In a recent development update from The Chinese Room, intriguing details about the vampire hunters in Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2 have been unveiled. These hunters, part of the Information Awareness Bureau (IAB), operate covertly on a shadow budget, even without official government support. They hunt vampires, referred to as "Hollow Ones," under the guise of conducting "training exercises" and "counter-terrorism efforts."
Leading the IAB in Seattle is Agent Baker, a disciplined pragmatist committed to the permanent eradication of vampires. Known as "The Hen" among her loyal followers due to her unwavering authority, Agent Baker meticulously investigates strange occurrences and delves into historical data to uncover the secrets of the vampire society.
The hunters of the IAB are highly coordinated, guarding their base with both external and internal security measures. Confronting them alone is daunting, as they work in teams, employ spotlights, and maintain communication through portable radios. In combat, they wield thermic batons that can bypass defensive maneuvers and deploy phosphorous grenades to flush out adversaries from cover. Their sniper crossbows shoot explosive bolts that can cause severe damage if not quickly removed.
Despite their formidable setup, these hunters have vulnerabilities. They are physically weaker than ghouls and vampires, making them susceptible to certain counter-strategies. For instance, players can utilize the ability of Fire to catch grenades or bolts in mid-air and hurl them back. Additionally, members of the Ventru clan can use their powers to possess an enemy, turning them against their own team.
Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2 is set to launch in the first half of 2025, available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.