Bloodborne Covenant Guide: Hunters, Vilebloods, Executioners, and The League
Discover how to join, rank up, and master Bloodborne’s Hunters, Vilebloods, Executioners, and The League in this essential covenant guide.
In the winding streets and haunted halls of Yharnam, alliances can be as important as the blades you wield. Bloodborne’s covenants—whether you call them Oaths, Orders, or just strange pacts—offer more than spooky titles and shiny trinkets. Each group comes with its own quirks, rituals, and, sometimes, a bit of friendly (or not-so-friendly) rivalry. Maybe you’ve noticed the eerie symbols around Cainhurst, heard whispers about the Executioners’ zealous mission, or stumbled across the mysterious messengers of The League. Choosing which faction to swear yourself to isn’t always obvious, especially when each comes with its own rewards and consequences. Understanding what sets these covenants apart can lead to new experiences, unique gear, and a fresh perspective on the hunt.
Hunter of Hunters Guide
One of Bloodborne’s more enigmatic factions, the Hunter of Hunters, isn’t so much a classic covenant you join at an altar, but a hidden path tied to a certain NPC and an intriguing questline. Here’s everything you need to know to connect with Eileen the Crow and earn the right to call yourself a Hunter of Hunters.
Who Are the Hunters of Hunters?
The Hunters of Hunters dedicate themselves to hunting those who lose themselves to bloodlust—other hunters who have gone mad, often referred to as "blood-addled." They see it as their responsibility to end these rogue hunters before they threaten others. This grim work is led by Eileen the Crow, one of Yharnam’s most striking characters, easily recognized by her beaked mask and feathered attire.
Meeting Eileen the Crow
Eileen’s quest begins early in the game, often before most players realize they can meaningfully interact with her. Here’s where to find her:
- Central Yharnam: Once you reach the area near the sewers, look for a doorway hidden behind a destructible coffin near the first shortcut elevator to the lamp. Eileen is sitting peacefully inside.
- Speak to Eileen, and she’ll give you friendly advice. For now, she won’t ask you to join anything—her storyline must be advanced through specific actions and timing.
Advancing the Hunter of Hunters Questline
Eileen’s quest unfolds in several steps. Missing a stage can lead to her death or to the quest failing altogether, so timing is everything.
Step 1: Cathedral Ward
- After visiting the Cathedral Ward, you should find Eileen leaning against a railing in the large open area connecting to Old Yharnam.
- Speak with her. She warns you not to go to the Tomb of Oedon.
Step 2: Confronting Henryk
- Location: Tomb of Oedon, only after defeating the Blood-starved Beast.
- When you head to the Tomb, you’ll find Eileen fighting Henryk, a blood-crazed hunter. Lend Eileen a hand, as she can be killed if you’re slow or distracted.
- Henryk is fast and hits hard, so don’t hesitate to distract him and chip away his health while Eileen helps.
Step 3: Final Encounter (Optional)
- If Eileen survives Henryk, meet her at the Grand Cathedral after defeating Rom, the Vacuous Spider, but before slaying the final story bosses.
- She’ll be injured, warning you about a “mad hunter” inside. Enter, and you’ll face the hostile hunter Djura (if you haven’t encountered him yet) or simply the Bloody Crow of Cainhurst—a deadly foe.
- This fight is tough. The Bloody Crow can heal, parry with his gun, and can take you out in a few hits. Consider summoning help or using crowd control tools like Numbing Mist to cut off his healing.
Joining the Hunter of Hunters
While you can’t formally join through a menu, helping Eileen and finishing her quest is the true gateway into the Hunter of Hunters. If she survives, she’ll reward you with the Crow Hunter Badge and the Shh gesture, letting you buy her gear and signifying your silent partnership in her order.
Hunter of Hunters Rewards
- Crow Hunter Badge: Unlocks Eileen's armor set (the Crowfeather Set) and the Blade of Mercy (if you haven’t already found it).
- Gesture: The “Shh” gesture, a sign of the silent, secretive nature of the group.
