A recent development update from The Chinese Room sheds light on the vampire hunters in Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. This shadowy faction, the Information Awareness Bureau (IAB), operates outside official government channels, relying on a clandestine budget. Their agents hunt vampires, or "Hollow Ones," under the guise of "training exercises" and "counter-terrorism operations."
Agent Baker, the IAB's Seattle leader, is a pragmatic and disciplined operative committed to the complete eradication of vampires. She meticulously investigates unusual events, poring over historical records to uncover the links to the hidden vampire world. Her unwavering command has earned her the moniker "The Hen" amongst her loyal team.
These hunters are highly organized, maintaining rigorous security at their base, both internally and externally. Confronting them solo is incredibly difficult; they operate in coordinated teams, utilizing spotlights and maintaining communication via portable radios. In combat, they employ thermic batons, bypassing standard defenses, and phosphorous grenades to flush enemies from cover. Their sniper crossbows unleash explosive bolts that inflict significant damage if not swiftly removed.
However, these hunters aren't unbeatable. Physically weaker than both ghouls and vampires, they are vulnerable to specific skills. For instance, Fire-based abilities can intercept and redirect their grenades and bolts. Players can also utilize the Ventrue clan's powers to possess an enemy and turn them against their own team.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is slated for release in the first half of 2025 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.