Bloodborne Weapon Arts Score: Combat Variety

FromSoftware’s Bloodborne is a masterpiece of combat design, blending aggressive, fast-paced action with intricate weapon mechanics. Unlike the Dark Souls series, which emphasizes defensive play and methodical pacing, Bloodborne rewards relentless offense, quick reflexes, and adaptability. One of the game’s most defining features is its Trick Weapons—each with unique transformations that drastically alter their movesets. These transformations, often referred to as "Weapon Arts" in the broader Soulsborne lexicon, elevate Bloodborne’s combat variety to an exceptional level.

This article examines Bloodborne’s Weapon Arts—its Trick Weapon transformations—and evaluates how they contribute to combat diversity, player expression, and overall engagement.

The Philosophy of Trick Weapons

Unlike traditional RPGs where weapons are static, Bloodborne’s Trick Weapons are dynamic, offering two distinct forms per weapon. Each form has its own attack patterns, range, speed, and utility, effectively doubling the number of available movesets. This design philosophy encourages experimentation and rewards mastery, as players must learn not just one weapon but two intertwined combat styles.

For example, the Saw Cleaver is a straightforward cleaver in its standard form, excelling in quick slashes. However, when transformed, it extends into a slower, heavier saw-blade with wider sweeps—ideal for crowd control. Meanwhile, the Threaded Cane shifts from a swift cane into a whip-like weapon with extended range but reduced stagger potential. These transformations ensure that no two weapons feel the same, and each offers unique tactical advantages.

Combat Variety Through Moveset Diversity

Bloodborne’s combat thrives on variety, and the Trick Weapon system ensures that players can approach encounters in multiple ways. Below are some key aspects that highlight the game’s depth:

1. Adaptability in Combat

Trick Weapons allow players to switch between forms mid-combo, enabling fluid transitions between different attack patterns. For instance:

• The Hunter Axe can be used in its one-handed mode for quick strikes, then instantly transformed into a two-handed halberd for powerful spin attacks.
• The Beasthunter Saif (from The Old Hunters DLC) has a transformation attack that lunges the player forward, making it excellent for closing gaps.

This adaptability ensures that combat remains dynamic, as players can adjust their strategy on the fly rather than relying on a single repetitive moveset.

2. Unique Transformation Attacks

Every Trick Weapon has a special attack triggered when switching forms. These attacks are often among the most powerful and stylish moves in a weapon’s arsenal. Examples include:

• The Ludwig’s Holy Blade transformation attack delivers a devastating overhead slam.
• The Chikage (a katana that drains health in its transformed state) has a quick-draw slash that deals massive blood damage.

These attacks add another layer of depth, rewarding players who master the timing and positioning of their transformations.

3. Weapon-Specific Playstyles

Each weapon encourages a distinct playstyle:

• Skill-Based Weapons (e.g., Blades of Mercy, Rakuyo) favor rapid strikes and dodging.
• Strength-Based Weapons (e.g., Kirkhammer, Whirligig Saw) emphasize brute force and staggering enemies.
• Hybrid Weapons (e.g., Burial Blade, Holy Moonlight Sword) blend melee and arcane attacks.

This variety ensures that different builds feel fresh, and players can tailor their loadout to their preferred combat rhythm.

How Weapon Arts Compare to Dark Souls and Elden Ring

While Dark Souls introduced Weapon Arts in Dark Souls III, and Elden Ring expanded on them with Ashes of War, Bloodborne’s Trick Weapons remain unique in their seamless integration. Unlike Souls games, where Weapon Arts are often separate abilities with cooldowns or FP costs, Bloodborne’s transformations are always accessible and deeply embedded in the weapon’s core functionality.

This design choice makes combat feel more organic—players don’t need to manage a secondary resource to access their weapon’s full potential. Instead, the focus is on timing, positioning, and situational awareness.

The Impact of The Old Hunters DLC

The Old Hunters expansion introduced some of the most inventive Trick Weapons in the game, further enriching combat variety:

• The Rakuyo (Lady Maria’s weapon) combines dual-wielded slashes with a transformed mode that extends reach.
• The Whirligig Saw is a brutal strength weapon with a spinning saw mode that shreds enemies.
• The Kos Parasite (when paired with the Milkweed Rune) turns the player into a tentacle-wielding monstrosity, offering an entirely unconventional playstyle.

These additions ensured that even veteran players had new mechanics to explore, reinforcing Bloodborne’s reputation for combat innovation.

Conclusion: A Masterclass in Combat Design

Bloodborne’s Trick Weapon system remains one of the most inventive approaches to melee combat in gaming. By giving each weapon two fully realized forms, along with transformation attacks and unique playstyles, the game ensures that no two encounters feel the same. Unlike other action RPGs that rely on weapon switching or skill trees, Bloodborne’s depth comes from mastering the intricacies of each weapon’s dual nature.

Even years after its release, Bloodborne stands as a benchmark for combat variety, proving that a well-designed weapon system can elevate an entire game. Whether players prefer the elegance of the Threaded Cane or the raw power of the Whirligig Saw, the game offers endless ways to engage with its brutal, beautiful world.