- Respect: You get unique dialogue and a quiet nod from the enigmatic Eileen.
Role and Reputation
Hunter of Hunters can be seen as Bloodborne's built-in anti-griefer group for online play. Those who wear the Hunter of Hunters rune (obtained through different means) are tasked with hunting down players who betray others in PvP, keeping the spirit of hunting pure and fair.
Tips for Success
- Timing is Everything: Progress Eileen’s questline promptly. It’s easy to miss steps or find her dead if you move ahead too quickly or ignore her.
- Battle Tactics: In the fight with Henryk and the Bloody Crow, focus on dodging, using the environment for cover, and supporting Eileen if she’s fighting alongside you.
- Buy Early: After getting the Crow Hunter Badge, purchase Eileen’s gear before advancing the story too far, as some gear can become unavailable.
Wrapping Up
The Hunters of Hunters offer a more subdued role compared to showy covenants like the Vilebloods or Executioners. Their presence is less about flashy rituals and more about upholding ethical standards amidst the madness. Following Eileen’s trail gives players a deeper understanding of what it means to be a true hunter—and perhaps tempts you to keep the hunt clean when facing your peers. Catching every bit of her story adds a personal layer to the challenge, one quiet hunter at a time.
Vileblood Guide
With their eerie gothic castle and a scandalous reputation for forbidden blood rites, the Cainhurst Vilebloods are one of Bloodborne’s most iconic covenants. If you’ve ever wondered how to pledge loyalty to the Vilebloods, what rewards you can earn, and what unfolds if you take their side, here’s what you need to know.
Who Are the Vilebloods?
The Vilebloods are a secretive aristocratic order residing in Cainhurst Castle, located far from Yharnam. Their queen, Annalise, presides over the blood-drenched halls from a grand throne, clothed in tattered royal splendor. The Vilebloods stand accused by the Healing Church of “corrupting” blood usage, practicing vampiric rites that put them at odds with the Church and their Executioner rivals.
Vilebloods revel in “corrupted” blood, collecting it from fallen foes and using it to strengthen themselves and their queen. In-game, this translates to a focus on PvP and unique upgrades tied to invading or getting invaded by other hunters.
How to Find Cainhurst Castle
Joining the Vilebloods is impossible until you reach Cainhurst Castle—a location many miss on their first playthrough. Here’s how to get there:
- Step 1: Obtain the Cainhurst Summons.
- After beating the Witch of Hemwick in Hemwick Charnel Lane, you can enter their manor. Go through the door at the top floor after the boss. On a table inside, you’ll find the “Cainhurst Summons.” Make sure to grab it!
- Step 2: Reach the Forbidden Woods Lamp.
- Head to the lamp at the entrance to the Forbidden Woods.
- Step 3: Return to Hemwick Crossing.
- From the Witch’s Abode lamp, walk down the long staircase toward the large stone obelisk at the crossroads of Hemwick Charnel Lane.
- Step 4: Wait for the Carriage.
- With the Cainhurst Summons in your inventory, approach the obelisk. After a short cutscene, a ghostly carriage arrives and gives you passage to the castle.
Meeting Queen Annalise
Cainhurst Castle is packed with dangerous enemies and cleverly hidden loot. Fight your way through the grand halls and icy courtyards. The boss of the area is Martyr Logarius—defeating him is essential.
- Boss: Martyr Logarius
- He’s a tough fight, using both arcane and physical attacks. Watch out for his explosive projectiles and scythe swings. Winning unlocks access to the rooftop.
After defeating Logarius:
- Head up the staircase and examine the corpse on the rooftop.
- Pick up the "Crown of Illusions" and equip it.
- Stand near the throne at the highest tower—an illusion will shatter and reveal a hidden staircase.
Follow the path down to the royal throne room, where Queen Annalise sits in stately silence.
Joining the Vilebloods
Approach Annalise and kneel before her—she’ll ask if you wish to become a Vileblood. Say yes to join the covenant and receive the Cainhurst Badge and the Corruption Rune.
