By Bloody good show
Following a widespread backlash against Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 and its paywalled clans, publisher Paradox Interactive and developer The Chinese Room have officially ditched their DLC plans.
Two clans — which basically act as your character’s class — were set to be locked behind a paid DLC pack, or the game’s expensive Premium Edition.
However, the whole thing came under intense scrutiny as soon as the information was made public, and now, the pressure has paid off. Both of the aforementioned clans — Lasombra and Toreador — will be included in the base game.
“Thanks to our community for the frank feedback on Bloodlines 2 and the Premium Edition. That feedback made it clear: Lasombra and Toreador belong in the base game, so that is what we are doing,” states executive producer Marco Behrmann.
This backtracking doesn’t really excuse the fact that the DLC plans were put in place to begin with, but at least we’ve reached a favourable conclusion. What’s more, refunds on the Premium Edition were handed out last week.
Of course, Paradox is quick to point out that Bloodlines 2 will still feature a hefty amount of paid DLC. As showcased in the above trailer, two ‘Story Packs’ are coming in 2026, offering up the perspectives of other characters.
Premium Edition buyers get them as part of the package, or you can access them via an Expansion Pass — which costs $34.99 / £28.99 / €34.99. They’ll also be purchasable separately at $14.99 / £12.99 / €14.99.
Are you glad to see those DLC plans get canned? Are you looking forward to Bloodlines 2? Gorge yourself in the comments section below.
Robert (or Rob if you’re lazy) is an assistant editor of Push Square, and has been a fan of PlayStation since the 90s, when Tekken 2 introduced him to the incredible world of video games. He still takes his fighting games seriously, but RPGs are his true passion. The Witcher, Persona, Dragon Quest, Mass Effect, Final Fantasy, Trails, Tales — he’s played ’em all. A little too much, some might say.