The Chinese Room's recent update sheds light on Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2's intriguing vampire hunters: the Information Awareness Bureau (IAB). Operating on a clandestine budget, independent of official government sanction, the IAB hunts vampires, or "Hollow Ones," under the guise of training exercises and counter-terrorism operations.
Agent Baker, the Seattle branch leader, is a disciplined pragmatist committed to the permanent eradication of vampires. She meticulously investigates unusual events, poring over historical records to uncover links to the hidden vampire world. This unwavering dedication has earned her the moniker "The Hen" amongst her fiercely loyal team.
The IAB hunters are highly coordinated, maintaining a robust security perimeter around their base. Engaging them solo is incredibly difficult; they operate in well-trained teams, utilizing spotlights and maintaining communication via portable radios. Their arsenal includes thermic batons, bypassing typical vampire defenses, and phosphorous grenades to flush enemies from cover. Their sniper crossbows fire explosive bolts, inflicting devastating damage unless swiftly removed.
But these hunters aren't unbeatable. Physically weaker than both ghouls and vampires, they possess vulnerabilities exploitable through specific skills. For instance, fire powers can intercept and redirect grenades or bolts mid-flight. Alternatively, the Ventrue clan's powers allow players to possess an enemy, turning 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.