- Cainhurst Badge: Lets you buy exclusive gear from the Bath Messengers in the Hunter’s Dream.
- Corruption Rune: Equipping this marks you as a Vileblood and allows you to start collecting Blood Dregs.
What Does the Covenant Actually Do?
Vilebloods are Bloodborne’s answer to PvP-focused covenants. Their activities revolve around hunting other players and gathering blood from the fallen.
Blood Dregs
- What Are They?
- Blood Dregs are rare items “extracted” from killing other players (as a hostile invader) or found on non-player hunters in certain areas.
- How to Collect Blood Dregs:
- Use the “Corruption” Caryll Rune.
- Summon the “Cainhurst Summons” Bell to invade other players’ worlds.
- Kill a host or co-op phantom to collect a Blood Dreg.
- You can also find Dregs by killing certain NPC hunters.
Rewards for Loyalty
The Vilebloods reward those who offer Blood Dregs to Queen Annalise.
- Items Unlocked Through Blood Dregs:
- 5 Dregs: Reaching this threshold nets you the “Respect” gesture.
- At 1 Dreg: You get the “Cainhurst Summons” by default, but you’ll need to offer much more to unlock the top-tier weapon.
- At 10 Dregs: You’ll receive the Blade of Mercy (if you haven’t already). But Vilebloods’ most prized possession, the Cainhurst Chikage, requires even more.
- At 25 Dregs: You receive the Cainhurst Chikage, a powerful katana that drains your health in exchange for devastating blood-tinged attacks.
Cainhurst Gear and Items
The Vilebloods’ rewards are all about fashion and lethality:
- Cainhurst Set: Ornate knight armor emphasizing agility and style.
- Chikage: A katana-like trick weapon that inflicts rapid physical and blood damage—perfect for dexterity/bloodtinge-focused builds.
- Respect Gesture: Bow deeply to show your noble allegiance.
Executions, Betrayals, and Restoring Annalise
Becoming a Vileblood has some risks. If you let Alfred (the Executioner NPC) progress in his quest, he’ll murder Annalise, leaving only a smashed pile of flesh. This locks you out of Vileblood rewards until you restore her.
How to Revive Queen Annalise
- Collect the Queenly Flesh from Annalise’s remains.
- Go to the Altar of Despair (past the Amygdala boss in the Upper Cathedral Ward).
- Place the flesh on the altar. Leave and return to find Annalise alive and the covenant accessible once more.
Vileblood PvP Tips
- The Corruption rune signals you’re open to PvP invasions, so be ready for duels.
- The Chikage is a tough weapon, excelling at both quick slashes and blood-damage thrusts, but it drains your health when transformed. Learn to manage your HP or keep a healing item ready.
- Blood Dreg farming is faster in late-game areas or through repeated PvP involvement.
Should You Join the Vilebloods?
Vilebloods attract players who want a stylish look, a taste of forbidden power, and an extra reason to seek out PvP fights. This path is most rewarding for those who don’t mind ruthless bloodshed and have no qualms about siding against the Healing Church or the Executioners.
Queen Annalise’s cryptic blessing sets the tone: “We, the very last on this earth, vow to corrupt our blood with yours.” Whether you want to collect rare weapons or simply stand apart from Yharnam’s many hunters, the Vilebloods offer a unique, blood-soaked path through the night.
Finish up your journey with the Vilebloods and you’ll unlock some of the flashiest gear and deepest lore in Bloodborne. Just remember: in Cainhurst, nobility always comes at a deadly price.
Executioner Guide
When it comes to taking a stand against the Vilebloods, no faction represents vengeance quite like the Executioners. If you’ve heard tales of golden armbands and pious warriors on a single-minded mission to erase “Cainhurst vermin,” you’re already in their territory. Whether you’re after unique gear, want to RP as a church-aligned punisher, or just like smashing your enemies with pure blunt force, the Executioners are the covenant for you.
Who Are the Executioners?
