Table of Contents

Where Can I Find a Blood Rock in Bloodborne? A Comprehensive Guide

The coveted Blood Rock in Bloodborne is the key to unlocking the full potential of your weapons, enabling you to reach that crucial +10 upgrade. This ultimate upgrade material, however, is notoriously rare, making its acquisition a significant undertaking. This article will detail exactly where you can find these precious items, offering a comprehensive guide for aspiring hunters seeking to maximize their arsenal.

Understanding the Blood Rock’s Rarity

Before we dive into locations, it’s crucial to understand the Blood Rock’s significance and its limited availability. Unlike Blood Stone Shards or even Blood Stone Chunks, the Blood Rock is extremely scarce. It is not farmable in the traditional sense, and each method of acquisition has its own challenges and limitations. This rarity emphasizes its value and makes securing every single one a strategic goal for any serious Bloodborne player.

Guaranteed Blood Rock Locations

Here are the locations where you can be absolutely certain to find a Blood Rock within a playthrough. Note that these locations are only guaranteed once per New Game (NG) cycle.

1. The Nightmare of Mensis

Location: This is the most commonly known location for your first Blood Rock. You’ll find it in the late-game area, the Nightmare of Mensis.
Specifics: From the Mergo’s Loft: Middle lamp checkpoint, you’ll need to take the cage elevator just outside. While riding the elevator, you must jump through a broken window. This leap is often tricky for newcomers. You’ll land on a bridge swarming with the formidable Winter Lanterns. The Blood Rock is located at the end of this bridge.
Challenges: Navigating the bridge with Winter Lanterns is perilous. These enemies inflict Frenzy, a status ailment that can quickly kill you. Be prepared with Sedatives and strategies to avoid their gaze.

2. The Old Hunters DLC

Location: The second guaranteed Blood Rock is found within the Old Hunters DLC, in the area near the end called the Fishing Hamlet.
Specifics: After entering the Lighthouse Hut area and progressing through the level, you’ll eventually enter a cave system beneath the lighthouse. There will be enemies resembling shell-less, hunchback creatures. One of these will scurry into a small, dark cave. Follow it into the cave; the Blood Rock is located at the back.
Challenges: The enemies here are tough, and the area itself is complex. Expect a tough fight getting through this part of the DLC.

Obtaining Blood Rocks Through Other Methods

While the above two are guaranteed finds, you can obtain more Blood Rocks through less certain methods.

1. Chalice Dungeons

Method: Farming Chalice Dungeons is a method, albeit less consistent, for obtaining Blood Rocks.
Specifics: Depth 5 Root Chalice Dungeons have a chance for their final bosses to drop a Blood Rock. This is more of a luck-based approach than anything, but it can be infinitely repeated, meaning technically infinite opportunities for a drop.
Rarity: Drops are rare. So, this method involves a great deal of farming and patience. This also means that you’ll need to have a significant understanding of the Chalice Dungeons mechanics and a high-level character.
The Isz Chalice: Specifically, it’s worth noting that you can find one guaranteed blood rock in the Root Isz Chalice, without additional offerings. The blood rock will be located in a sarcophagus in the very first treasure area before layer 1, guarded by a Brainsucker.

2. Purchasing with Insight

Method: Once you’ve defeated the boss Mergo’s Wet Nurse, you can purchase Blood Rocks from the Insight Bath Messengers in the Hunter’s Dream.
Cost: They cost a hefty 60 Insight each. This makes them expensive and not always viable, but a decent option if you have excess insight or are close to upgrading another weapon.
Limitations: Insight can be difficult to acquire in large quantities, and there are other uses for it, so be mindful about spending it on Blood Rocks.

Maximizing Your Blood Rock Count

Given the scarcity of Blood Rocks, maximizing your gains is essential.

