The highly anticipated Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 offers players the option to choose from six unique Clans, each featuring distinctive strengths and playstyles. Selecting the best Clan to start your character creation can feel like a pivotal choice.
In the context of Vampire: The Masquerade, “Clans”signifies the various vampiric bloodlines from which players can draw their characters. Your Clan affiliation shapes the vampiric powers and abilities available to your character, akin to a genetic inheritance. In gaming terms, your Clan here effectively acts as your starting class, defining your initial skills and overarching playstyle.
Although VTMB2 hasn’t been in development since the original game’s release 21 years ago, the lengthy wait can make it feel as if it has. Consequently, both seasoned fans and newcomers may experience some uncertainty when aligning with an unfamiliar Clan. This article delineates each playable Clan in VTMB2, along with their strengths, mastery ratings, and advice on the optimal choice for your introductory playthrough.
Selecting Your Clan in VTMB2
- Best First Playthrough Clan: Ventrue
- Top Offensive Clan: Brujah
- Best Ranged Stealth Clan: Tremere
- Most Defensive Clan: Toreador
- Best Melee Stealth Clan: Banu Haqim
- Most Challenging Clan: Lasombra
Before selecting your Nomad’s Clan, you’ll navigate through a tutorial quest designed to familiarize you with the fundamental abilities that will be essential throughout your adventure. Once you’ve completed this, you’ll arrive at your starting haven, where you’ll be prompted to choose your Clan for this playthrough.
It’s important to note that, unlike in the original game, selecting one Clan does not completely restrict access to the powers of the others; however, it determines which abilities you possess an innate affinity for while making it more challenging to learn others’ unique skills.
Below, we will outline the six playable Clans in VTMB2, ranking them based on suitability for a first-time playthrough. This ranking is primarily based on ease of use, rather than quality, as all Clans can offer rewarding experiences when mastered.
Ventrue
- Clan Affinities: Dominate, Presence
- Mastery Rating: Easy
The Ventrue, despite their lofty demeanor, stand out as the most accessible Clan, earning an Easy mastery rating. They serve as versatile all-rounders, combining physical prowess with significant social influence and crowd control abilities. For newcomers to the series, the Ventrue presents an excellent starting point, while experienced players may enjoy re-exploring the game through their unique lens.
Brujah
- Clan Affinities: Celerity, Presence, Potence
- Mastery Rating: Normal
The Brujah Clan excels in both strength and speed, embodying a combat-forward approach. They thrive in melee confrontations, making them a robust choice for players during their initial playthrough. As you navigate the mechanics of Bloodlines 2, the Brujah’s high physical resistance aids in overcoming challenges, allowing for a more straightforward gameplay experience.
Tremble
- Clan Affinities: Dominate, Blood Sorcery
- Mastery Rating: Normal
The Tremere offers a mage-like experience within the game, focusing on powerful blood magic. Their capabilities lend well to stealth and ranged combat, allowing for significant damage output against foes. However, players should be mindful of their low physical resistance and the necessity for precise spellcasting to avoid unintended consequences. While tricky for beginners, those who enjoy stealth may find the Tremere a compelling option for their first run.
Toreador
- Clan Affinities: Celerity, Presence
- Mastery Rating: Normal
The Toreador Clan personifies charm and artistic allure, frequently immersed in social situations rather than combat. Their strengths lie in seduction and diplomacy, showcasing a unique blend of vampire abilities. Players opting for Toreador can expect to maneuver through encounters with wit rather than brawn, providing a different style of gameplay experience.
Banu Haqim
- Clan Affinities: Celerity, Blood Sorcery, Obfuscate
- Mastery Rating: Hard
Making their official video game debut in VTMB2, the Banu Haqim Clan prioritizes quick, precise attacks. They blend stealth with sorcery, allowing for swift conclusions to encounters. However, mastering this Clan demands experience and dexterity, making it advisable to reserve them for a subsequent playthrough once you’re familiar with the game mechanics.
Lasombra
- Clan Affinities: Dominate, Potence, Oblivion
- Mastery Rating: Hard
Renowned for their complexity, the Lasombra Clan invites ambitious players to explore their unique abilities focused on shadow manipulation. While their low physical resistance poses challenges, they present fascinating narrative opportunities due to evolving lore. With a storied history and transitioning allegiances, the Lasombra are an enticing choice for players seeking depth during a replay.
In selecting your Clan, remember that this decision is essential, but it is merely one of many significant choices that await you in Bloodlines 2.
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