Unleashing Carnage: The Ultimate Guide to Bloodborne's DLC Weapons

Bloodborne remains one of FromSoftware's most iconic releases, even after almost a decade, and its influence can be felt in many modern action RPGs. The base game was a classic title of the PS4 era, but the Old Hunters DLC expansion took it to the next level, earning it the status of a masterpiece for many players.

Despite offering fewer equipment options than its predecessors, Bloodborne's weapons were incredibly deep in terms of both gameplay and design. The Old Hunters expansion added several new Trick Weapons and Firearms, some of which have become the most memorable and iconic weapon concepts in FromSoftware's history.

The Old Hunters’ Firearms Ranked

The DLC expansion for Bloodborne introduced several unconventional ideas for new sidearms. However, they failed to match the effectiveness of the already dominant base game options. The DLC weapons were mostly niche and, without the iconic vanilla guns to overshadow them, they ranked generously but still only in the C Tier.

Loch Shield, a variant of the Wooden Shield from the base game, is primarily designed for magical defense. However, unlike in other Souls games, this equipment fails to inspire much excitement in the players of Bloodborne. This rare non-gun item requires a significant amount of effort and occupies a sidearm slot, making it less desirable than the average pistol. It wouldn't rank high on a list of Bloodborne's best weapons.

The Fist of Gratia, despite its impressive concept, falls short in performance compared to other weapons in the game. Even though it is a fist weapon, it fails to outdo guns that can attack from a longer range. As a result, only advanced players seeking a challenge would consider using it seriously. It's unfortunate that this weapon doesn't live up to its potential, but it still earns a spot in the B tier.

weapon in Bloodborne, the Church Cannon is a less potent alternative to the game's infamous Cannon. While its speed and lower Quicksilver Bullet consumption may appeal to some players, its lower damage output makes it a difficult choice for many. Despite its inferiority to the original, the Church Cannon still holds its place as a solid A Tier weapon.

: The Gatling Gun is a beast of a weapon, boasting high damage output and an impressive rate of fire. As a stationary weapon, it can be used to mow down enemies from a distance, making it particularly effective in certain boss fights. It does require a substantial amount of Strength to wield, but for players who invest in this stat, it can be a game-changer. Overall, the Gatling Gun is a top-tier choice for those looking to deal serious damage in Bloodborne.

Gatling Gun: Despite its high stat requirements, this formidable firearm is capable of taking down enemies solely with Quicksilver Bullets. It can easily tear through Bloodborne's resilient NPC hunters and bosses, making it a valuable addition to any player's arsenal. In fact, the Gatling Gun is one of the most powerful and memorable firearms in the game's base options and is undoubtedly the strongest gun introduced in the DLC. Its resource consumption is substantial, but its effectiveness in battle is well worth the investment.

The Old Hunters’ Trick Weapons Ranked

The DLC firearms in Bloodborne exhibit a significant difference in strength, while the Trick Weapons remain consistent. However, the new weapons added in The Old Hunters bring a refreshing diversity to the game. It's impressive to note that some of the game's iconic arms were not present in the original version, proving FromSoftware's aptitude in expanding their titles.

The Boom Hammer, while boasting an impressive concept, falls short in execution as it underperforms in damage output despite its slow speed. Its lack of an actual transformation and reliance on a charged up elemental fire attack detracts from its potential to be a standout weapon in Bloodborne. In comparison to the more accessible and versatile Kirkhammer, which boasts better speed and a transformation form, the Boom Hammer is a derivative and less viable option. However, the DLC offers a range of weapons that do not share the same shortcomings as the Boom Hammer.

The Beast Cutter, a heavier version of the Threaded Cane, has decent range and a serrated trick that adds to its versatility. However, its mediocre damage output due to poor stat scaling places it in the lower tier of weapons. Nevertheless, experienced hunters can still make good use of the Beast Cutter in specific situations. The Bloodletter, a massive mace-like weapon, boasts impressive damage from its stat scaling, but its requirement of sacrificing 20% of health for effective usage limits its popularity to niche players. Although it can serve as the Bloodborne Strength build's equivalent to the Chikage katana, most players are drawn to the Bloodletter's unique appearance.

The Amgydalan Arm in Bloodborne is a peculiar Trick Weapon that can be difficult to master but can be highly effective for those who like to fight with a tricky style. While its transformation between the Club and Scythe weapon types makes it a niche option, the still-living monster limb is surprisingly viable with dedication to learning its unique moveset. The Kos Parasite is an unconventional choice that can be powerful with Arcane builds, transforming the player into an alien-like creature when paired with the Milkweed Rune. Its confusing tendrils can catch opponents off-guard, but its availability is limited by a late-game Rune requirement and a challenging boss fight. Finally, the Rakuyo, Lady Maria's signature weapon, is a fan-favorite due to its excellent Skill stat scaling and diverse moveset that alternates between a double-bladed sword and a saber and dagger combo. Its dual-wielding capabilities make it a classic Trick Weapon.

The Church Pick is a highly effective weapon that is often overlooked by players. Its raw, untransformed state is simple yet incredibly powerful, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a straightforward approach. With its combination of the Serrated and Righteous properties, it deals extra damage against Beast and creepy enemies, respectively. Additionally, its Thrust property increases the damage of Visceral Attacks, making it a versatile option for Bloodborne's PvP.

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The Whirligig Saw is a fan-favorite weapon in Bloodborne, known for its brutal effectiveness and satisfying gameplay. It has even made an appearance in the upcoming game Elden Ring, showcasing its enduring popularity among fans. Despite being difficult to obtain, players have built entire strategies around the power of this weapon, making it a true icon of the game's arsenal. Its ability to take down even the most fearsome enemies cements Bloodborne's reputation for delivering unforgettable weapons.

Bloodborne is available now on PS4.