Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 writer Paradox is now providing PlayStation Retailer pre-order refunds because it makes “massive modifications” after a backlash to its choice to lock clans behind DLC.
The furore started with the affirmation that Bloodlines 2 would function 4 clans: Brujah; Tremere; Banu Haqim; and Ventrue. Whereas this choice offers 4 totally different beginning choices for the way you construct your protagonist, it’s a extra restricted providing in comparison with the cult basic unique Bloodlines, which featured seven clans.
Developer The Chinese language Room added an additional two clans to Bloodlines 2 (Lasombra and Toreador), however these have been solely obtainable as a part of the Shadows and Silk add-on pack, which prices $21.99 as DLC, or included as a part of the $89.99 Premium Version. The usual version prices $59.99.
This DLC is out there from day one, which has created the impression that the “full” roster has been carved up, with solely these paying further getting the whole launch expertise. As you’d anticipate, followers have been fast to precise their dissatisfaction.
At gamescom 2025, a consultant for writer Paradox informed IGN the choice was a “enterprise” knowledgeable alternative, prompting additional outcry. Then, final month, a put up on Discord from Paradox recommended a major change can be coming forward of launch, and now the writer has gone one step additional by issuing PlayStation Retailer pre-order refunds.
“Hello,” a put up on social media on the official Bloodlines 2 account started. “We’re making changes and can share the main points on Sept 17. Huge modifications take time, and we wish to do that proper.
“PS Retailer pre-orders will probably be refunded on Sept 8. You’ll be capable to pre-order once more earlier than launch on Oct 21.
“Thanks to your endurance; we’ll share extra quickly!”
Followers at the moment are questioning whether or not Paradox will embrace Lasombra and Toreador by default and never as DLC at base sport worth. Actually, the sentiment on-line is that’s the expectation.
“Truthfully nothing in need of totally together with them at base sport worth will flip me round on this,” mentioned one social media consumer in response to the announcement. “In any other case I am skipping.”
“The one technique to salvage this and regain belief with the group is to promote the bottom sport as-is with all clans obtainable and relatively promote DLC with new facet tales and cosmetics on the facet or simply add the cosmetics/facet tales as half of a better tier eg deluxe version/premium version, as that will not mess with the principle story/narrative and so on,” mentioned one other.
Some expressed thanks for the response to the backlash. “I am very excited and hopeful to see what you got here up with for the 2 clans locked behind DLC situation,” mentioned one fan. “I would wish to thanks for listening to group suggestions and dealing to repair the difficulty. I am positive refunding retailer pre-orders was not a simple choice.”
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 has suffered a tough growth and numerous high-profile delays, however it’s a essential launch for Paradox. The writer will probably be eager to provide it one of the best probability doable to succeed, and backtracking on its DLC plans could be the solely viable possibility at this stage. Whilst you wait to seek out out, take a look at IGN’s Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 hands-on preview.
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Wesley is Director, Information at IGN. Discover him on Twitter at @wyp100. You’ll be able to attain Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
