Today Paradox and The Chinese Room revealed the third playable clan for the upcoming action RPG Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2, Banu Haqim.
This is the third clan revealed as playable in the game, following the Brujah and the Tremere.
In terms of gameplay, this clan focuses on stalking, assassination, and the ability to outmaneuver enemies, using their stealth to silently take down their prey.
This is certainly one of the more peculiar choices for playable clans, and it's interesting that The Chinese Room picked it.
You can get a glimpse of it in action below, while we're still waiting for the full gameplay reveal which will come in January.
The press release includes a statement from The Chinese Room Project Creative Director Alex Skidmore, who explains more about the clan and what choosing it means in terms of gameplay.
Making Phyre a Banu Haqim changes how players approach combat, offering a unique perspective to the game’s world
Players must approach encounters carefully to make the most of this clan’s gifts, timing their strikes with finesse and precision to achieve their goals. These Kindred are patient and careful, making them ideal for players looking for a strategic experience.
We also hear from Executive Vice President of World of Darkness at Paradox Interactive Sean Greaney.
Banu Haqim are scholars, warriors, and guardians in Vampire: The Masquerade. Players eagerly awaiting a more tactical playstyle are getting the clan they’ve been anticipating
Each clan has distinct qualities that fulfill a unique player fantasy and shape how they experience Bloodlines 2. Kindred clans in Vampire: The Masquerade have their own long-lived worlds filled with history, motivations, and power structures.
The Chinese Room has done an expert job translating these complex entities into an impactful RPG experience that is meaningful to players and feels at home in World of Darkness.
Below you can also take a look at a render showing what our customizable protagonist Phyre may look like as a Banu Haqim kindred. Of course, you're not stuck with this look as you can personalize Phyre's look, gender, and more.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 will be released in fall 2024 or PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Incidentally, we know that two more playable clans will be coming after release as DLC, promising new ways to enjoy the game. At the moment, we don't know any specifics about how that will be achieved.
