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Bloodborne Beginnings: Embracing the Hunt with Your First Weapon

So, you’ve just woken up on a gurney, covered in blood, in a creepy clinic. You’re in Bloodborne, and survival is paramount. The burning question on your mind is likely: Are you supposed to have a weapon at the start of Bloodborne? The direct answer is no, you do not start with a weapon in hand upon waking up in Iosefka’s Clinic. You begin the game unarmed, relying solely on your fists. However, this state of vulnerability is fleeting. After a brief, often brutal, encounter, you’ll quickly find yourself transported to the Hunter’s Dream, your sanctuary and a crucial hub. It’s here, amongst the spectral messengers, that you claim your first weapon and firearm, essential tools for surviving the hunt.

The Initial Gauntlet: Bare Knuckles and Beastly Encounters

The initial unarmed foray out of Iosefka’s Clinic serves as a harsh introduction to Bloodborne’s unforgiving world. You’ll encounter a werewolf – a terrifying creature that typically dispatches new players quickly. This encounter, while seemingly unfair, is designed to push you toward the Hunter’s Dream. Dying is, in a sense, part of the tutorial. It’s this death that allows you to access the Hunter’s Dream and finally arm yourself.

Embracing Death and Finding the Hunter’s Dream

Dying in Bloodborne isn’t a setback; it’s a pathway. Once you succumb to the werewolf or any other early threat, you awaken in the Hunter’s Dream. This serene, ethereal location serves as your base of operations throughout the game. Here, you can level up, repair weapons, purchase items, and, most importantly, acquire your initial weaponry.

Choosing Your Arsenal: The Messengers’ Gifts

Within the Hunter’s Dream, you’ll find spectral messengers waiting on the steps near the workshop. These ethereal beings offer you a choice of three Trick Weapons and one firearm. These aren’t merely starting weapons; they are tools that can define your playstyle for a significant portion of the game, so choose wisely.

The available Trick Weapons are:

Saw Cleaver: A versatile weapon that transforms between a short saw and a longer, more damaging cleaver. A solid choice for beginners, offering a balance of speed and power.
Hunter Axe: A slower, more powerful weapon with excellent range and crowd control capabilities. Ideal for players who prefer a more deliberate, strength-based approach.
Threaded Cane: A unique weapon that transforms from a cane into a bladed whip. Excels at crowd control and maintaining distance, making it suitable for skilled players who prioritize agility.

The initial firearm option is the Hunter Pistol, a reliable weapon for interrupting enemy attacks and setting up Visceral Attacks. Another option is the Hunter Blunderbuss, which has a spread that makes it great for close-quarters combat.

Strength vs. Skill: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

The best weapon choice depends heavily on your preferred playstyle and desired build. If you’re leaning towards a strength build, focusing on raw power and heavy attacks, the Hunter Axe or Saw Cleaver are excellent choices. For a skill build, emphasizing speed, precision, and Visceral Attacks, the Threaded Cane is a strong contender. The Saw Cleaver, with its balanced stats, remains a popular choice for beginners.

Mastering the Basics: Beyond the Weapon

Having a weapon is only the first step. Mastering the fundamental mechanics of Bloodborne is crucial for survival. This includes learning to:

Dodge: I-frames are your friend!
Rally: Regain lost health by attacking immediately after taking damage.
Parry: Use your firearm to interrupt enemy attacks and create openings for Visceral Attacks.
Manage Stamina: Every action consumes stamina, so avoid overexertion.
Explore and Loot: The world is filled with valuable items and resources.

Essential Early Game Tips

Explore Central Yharnam Thoroughly: Look for shortcuts and hidden areas.
Use Pebbles: Lure enemies away from groups for easier fights.
Upgrade Your Weapons: Use Blood Stone Shards to enhance their damage.
Purchase the Yharnam Armor Set: This early armor set offers a significant boost to your defense.

Bloodborne FAQs: Answering Your Burning Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the initial stages of Bloodborne and weapon acquisition:

1. What happens if I don’t pick a weapon in the Hunter’s Dream?

You absolutely must select a weapon and a firearm in the Hunter’s Dream to progress. The game won’t allow you to leave without them. If, for some reason, you leave the Hunter’s Dream without selecting a weapon and firearm, return to the Dream to select one.

