Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 stirred up controversy among fans for its DLC strategy, particularly in how it was locking away two of the game’s six vampire clans as launch-day DLC. Developer The Chinese Room has walked this back; the Lasombra and Toreador clans will be part of the base game at release.
Originally, the Lasombra and Toreador clans were going to be offered as DLC for $21.99 and as part of the $89.99 Premium Edition. Since this extra content would be available at launch, many fans, who were already upset that the sequel features significantly fewer clans than the 2004 original, became outraged by the presumption that content was being removed from Bloodlines 2 to be sold at an additional cost. While publisher Paradox initially explained the move as purely a business decision, the backlash led to the company issuing refunds for those who pre-ordered the game on the PlayStation Store while promising significant changes would be made before Bloodlines 2’s launch.
A new overview trailer running down the game’s base and post-launch content revealed the DLC adjustment includes a message in the video description by Bloodlines 2 executive producer and White Wolf executive vice president, Marco Behrmann. He addresses the DLC controversy by stating,
“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,” said Behrmann. “We’d also like to thank The Chinese Room for their quick turnaround on the concepts for the post-launch Story Packs. We’re constantly impressed by their creativity and skill in weaving enticing narrative threads that expand on the main story in Bloodlines 2.”
With this update, here’s how Bloodlines 2’s various editions and post-launch content schedules are now as follows:
Digital Editions
Bloodlines 2 Deluxe Edition: Base game + Santa Monica Memories cosmetic pack
Bloodlines 2 Premium Edition: Base game + Expansion Pass (Santa Monica Memories, Loose Cannon, The Flower & The Flame)
Physical Editions
Day One Edition – Base game + Bloodlines Nostalgia Jukebox bonus. Select retailers will also have a physical cross necklace inspired by the Cross of St. James.
Premium Edition – Base Game, Nostalgia Jukebox pre-order bonus, the Expansion Pass, five character cards, a journal, and a Steelbook case, packaged in a premium box (limited quantities!)
Story Pack Release Dates
Loose Cannon (Q2 2026) – Brujah Sheriff Benny’s story + Benny outfit for Phyre
The Flower & The Flame (Q3 2026) – Toreador Primogen Ysabella’s path + Ysabella outfit for Phyre
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 launches on October 21 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. We recently featured the game on the cover of Game Informer magazine issue 370. Subscribers can read the full cover story here, while everyone can check out other behind-the-scenes coverage detailing the game’s approach to its open world Seattle, and The Chinese Room explaining what makes a Bloodlines game.
