, Blood Echoes stay at the death spot or are held by a nearby enemy with glowing eyes. If recovering them is too dangerous, spend your echoes first before attempting the return trip.
Best Trick Weapons for New Hunters
There is no single dominant weapon in Bloodborne. The strongest pick is the one whose moveset, range, and attribute scaling match your combat rhythm. Focus upgrade materials on one primary weapon instead of spreading them across many.
| Tier | Weapon | Best For | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | Saw Cleaver | Strength / first-time players | Fast attacks, serrated damage |
| S | Ludwig's Holy Blade | Quality (Str+Skill) | One-hand speed plus greatsword power |
| A | Hunter Axe | Strength, crowd control | Long transformed sweeps, high stagger |
| A | Kirkhammer | Strength | Fast sword form, heavy hammer form |
| A | Threaded Cane | Skill | Whip reach and spacing control |
| B | Chikage | Bloodtinge | Huge transformed blood damage |
Saw Cleaver
- Fast, reliable moveset
- Serrated damage vs beasts
- Effective from start to finish
Hunter Axe
- Excellent reach transformed
- Wide sweeps clear groups
- Strong charged attacks
Threaded Cane
- Whip form for spacing
- Skill scaling
- Higher technical ceiling
Reserve early Blood Stone Shards for one main weapon. Weapon reinforcement provides a bigger early power jump than chasing levels, so visit the workshop in the Hunter's Dream as soon as materials allow.
Boss Strategy Fundamentals
Bosses in Bloodborne are tests of observation, positioning, and decisive counters. Use the first attempt to study attack timing instead of burning all your healing. The table below covers the most commonly searched encounters.
| Boss | Location | Difficulty | Key Tactic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleric Beast | Great Bridge | 2/5 | Attack limbs, use fire and Molotovs |
| Father Gascoigne | Tomb of Oedon | 3/5 | Parry hunter phase, music box stagger |
| Vicar Amelia | Grand Cathedral | 3/5 | Circle legs, stop healing with Numbing Mist |
| Blood-starved Beast | Old Yharnam | 4/5 | Antidotes, fire paper, stay close |
| Martyr Logarius | Cainhurst | 5/5 | Parry melee, destroy floating sword |
| Orphan of Kos | DLC Fishing Hamlet | 5/5 | Short punishes, stay mobile in phase 2 |
Scout the arena
Note hazards, escape routes, and whether the boss favors reach, area attacks, or transformations before committing resources.
Read the wind-up
Learn each attack's timing on the first attempts. Parry windows exist on most humanoid and readable animations.
Punish short windows
Use brief recovery gaps for one or two hits rather than long combos, then reposition to the boss's side.
Adapt at phase changes
Bosses gain speed, range, or new elements mid-fight. Adjust spacing immediately and avoid greedy trades.
Amelia's self-heal can be interrupted with sustained pressure or a Numbing Mist. Bring Saw Cleaver plus Fire Paper and stay at her flank to cut the fight dramatically shorter.
Build Paths and The Old Hunters
A strong build pairs one primary damage stat with enough Vitality and Endurance to support your weapon. Pick a direction early and commit rather than spreading points across every attribute.
| Build | Stat Priority | Key Weapons | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | STR to 50, VIT 40 | Hunter Axe, Kirkhammer | Heavy hits and stagger |
| Skill | SKL to 50, VIT 40 | Threaded Cane, Blade of Mercy | Speed and visceral damage |
| Bloodtinge | BLT to 50 | Chikage, Evelyn | Firearms and blood weapons |
| Arcane | ARC to 50 | Tonitrus, Kos Parasite | Hunter tools and elements |
| Quality | STR/SKL 50 each | Ludwig's Holy Blade | Broad weapon access |
For The Old Hunters DLC, a character around level 60-80 can begin exploring, while 80-100 or higher is more comfortable for a first full run. Defeat Vicar Amelia, trigger the Blood Moon, collect the Eye of a Blood-drunk Hunter, and let the Amygdala near Oedon Chapel pull you into the Hunter's Nightmare.
DLC Preparation Checklist:
- Upgrade main weapon to a high level before entering
- Stock Blood Vials, Quicksilver Bullets, and elemental papers
- Defeat Vicar Amelia and trigger the Blood Moon
- Collect the Eye of a Blood-drunk Hunter
- Unlock shortcuts before repeatedly attempting bosses
The recommended route runs Ludwig, the Holy Blade, then the Living Failures, Lady Maria, and finally the Orphan of Kos. Laurence, the First Vicar is optional and found through the Nightmare Grand Cathedral.
Endgame: Chalice Dungeons and Trophies
Chalice Dungeons are procedural labyrinths accessed through Ritual Altars in the Hunter's Dream. Each dungeon stacks layers with lamps, treasure rooms, levers, and a layer boss. Your first Chalice comes from the Blood-starved Beast in Old Yharnam, and the long route eventually leads to the Pthumerian Queen.
| Dungeon Family | Theme | Notable Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Pthumeru | Ancient labyrinths, undead guardians | Route to the Pthumerian Queen |
| Hintertomb | Poison and disease environments | Separate Chalice progression |
| Loran | Beast-infested ruins | Loran ritual materials |
| Isz | Cosmic, Kin-heavy areas | Arcane blood gems |
Depth runs from 1 to 5; deep Cursed dungeons are the main source of top-tier blood gems, at the cost of reduced maximum health. For the platinum, plan one thorough playthrough covering optional bosses, weapon and tool collections, and Chalice progression, then handle the three ending trophies with a backup save before the final choice.
Cainhurst Castle, the Upper Cathedral Ward, and the three endings are the most commonly missed trophies. Review the optional-area list before defeating the final story boss on each playthrough.
FAQ
Q: Is Bloodborne only available on PS4?
Yes. Bloodborne was developed by FromSoftware and released in 2015 as a PlayStation 4 exclusive. There is no official PC version; the r/BloodbornePC community discusses emulation and port rumors, but nothing has been announced by Sony or FromSoftware.
Q: Which starting weapon should I choose in Bloodborne PS4?
The Saw Cleaver is the most straightforward pick thanks to fast attacks and serrated damage against beasts, while the Hunter Axe suits players who want reach and crowd control. The Threaded Cane rewards technical play but has lower early damage.
Q: How does the rally system work?
After taking damage, attacking the enemy that hurt you within a short window restores a portion of the lost health. This encourages controlled aggression instead of retreating to heal.
Q: When should I start The Old Hunters DLC?
Around level 60-80 you can begin exploring, though 80-100 or higher is more comfortable. You must first defeat Vicar Amelia, trigger the Blood Moon, and collect the Eye of a Blood-drunk Hunter from the Hunter's Dream.