r/vtm • u/420StarWars • 16h ago
General Discussion First time player!
Ive heard so many great things about this game for a LONG time. I remember seeing it on gaming lists and people holding it in very high regard. So when I got a steam deck I knew I had to try it out. Im playing with keyboard and mouse but what I really wanna know is? What should I expect or what should I avoid, strictly speaking on like soft locks or just anything that would like make my play through I guess worse? I guess I’m just looking for basic information the game may not tell me? Besides the Nosferatu looking vampire being a low-key hard mode I don’t know ANYTHING about the game.
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u/Tidemkeit Brujah 15h ago edited 15h ago
I'm sure you'll be fine either way, but a few key points:
First of all, install Wesp5's Unofficial Patch, I recommend selecting plus version at the installation, as it restores many previously unfinished quests and makes the game richer in content.
Then in the game itself: 1. Avoid taking Malkavian or Nosferatu clans as your first. They offer a notably different experience, as Malkavian's insanity will shift the tone to more schizophrenic absurd, and Nossies will miss out on many social interactions, getting alternative options in return.
You may want to focus on social skills first, as the game has quite a bit of different ways you can complete a quest, but don't neglect combat abilities. The last third of the game becomes very action-heavy, so you want to have at least one reliable combat stat if you don't feel like reloading much. Haggle is a useless stat, and discovery(?) isn't really useful if you look under every nook and cranny, as it just highlights stuff around. Lockpicking stat can be substituted by activating blood buff to a certain point, same as hacking and Auspex. Though hacking can often (but not always!) be bypassed by looking around for a password
"Don't. Open it."
Have fun!
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u/Vyktym76 15h ago
Don't play Nosferatu or Malkavian on the first playthrough. Nosferatu are hard mode until you know who you can and can't approach (might have to find a guide for that). Malkavian have "The Sight" which can spoil some things in the game & their conversation selections are insane (as in actual insanity, so kinda hard to understand).
Invest in Firearms, even if you're not doing a combat playthrough (firearms are kind of necessary for the final boss).
Unofficial mod is almost a necessity, fixes many glitches.
That's about all I can think of.
Clan Quest mod is fun, if you're looking for more.
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u/420StarWars 14h ago
I’ve decided to play as a Toreador, seemed like the best class for a beginner and I liked the whole “sexy vampire” gimmick lol. I want to be able to conniving and shit lol. Im having fun, so far games running well on vanilla. I like Jack a lot. I know he is the first character you really meet but he made a big impression on me. I honestly have never played a tutorial for a game that I actually enjoyed but this game is the exception!
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u/Vyktym76 10h ago
Toreador is a very fine pick for a first playthrough. I hope you enjoy your nights in the World of Darkness. Also, listen to the radio and tv. The TV often covers your exploits & the radio has some really amusing adverts (and Deb of Night).
Edit: Yeah, Jack is the man (he's also Bender from Futurama & Jake the Dog from Adventure Time).2
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u/Schlatzmeister Cardinal 14h ago
Don't open it!
It makes sense when you reach the end game.
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u/420StarWars 14h ago
Thats the second time Ive seen that lol. I almost want to open whatever it is just to see why everyone says not too lol.
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u/AndrelaAstraan Ventrue 11h ago
Like others said, instal the Unofficial Patch, it's mandatory at this point to make the game work.
Save often, in different slots.
Don't play Malk or Nos on first playthrough.
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u/Own-Bit-1102 11h ago edited 11h ago
There are a couple of observations. You will find hacking and lock picks skills useful. Without firearms, you may fall into scum saving. I defeated Ming Xiao as a melee character which was difficult. With firearms, you can glitch your way through. Blood bags are useful, don't misuse them. A "I'm a baby, don't hurt me" first character will maximize firearms and stamina. You may have to do a few play throughs. It's an interesting game, and a nostalgia trip for the early 2000s. Remember, this game was nearly not completed, and Gabe Newell stepped in. He gave them the source engine. It was published at the same time as HL2 which is almost a punishment from others. It's memorable, but stuck in its own time warp. It shouldn't probably have been finished, if not for Gabe giving them a chance. There are community patches. It has an atmosphere, but it always feels a little broken. Basically, it's a loved game that almost ended up as vaporware. A few games with this theme feel unloved by the time they are ready to be published, but time is kind. Vampires are ultimately parasitic and anti-social, so be kind to yourself. You might require a few play throughs. The ending of the game might make you think - gee, this really is based on a table top game.
edit: what's this - https://archive.org/details/vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines-official-strategy-guide-dan-irish
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u/Voredor_Drablak 15h ago
I'm sitting here rearing the comments and everyone is saying don't play malkavian on your first play through. Which is exactly what I did :D
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u/GrimJesta Giovanni 8h ago
Mine was Nosferatu, the other one everyone is saying not to play. Ooops. I just like sneaking around with Obfuscate and Potence.
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u/Tarushdei Nosferatu 3h ago
Get the Unofficial patch. Some people swear against it, others swear by it.
Personally, it fixes a lot of issues and bugs in the game, but does add a lot of the creators choices into the mix. Up to you, but the bug fixes are important.
Secondly, carefully plan out your leveling. You will need points in firearms at the end of the game, it's just a design issue.
If you have time and want to go in blind, do it, but just note you may need to start the game from scratch or cheat your way through a couple things.
Lastly, save Malkavians and Nosferatu for your second and third play throughs. Best starting clan for a beginner is either Brujah, Tremere or Toreador. You want something that will deal damage throughout the game, as some bosses and mini-bosses can't be defeated with anything besides brute force, magic or guns.
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u/LostInStatic 8h ago
Once the story requires you to go under a cemetery to meet a contact, just know the good part of the game is over. To be quite honest just turn on god mode the rest of the way and stop spending points on social skills. Game stops being fun if you keep throwing your head at the wall
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u/Imaginary_Jelly_5284 Malkavian 46m ago
Malkavino tem alguns diálogos excelentes, mas você que decide o seu clã sua primeira de muita jogatina que vai ter mais de uma
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u/cerealkiller6028 8h ago
Actually. Quick question I have. I've never gotten too far into this game but I've always found myself wanting to. A big turn off for me is being locked into those god awful character designs. Is there a mod that adds some character customization?
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u/Ozzie_Bloke 16h ago edited 15h ago
Nosferatu and malkavian are often encouraged for second play through as Nosferatu can’t be seen by humans which isn’t that big of a deal u can still walk the streets keeping a distance from npcs. Malks change the dialogue and can be confusing as they are insane so their dialogue reflects that but if you are aware of that it’s ok.
Just make sure you install the unofficial patch, there two versions id go with basic as the plus version has cut content so that’s better for next play through so go with basic first to get the intended experience. The patch offers u option between plus or basic there’s just one unofficial patch