Thorough Exploration: Ensure you thoroughly explore every area in the game, including optional locations and the DLC. The guaranteed Blood Rocks are only available if you actually explore the locations.
Efficient Farming: If farming Chalice Dungeons, focus on Depth 5 Root Dungeons and prepare for long farming sessions. Ensure your character is sufficiently leveled to manage the difficulty.
Insight Management: Be thoughtful with your insight spending. Consider your other needs for Insight before splurging on Blood Rocks, as you may find other items more important.
New Game+ Each New Game+ cycle allows you to collect the guaranteed blood rocks again. The game difficulty increases with each cycle, but so do your character’s capabilities.

Conclusion

Blood Rocks are the pinnacle of weapon upgrades in Bloodborne, allowing you to achieve the maximum potential with your hunter’s arsenal. While rare, they are obtainable through exploration, patience, and sometimes a bit of luck. By understanding the methods outlined here, and planning your hunts accordingly, you can secure the Blood Rocks you need to become the most powerful hunter in Yharnam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many Blood Rocks are there in Bloodborne?

There are technically two guaranteed Blood Rocks per playthrough – one in Nightmare of Mensis and another in the Old Hunters DLC. Additional Blood Rocks can be obtained through Chalice Dungeons and by purchasing them with Insight in NG+.

2. Can you farm Blood Rocks?

Technically, yes, you can farm Blood Rocks through the Chalice Dungeons, particularly Depth 5 Root Chalices. The drop rate is low, so it requires significant patience and farming.

3. When can I buy Blood Rocks?

You can buy Blood Rocks from the Insight Bath Messengers after defeating the boss, Mergo’s Wet Nurse, for 60 insight a piece.

4. Is there only one Blood Rock per playthrough?

No. You are guaranteed to find one in Nightmare of Mensis and one in the Old Hunter DLC. Additional blood rocks can be obtained through Chalice Dungeons and buying them in NG+.

5. Is the Blood Rock in Chalice Dungeons guaranteed?

No, the Blood Rock is not guaranteed to drop from the final boss in Chalice Dungeons. It’s a rare drop, and you need to farm them with the hope of getting a drop. There is, however, one guaranteed Blood Rock in the Root Isz Chalice, in the first treasure area.

6. Can you get Blood Rocks from any Chalice Dungeon?

Not all Chalice Dungeons. Only Depth 5 Root Chalice Dungeons have a chance of dropping a Blood Rock from their final boss.

7. What is the easiest way to get a Blood Rock in Bloodborne?

The easiest, guaranteed way to get a Blood Rock is to obtain the first one in Nightmare of Mensis. This is, however, also a very challenging part of the game.

8. Does the Blood Rock respawn in NG+?

Yes, the guaranteed Blood Rocks in Nightmare of Mensis and the Old Hunters DLC respawn in New Game+.

9. How much Insight do Blood Rocks cost?

Blood Rocks cost 60 Insight each when purchased from the Insight Bath Messengers in the Hunter’s Dream.

10. What level do I need to farm Blood Rocks?

There isn’t a specific level requirement, but you’ll need to be adequately leveled to handle the late-game enemies and bosses found in Depth 5 Chalice Dungeons. Most players suggest being level 90 or higher before engaging with these.

11. Can Blood Rocks drop from regular enemies?

No, Blood Rocks only drop from Chalice Dungeon bosses, or the specific, guaranteed locations.

12. How do I access the Nightmare of Mensis?

You need to progress through the game and defeat Rom, the Vacuous Spider. This triggers the blood moon and unlocks access to Yahar’gul, Unseen Village, which is the gateway to the Nightmare of Mensis.

13. What are the best Blood Gems to use with a +10 weapon?

The Nourishing Abyssal Blood Gem is highly regarded for its damage boost. However, there are many other blood gems to consider depending on the weapon, and your specific playstyle. Experiment to find the right ones for your setup.

14. Should I use my Blood Stone Shards?

Yes, Blood Stone Shards are essential to upgrade your weapons up to +3. Don’t hesitate to use these when you can to improve the attack power of your weapons. You will obtain many of these as you progress through the game.

15. What is the blood moon, and how does it affect the game?

The blood moon is triggered by approaching the Woman in Bride’s Dress after defeating Rom, the Vacuous Spider. It changes the world, making certain areas accessible, and unlocking new events and enemies.

Where can I find a Blood Rock in bloodborne?