2. Can I change my starting weapon later?

Yes, you can absolutely acquire and use other weapons throughout the game. The weapons you choose at the start are merely your initial tools; many more powerful and unique weapons await discovery. You can buy new weapons at the Bath Messengers store in Hunter’s Dream using Blood Echoes or find them scattered throughout the world.

3. What is the best starting weapon for a beginner?

The Saw Cleaver is widely considered the best starting weapon for beginners. Its balanced damage, speed, and transform attacks make it versatile and easy to learn. It scales well with both Strength and Skill, allowing for flexibility in build development.

4. Is it better to start with the Hunter Axe or the Saw Cleaver?

This depends on your playstyle. The Hunter Axe is more powerful and has better range, but it’s slower. The Saw Cleaver is faster and more versatile. If you prefer a more aggressive, fast-paced style, the Saw Cleaver is a better choice. If you prefer a more methodical, powerful approach, the Hunter Axe might be more appealing.

5. Should I focus on Strength or Skill early on?

It’s generally recommended to focus on either Strength or Skill, depending on your chosen weapon. However, early on, it’s wise to level Vitality to increase your health. Consider getting vitality to 30 before really focusing too much on strength or skill.

6. How important is the gun in Bloodborne?

The gun is crucial for parrying and interrupting enemy attacks. Mastering the timing of gunshots is essential for performing Visceral Attacks, which deal massive damage. Some builds rely heavily on firearms for damage, but for beginners, their utility lies primarily in parrying.

7. What is the point of Blood Echoes?

Blood Echoes are the primary currency in Bloodborne. You use them to level up your character, purchase items, and repair weapons. They’re dropped when you die, so retrieving them is crucial. If you die before retrieving them, they will disappear! Unless, an enemy picks them up. If an enemy picks them up they have glowing eyes.

8. Is Bloodborne harder than Dark Souls?

This is subjective, but many players find Bloodborne’s faster combat and more aggressive enemies to be more challenging than Dark Souls, at least initially.

9. What are some early-game areas I should explore?

Beyond Central Yharnam, explore the Aqueduct area and the Cathedral Ward. These areas contain valuable items and resources. Be cautious, as these areas also house formidable enemies.

10. How do I level up in Bloodborne?

You can level up by speaking to the Doll in the Hunter’s Dream after obtaining at least one Insight. Insight is gained by discovering bosses, using certain items, or defeating bosses.

11. What is Insight used for?

Insight is a secondary currency that affects the game world. It can reveal hidden enemies, alter enemy behavior, and influence item drops. It’s also used to summon other players for co-op. You can use insight to buy items from the Insight Bath Messengers.

12. What should I buy first from the Bath Messengers?

The Yharnam Hunter Set armor is a priority purchase as it significantly increases your defense and helps you survive early encounters.

13. Should I always lock on to enemies?

Locking on is useful for focusing on single targets and performing precise attacks, but it can restrict your movement. In crowded areas or against fast-moving enemies, it’s often better to unlock and manually control your character’s movement.

14. What are the best stats to level up early in Bloodborne?

Vitality (health) is the most important stat to level up early. After that, focus on either Strength or Skill, depending on your chosen weapon and build.

15. What should I do if I’m stuck on a boss?

Don’t be afraid to summon other players for co-op assistance. Alternatively, revisit previous areas to farm Blood Echoes and level up, or experiment with different strategies and weapons. Do not give up, hunter!

Bloodborne and the Science of Learning

Video games can be powerful tools for learning. The cycle of exploration, challenge, and reward inherent in games like Bloodborne can foster resilience, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of complex systems. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are dedicated to exploring the educational potential of games. To learn more about how games can be used for education, visit https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society believes in the power of learning from games!

Embrace the Hunt

Bloodborne is a challenging but rewarding game. The initial hours can be daunting, but by understanding the fundamental mechanics and making informed choices about your starting weapon and build, you’ll be well-equipped to face the horrors that await in Yharnam. Remember: Fear the Old Blood!