Bloodlines 2 Reveals The Demented Malkavian Clan

Paradox Interactive has announced the next playable clan for the upcoming Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. 

The Malkavians bear the gift and curse of knowledge. Known as insight, this knowledge comes in the form of voices and glimpses of the future. Though this ability can grant them an edge, these revelations often manifest unbidden and without explanation, straining even the most resilient minds to their breaking point. 

Though many clan members deny it, insanity and the Malkavians go hand in hand. "This isn't madness. It's all your secrets whispered to me at once," begins the clan reveal trailer. "But there are gaps, missing scenes, blurred faces, and the murmurs of those plotting against me. Never-ending, never silent, never alone." Their derangement, coupled with a penchant for uncovering the secrets of those around them, has led to the Malkavians' ostracization from the Seattle Kindred.

Players who join the Malkavian clan gain access to two Disciplines: Dementation and Auspex. Using Dementation, their signature Discipline, Malkavians can drive their targets to madness, fleeing or attacking anything nearby. Auspex expands the Malkavian's senses, detecting NPC auras through walls and pinpointing their weaknesses. At higher levels, they can scout their surroundings in astral form and even overwhelm NPCs.

Malkavians were a popular choice in the first Bloodlines, as their insight unlocked unique scenes and dialogue options. A Malkavian player had a separate experience from other clans, receiving distinct responses from NPCs and interacting with the world in a different way. Mostly written by narrative lead Brian Mitsoda towards the end of production, Bloodlines 2 will receive a similar "Malkavian pass" in its final stages.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 releases in Q1 2020 on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 4. Players can choose between three editions of the game, two of which include 24 hour early access. Pre-order to unlock exclusive content.