GameTimeline

Release & story order

Bloodborne timeline

Bloodborne from the 2015 FromSoftware PS4 debut through The Old Hunters expansion—US release dates, Hunter's dream story order, when to start the DLC, GOTY FAQ, and where newcomers should start in 2026.

Updated August 2026

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Release order Story order

Release order

When FromSoftware and PlayStation shipped Bloodborne in the US—Bloodborne (March 2015) and The Old Hunters (November 2015). Game of the Year / Old Hunters Edition bundles are FAQ-only.

  • Newcomers 2026 → Bloodborne (GOTY / base+DLC) on PS4 or PS5 backward compat
  • Buy once → GOTY or any edition that includes The Old Hunters
  • No official PC port as of 2026—PlayStation only
  • Broader FromSoftware order → see Elden Ring / FromSoftware timeline
Story order tips

One Hunter path: Bloodborne base campaign → The Old Hunters (Hunter's Nightmare). The DLC is mid-to-late game content—unlock after progress in Yharnam, not a post-credits epilogue only.

  • Core path: Bloodborne → The Old Hunters
  • Unlock Old Hunters after defeating Vicar Amelia (Eye of a Blood-Drunk Hunter)
  • Recommended around mid–late game (often ~70+ insight/level comfort—see FAQ)
  • On Story order, later entries may be hidden—reveal when ready or use Show all spoilers

Timeline

When each game was released. Click a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

Release order

  1. Bloodborne

    Bloodborne

    PS4ActionMainlineSoulsborne

    The Hunter in Yharnam—trick weapons, blood echoes, and cosmic dread.

    Overview
    Aggressive FromSoftware combat with gun-parries and a gothic nightmare world.
    In-game setting
    Franchise (and only mainline) opener. Add The Old Hunters for the full 2015 package.
    Should you play it?
    Series start—GOTY bundles include the DLC.
    Release date
    US PS4 March 24, 2015. Plays on PS5 via backward compatibility.
  2. Bloodborne: The Old Hunters

    Bloodborne: The Old Hunters

    PS4ActionExpansionMainline

    Hunter's Nightmare expansion—new areas, bosses, and weapons.

    Overview
    Major story DLC with Ludwig, Orphan of Kos, and hunter lore.
    In-game setting
    Required for the complete Bloodborne experience—not optional fluff.
    Should you play it?
    Buy with the base game when you can—Story order after Amelia unlock.
    Release date
    US digital November 24, 2015; later in GOTY / Old Hunters Edition bundles.

FAQ

Release vs story order, Old Hunters timing, GOTY, and FromSoftware cousins.

Release order

Release order is when Bloodborne and The Old Hunters launched in the US (both 2015). Story order is the base Hunter campaign, then the Hunter's Nightmare DLC once unlocked. GOTY is the same content bundled—not a new story.

Recommended: Bloodborne with The Old Hunters included (GOTY / Old Hunters Edition, or base + DLC). Play the base game, unlock the DLC after Vicar Amelia, then clear Old Hunters when you are ready—many hunters finish much of the Nightmare before the final base endings.

Story & DLC

Pick up the Eye of a Blood-Drunk Hunter from the Hunter's Dream after defeating Vicar Amelia, then use it at the tombstone outside Oedon Chapel to enter the DLC. Difficulty spikes hard—bring upgraded weapons; many players enter around the mid-to-late campaign rather than immediately after Amelia.

Editions & platforms

GOTY (and regional Old Hunters Edition) packages Bloodborne plus The Old Hunters. If your copy already includes the DLC, you do not need another edition. This page keeps separate Release rows for base and DLC history.

Optional & related

No. Bloodborne is its own world. Skills transfer; lore does not. For the wider FromSoftware release map see the Elden Ring / FromSoftware timeline.

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.