Bloodborne is obscenely cruel at times through its own brand of misdirection. Although it’s a bit generous to call it that – since that would entail that there was some sort of direction to begin with. Part of the allure of From Software’s titles comes from just how obscure and non-sensible some things are. For example, how the lantern you’ve been carrying around is actually making your game harder.
One of the items I personally picked up early in the game was the Hand Lantern, which lit up 99% of the game without the need for me to stow away my trusty side-arm. It works, and I’ve often thought about whether the light actually allows enemies to more easily detect me from afar. That was, however, the only logical disadvantage that came to mind, but as it turns out the item handicaps you in far worse way.
Despite being mounted to your belt buckle, having the lantern equipped reduces the recharge time of your stamina bar – which is used for attacks, dodging and pretty much everything else that’s meant to keep you alive. What’s more frustrating is that the item description doesn’t allude to this at all, so only some truly keen-eyed players (so, not me) figured it out.
You can see the effects for yourself in the video below. It’s oh so minor, but in a game where even the slightest miscalculation of your most important resource can result in death, it’s pretty severe. If you’ve been rolling around Yarnham with the lights on, maybe it’s time to go at it in the dark for a bit.
At the very least for those vicious boss fights. Curse you Watchdog of the Old Lords!
Last Updated: April 16, 2015
Pariah
April 16, 2015 at 11:43
You play with the lights on? What a noob!
20twelve
April 16, 2015 at 11:45
This explains much…
Alessandro Barbosa
April 16, 2015 at 11:53
INORITE
Hammersteyn
April 16, 2015 at 11:45
Never used it,changed the gamma when I started the game 😛
Kensei Seraph
April 16, 2015 at 12:01
Cheater.
Hammersteyn
April 16, 2015 at 12:03
teehee
Rock789
April 16, 2015 at 13:41
*Damn, I wish I’d thought of that.
There – fixed for you. 😉 🙂
Kensei Seraph
April 16, 2015 at 15:02
A friend showed that trick several years ago when playing that first cave in Oblivion.
Umar
April 16, 2015 at 11:48
Watchdog is pretty easy, just his charge attack is dangerous. But don the fire reduction rune + Charred Hunter gear that has the best fire protection and you’re pretty safe.
Alessandro Barbosa
April 16, 2015 at 11:52
I’m able to take out his two front legs, and then what? Those swipe attacks throw me all over the place 😛
Umar
April 16, 2015 at 11:59
Lol dodge his charge and aim for his head to stun him. Just need to keep your distance and choose your attacks.
Pariah
April 16, 2015 at 11:52
Been watching speed runs. It seems every boss is easy. Especially when you get a +8 starting weapon. Well, once you’ve upgraded to it.
Pariah
April 16, 2015 at 11:54
Also, watched a Dark Souls speed run as well. He got further in 5 minutes than I’ve ever gotten. It’s just so lol.
Umar
April 16, 2015 at 11:58
Lol Dark Souls itself isn’t even THAT hard, once you get the hang of it and the bosses, you’ll find yourself not dying that much. Hell I know someone that finished DS2 without dying. Dark Souls is extremely fair Just requires your undivided attention And dedication.
Pariah
April 16, 2015 at 11:59
Oh I never said it was the challenge that stopped me. You should know by now, I just got bored. That’s it. But speed runs were cool. I finally got to see Anno Londo. For about 5 minutes. hahahaha.
Umar
April 16, 2015 at 12:01
No no I knoe you didn’t enjoy it lol but just a commentary on DS speedruns, that, the game can be super easy as much as it can be hard. Anor Londo was an amazing level though
Pariah
April 16, 2015 at 12:03
So I’ve heard. People talk about it all the time. So much so, that I didn’t even know there was such a thing as the Crystal Caves. When he went there I was like “wtf? I’ve heard of everything else, just not this.” And then he 3 shots the boss. Moves on. Made it look way too easy.
Umar
April 16, 2015 at 12:11
Lol yeah, so many areas in that game. Look up a video of Ash Lake, totally optional but majestic. DS Speedrunners are awesome, if not slightly arrogant.
Dean
April 16, 2015 at 12:11
There is a lot of “science” going on in the Bloodborne community around this. They have found that, even though weight was removed, certain pieces of gear fit into tiers of stamina reduction. Simple example that has been accepted is that the blunderbuss reduces regen more than a pistol.
This also pertains to weapons you have equipped in your second slot and not out, i.e. you still get the regen reduction for equipping the cannon even though you have the pistol out.
DiegoZicoB
April 16, 2015 at 13:37
If this game wasn’t so damn pretty to look at and addictive once you figure out the best way to kill each enemy I would have thrown in the towel ages ago. All these little things adding to an already difficult game. I don’t play games to get frustrated and enraged because the slightest misstep or failure to dodge may result in my death, dammit!!!
That being said I can’t wait to knock off from work and attempt to kill Father Gar-something for the 10th time.
chimera_85
April 16, 2015 at 15:21
I so badly wanted this game but I’m not a fan of repeating something over and over. They should actually incorporate the camera or lightbar on the controller (if that’s even possible :-D) to detect an actual light being on while you’re playing the game and that makes the game more difficult