A modder discovered an alternate version to Bloodborne’s opening scene that gives a greater understanding to the game as a whole. Bloodborne is known for it’s difficulty, but also it’s intriguing and dark backstory. In the final version of the game, players are treated to a cinematic intro featuring a creepy NPC that explains the process of blood ministration and requests some information from the player. From there they are able to create their character and then can move on to exploring the city of Yharnam. This is the only time that players see the unnamed NPC for the rest of the game.

Blood ministration is a big deal in the world of Bloodborne. Basically it is the process of blood transfusions and bloodletting in order to cure different ailments that people can suffer from. This method of healing is controlled by The Healing Church, and in order to be healed travelers must sign a contract to be beast hunters. Those who go through this process have greatly increased health, and can then use blood to increase their strength. Sadly for these travelers, the blood ministration is the source of the Beast Scourge in Yharnam and the more blood they consume the more likely they are to become one of the beasts.

VG247 reports that this alternate beginning was discovered by modder Lance McDonald, and he posted a video of it on YouTube. McDonald was able to dig through the game’s files to find a scene where this NPC gives players a more thorough explanation of the world around them. According to McDonald the character’s name is actually the Blood Minister, and he elaborates that the player came to Yharnam from a plague-ravaged land. The only way that the player’s illness can be cured is through blood ministration. This is interesting, because in the final game there is no mention of your character being sick.

In this earlier version of the game, players were able to speak to the Blood Minister once the transfusion is finished. After speaking to him for a few moments, he ends the conversation by saying, “Until the dank sweet mud takes us all… upon the awakening of Ebrietas.” Players of the game will note that Ebrietas is one of Bloodborne’s legendary bosses, which could mean that the Old One once had a much greater role in the game’s story. The final thing that McDonald discovered was that if the Blood Minister is killed he will reference the nightmare aspect of the game’s setting.

Considering the game released back in 2015, it would stand to reason that fans have already discovered everything Bloodborne has to offer. This is clearly not the case as modders and dataminers like Lance McDonald are still discovering interesting details hiding in its files. This discovery in particular adds more weight to the game’s opening, and gives players more backstory to think about. While player’s wait for Bloodborne 2, maybe there is something hiding in the game’s files that can sustain them.

Next: Here’s The Latest on Bloodborne 2 From Miyazaki

Bloodborne can be played on the PlayStation 4.

Source: Lance McDonald (via VG247)