The Chinese Room has recently shared exciting updates about Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2, particularly focusing on the vampire hunters known as the Information Awareness Bureau (IAB). This faction operates on a shadow budget, devoid of official government backing, and hunts vampires—whom they call "Hollow Ones"—under the guise of "training exercises" and "counter-terrorism efforts."
Leading the IAB in Seattle is Agent Baker, a disciplined and pragmatic leader committed to the permanent eradication of vampires. Known as "The Hen" among her loyal followers, she earns this nickname through her unwavering authority and meticulous approach to investigating strange occurrences and historical data linked to the vampire underworld.
The hunters of the IAB are highly coordinated, guarding their base with both external and internal security measures. Confronting them solo is a daunting task due to their team-based operations, use of spotlights, and communication through portable radios. In combat, they wield thermic batons that ignore defensive tactics and deploy phosphorous grenades to flush enemies out of hiding. Their sniper crossbows shoot explosive bolts that can cause significant damage if not swiftly removed.
Despite their formidable presence, these hunters have vulnerabilities. Physically weaker than ghouls and vampires, they can be outmaneuvered with the right skills. For instance, characters with the Fire ability can intercept grenades or bolts in mid-air and hurl them back at the hunters. Players from 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, and will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. This game promises to deliver an immersive experience filled with strategic encounters against the cunning and resourceful IAB hunters.
