Is Blood-Starved Beast Necessary in Bloodborne?
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The short answer is: No, the Blood-Starved Beast is not a mandatory boss in Bloodborne. While encountering this terrifying creature in Old Yharnam might feel like a crucial step, it is, in fact, optional. However, labeling it as unnecessary might be a bit misleading, as defeating the Blood-Starved Beast unlocks several significant benefits and offers a unique challenge for players exploring the gothic world of Bloodborne. This article will delve into why you might want to face this horrifying beast, even if you don’t have to, and answer some of the most pressing questions surrounding it.
Why Fight the Blood-Starved Beast?
Even though you can bypass the Blood-Starved Beast and still progress through Bloodborne, there are compelling reasons to confront this formidable foe. The most immediate reason is the reward: defeating the Blood-Starved Beast grants you 6,600 Blood Echoes, the Pthumeru Chalice, and three Insight.
Key Rewards
- Blood Echoes: These are the primary currency in Bloodborne, used for leveling up and purchasing items. 6,600 blood echoes at this stage of the game is a significant boost for progression.
- Pthumeru Chalice: This crucial item unlocks the Chalice Dungeons, an entirely separate gameplay mode where you can explore unique dungeons filled with powerful enemies and exclusive loot. If you desire to experience everything Bloodborne has to offer, venturing into the Chalice Dungeons is essential and the Pthumeru Chalice is your first key.
- Insight: Insight influences the game world, making certain enemies more dangerous and revealing hidden aspects of the game. It is also used for various purchases at the Insight Bath Merchant. Three insight gained here is a nice bonus.
Unlocking Key Locations
Additionally, defeating the Blood-Starved Beast unlocks the Hunter Chief Emblem in the Shop. This emblem, purchased for 10,000 blood echoes, is a key item needed to open the main gate in the Cathedral Ward, allowing access to the next major area of the game. Alternatively, you can also progress by defeating Cleric Beast first. If you don’t fight Cleric Beast, defeating the Blood-Starved Beast opens a door in Oedon Chapel.
Unique Enemy Encounters
After slaying the Blood-Starved Beast, you will encounter new enemy type: Snatchers appearing across the Cathedral Ward and Forbidden Woods. This doesn’t exactly make the game easier, but it will offer more insight into the game world. Defeating the Snatchers will eventually bring you to another area of the game.
The Challenge of the Blood-Starved Beast
The Blood-Starved Beast is considered a significant difficulty spike for many players in Bloodborne. Unlike the slower Cleric Beast or the parry-able Father Gascoigne, the Blood-Starved Beast is fast, aggressive, and inflicts poison. This requires a different combat strategy involving using items such as Pungent Blood Cocktails to distract her and focusing on mobility and timing. Many newer players cite her as the first boss they struggled greatly with. Overcoming this challenge provides not only in-game rewards but also a sense of accomplishment and experience in Bloodborne’s unique gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Cleric Beast also an optional boss?
While the Cleric Beast is often considered the first boss, it can technically be skipped. However, you will need to kill the Cleric Beast eventually to progress as he drops an important item. It can be skipped in favor of fighting Father Gascoigne first.
2. What is the reward for beating the Cleric Beast?
Defeating the Cleric Beast rewards you with the Sword Hunter Badge, which allows you to purchase new weapons at the Hunter’s Dream, and 1,000 Blood Echoes, and one Insight. It also unlocks the main door to Cathedral Ward and allows players to progress the game.
3. Can I skip both the Cleric Beast and the Blood-Starved Beast?
No, you must defeat either the Cleric Beast or the Blood-Starved Beast to progress in the game. There are no other methods of entering the Cathedral Ward area.
4. Is Blood-Starved Beast harder than other early bosses?
Many players find the Blood-Starved Beast more difficult than the Cleric Beast and Father Gascoigne. Its erratic movements, fast attacks, and poison make it a significant challenge for new players.
5. What are the Chalice Dungeons?
The Chalice Dungeons are a separate gameplay mode accessed through the Hunter’s Dream. They consist of procedurally generated dungeons filled with unique enemies and loot, providing an additional level of challenge and replayability.
6. Does the Blood-Starved Beast drop anything else besides the Pthumeru Chalice?
Yes, boss versions of the Blood-Starved Beast in the Chalice Dungeons drop additional Chalices: the Lower Hintertomb Chalice and the Ailing Loran Root Chalice. The Blood-Starved Beast in Old Yharnam only drops the Pthumeru Chalice.
7. What are Pungent Blood Cocktails used for in the Blood-Starved Beast fight?
Pungent Blood Cocktails can be used to distract the Blood-Starved Beast, allowing players to create openings for attacks or healing opportunities. She is attracted to the smell of the cocktail and will attack it.
8. Is the Blood-Starved Beast a female?
Yes, the Blood-Starved Beast is confirmed to be female. This is supported by her in-game lore as she shares unique poison applying characteristics with female Blood Patients.
9. Can you summon help for the Blood-Starved Beast fight?
Yes, you can summon NPC Alfred to assist you during the Blood-Starved Beast fight. You will need at least one Insight to do so and his summon sign is near the boss arena.
10. What happens when I get poisoned by the Blood-Starved Beast?
The Blood-Starved Beast’s poison is very dangerous. The poison meter fills up rapidly and will inflict high damage to your health for a certain period. Be sure to use Antidotes to prevent the worst of this damage. You can also equip gear to increase poison resistance.
11. Is there an easy strategy for beating the Blood-Starved Beast?
Yes, a common strategy involves using Pungent Blood Cocktails to distract the beast, combined with aggressive attacks when she is not focused on you. Having fire paper to ignite your weapons will also greatly increase damage against her.
12. If the Blood-Starved Beast is optional, why is she so tough?
The Blood-Starved Beast serves as a skill check for players. She is meant to be a difficult boss to test the player’s combat abilities and reward mastery of the game’s combat mechanics.
13. What are the Snatchers that appear after the Blood-Starved Beast is defeated?
Snatchers are tall, cloaked enemies that wield large sacks. They kidnap players upon death and bring you to the Hypogean Gaol area. These enemies can be a pain at first, but eventually are a great source of blood echoes.
14. What is the hardest boss in Bloodborne?
While opinions vary, Orphan of Kos is often considered the most difficult boss in Bloodborne due to its relentless attacks and unpredictable behavior. The community generally agrees that this boss is the hardest the game has to offer.
15. Is it worth fighting the Blood-Starved Beast if I’m struggling?
Absolutely. While optional, the rewards, especially the Pthumeru Chalice and experience gained from overcoming the challenge make the fight worthwhile. If you’re struggling, consider using Pungent Blood Cocktails, summon assistance, and upgrading your weapons. If you still find the fight too much of a struggle, you can skip the fight at this time and come back later once you’ve gained more levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Blood-Starved Beast is not a mandatory boss in Bloodborne, defeating her offers significant rewards, unlocks essential gameplay features, and provides a unique test of skill for players. Even if you choose to progress through another path, coming back to face this terrifying beast is a rite of passage that is highly recommended for any player who wishes to fully experience everything Bloodborne has to offer.