When to play The Old Hunters? During the first run or NG+

bloodborne

I'm doing my first Bloodborne run. I beat the boss of Byrgenwerth.

Currently I have the option of playing the new DLC, The Old Hunters.

If I waited until I finish my first run, it means I have to play the game again on NG+ in order to be able to play the DLC.

But according to what I read, recommended level to play the DLC is > 80

If that is true, it means that the DLC is even harder than the final stage of the game.

So when to play the DLC? Now during my first run? Or wait for NG+?

Best Answer

The first run. I would strongly discourage continuing to NG+, because then the DLC areas will get harder just like everything else.

You have access to the DLC until you initiate the fight with the final boss. I would recommend occasionally checking in on the DLC and to see when it stops feeling too difficult for you, at which point you can do some or all of it.

The following spoiler about when the endgame begins is worded in the least spoilery way I can manage.

There will a substantial cosmetic change to the Hunter's Dream when the final boss becomes available, but you are not cut off from the DLC until you speak with an NPC there.

The one after this line is very specific.

After defeating Mergo's Wet Nurse in the Nightmare of Mensis, the workshop in the Hunter's Dream will catch on fire but remain usable. You will be able to speak with Gehrman in a previously inaccessible area. The dialogue choices you're presented with initiate a boss fight with him, or a cutscene where you let him kill you. The latter immediately boots you out to NG+.

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