Bloodlines 2 clans have become a hot topic in the gaming community, and not for good reasons. The highly anticipated sequel to the cult classic Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines is stirring up controversy by locking two of its six clans behind a $20 paywall.
What Bloodlines 2 Clans Are Available at Launch?
At launch, players will only have access to four clans in the base game:
- Brujah – The rebellious warriors known for their physical prowess and anti-establishment attitude
- Tremere – Blood sorcerers who wield powerful magical abilities
- Banu Haqim – Assassin-like vampires with stealth and precision skills
- Ventrue – The aristocratic socialites who excel at manipulation and leadership
That’s a significant reduction from the original game, which featured seven playable clans and gave each one distinct gameplay experiences.
The $20 DLC Controversy
Here’s where things get frustrating for fans. Two additional Bloodlines 2 clans – Lasombra and Toreador – are locked behind the “Shadows & Silk” expansion pack. This DLC costs $20-22 depending on your region, or you can get it included in the $80-90 premium edition.
The Lasombra are shadow-manipulating vampires traditionally associated with the Sabbat faction, while Toreador are the artistic and seductive clan known for their obsession with beauty. Both have been core clans in Vampire: The Masquerade lore for decades.
Community Reaction
The gaming community isn’t happy about this decision. Many players point out that these aren’t obscure clans being added later – they’re fundamental parts of the Vampire: The Masquerade universe that should be included from day one.
Reddit users have been particularly vocal about the issue, with one comment noting: “They are a core clan as well, have been since 1st edition. Absolutely ludicrous to put them behind a paywall.”
How This Compares to Other VTM Games
The decision becomes even more questionable when you compare it to other Vampire: The Masquerade games. The original Bloodlines launched with seven clans, while other VTM titles have managed to include five or more clans in their base versions.
| Game | Base Game Clans | Total Clans |
|---|---|---|
| Original Bloodlines | 7 | 7 |
| Bloodlines 2 | 4 | 6 (with DLC) |
| Night Road | 5 | 11 (with DLC) |
What This Means for Gameplay
Each clan in Vampire: The Masquerade traditionally offers unique gameplay experiences, dialogue options, and story paths. The reduced selection of Bloodlines 2 clans at launch means less replay value and fewer ways to experience the game’s narrative.
The four launch clans seem designed around basic archetypes: warrior (Brujah), mage (Tremere), rogue (Banu Haqim), and socialite (Ventrue). While this covers the fundamental gameplay styles, it lacks the unique flavor that made clans like Nosferatu or Malkavian memorable in the original.
The Missing Fan Favorites
Notably absent from the Bloodlines 2 clans lineup are some of the most beloved options from the original game:
- Malkavian – The insane prophets with unique dialogue and story perspectives
- Nosferatu – The hideous information brokers who had to avoid public areas
- Gangrel – The bestial loners with shape-shifting abilities
These clans provided dramatically different gameplay experiences that encouraged multiple playthroughs. Their absence at launch is particularly disappointing for longtime fans.
FAQs About Bloodlines 2 Clans
How many clans are in Bloodlines 2 at launch?
Only four clans are available in the base game: Brujah, Tremere, Banu Haqim, and Ventrue.
Which clans are locked behind DLC?
Lasombra and Toreador clans are locked behind the $20 “Shadows & Silk” DLC pack.
Will more clans be added after launch?
Yes, additional story content and potentially more clans are planned for post-launch, but details are limited.
Can you unlock DLC clans without paying?
No, there’s currently no way to access Lasombra and Toreador without purchasing the DLC or premium edition.
How does this compare to the original Bloodlines?
The original game launched with seven clans, all included in the base price, making Bloodlines 2’s approach more restrictive.
Are the four launch clans enough for a complete experience?
While the four clans cover basic playstyles, they lack the unique narrative experiences that made certain clans special in the original game.
Looking Forward
The Bloodlines 2 clans controversy highlights a growing trend in gaming where core content gets carved out for DLC. While the game may still deliver an enjoyable vampire experience, the reduced clan selection at launch feels like a step backward from what made the original special.
For fans of the series, the decision to lock fundamental clans behind additional payments is frustrating. Whether this approach will hurt the game’s reception remains to be seen, but it’s already created negative buzz in the community.
The success of Bloodlines 2 will ultimately depend on how well those four launch clans are implemented and whether the overall experience justifies the controversial monetization approach. For now, players will have to decide if the base game’s limited clan selection is worth the entry price.