The Executioners are religious zealots under the banner of the Healing Church, sworn to wipe out the Vilebloods of Cainhurst. Led by Martyr Logarius in his lifetime, they see themselves as divine agents of retribution. In-game, the covenant is all about anti-Vileblood PvP and comes with its own lore and style.
How to Join the Executioners
You won’t find a formal altar or grand induction ceremony for this group. Instead, your way in hinges on meeting Alfred, a soft-spoken, polite hunter dressed in gold.
Step-by-Step: Joining the Executioners
1. Find Alfred
Alfred hangs out in two places:
- Right after the first lamp in Cathedral Ward, go up the stairs, hang a right, and talk to him by the tomb near the lever.
- Later, he moves to a section in the Forbidden Woods, but you only need the first meeting.
2. Complete Alfred’s Quest (Optional for badge, not required to join)
Most players just want the badge, but helping Alfred finish his quest closes a key storyline (see the Vileblood section for more on this). You don’t need to kill Annalise to be an Executioner.
3. Get the Radiance Rune
After your first chat with Alfred, exhaust his dialogue; he’ll hand over a Fire Paper and a Pray gesture. But to get the Executioner rune, you’ll need to find it elsewhere.
4. Find the Executioner’s Badge
- Head to the Forbidden Woods.
- Near the first lamp, head left past the dog cages and look for a large house. Ascend the windmill, and locate the corpse atop a scaffold.
- The corpse holds the Executioner’s Gloves and the Radiance Caryll Rune (don’t confuse with the Executioners’ Gloves from Cainhurst; names are tricky in this game).
5. Equip the Radiance Rune
Pop by any Memory Altar in Hunter’s Dream. Slot in the Radiance rune, and you’re recognized as an Executioner. That’s it—you’re in! You won’t get a fanfare, but you’re in the club.
Covenant Mechanics: How Executioners Work
Bloodborne doesn’t do intricate scoreboard PvP covenants like Dark Souls, but the Executioners have a purpose:
- Anti-Vileblood Agenda: Executioners get a boost when fighting Vilebloods. If you invade or are invaded and your opponent wears the Corruption rune (Vileblood), you’ll earn extra rewards.
- Radiance Rune: While equipped, slain foes might drop extra Vials—a real perk for healing-intensive runs.
PvP and Co-op
Executioners don’t have a dedicated invasion tool. Instead:
- Summon friends for jolly co-op while radiating glorious gold.
- Use the Small Resonant Bell for PvP in hostile worlds. Your Radiance rune will pit you against Vilebloods for bonus loot.
What About Vileblood Hostility?
If you’re wearing the Radiance rune and encounter players or NPCs sporting the Corruption rune, you’re flagged as hostile to each other, adding a bit of tension to invasions.
Rewards and Gear
Being an Executioner is about symbolism. There’s not a long ladder of covenant ranks or a chest of rare weapons, but you do get access to unique items.
Executioner Gear
- Executioner Set: Buy all four pieces from the Bath Messengers after acquiring the Executioner’s Badge—chunky gold-plated armor with a massive mob-justice vibe.
- Logarius’ Wheel: Also available for purchase after picking up the badge—a strength weapon that doubles as a punishing trick weapon, spinning to deal devastating arcane damage.
Radiance Rune Effects
- Increased Healing: The rune grants you an extra healing bonus from Blood Vials.
- Extra Blood Vial Drops: Rarely, enemies will drop more vials for you, decreasing downtime between tough fights.
Unique Gestures
While the Executioners have the Pray gesture (get it from Alfred), they don’t offer a special emote for ranks or kills.
Lore: Blood Feud with the Vilebloods
This group’s entire identity is wrapped up in fighting the Vilebloods. Martyr Logarius once stormed Cainhurst Castle to put an end to Queen Annalise. Alfred, your entry point to the covenant, continues this crusade. If you side with Executioners, your lore purpose is simple: hunt Vilebloods and keep Yharnam “pure.”
Playing as an Executioner: Tips
PvP Tactics
Executioner PvP isn’t about fancy tricks. It’s about brute force. If you want one-shot kills:
- Logarius’ Wheel in spin mode is your best friend; charge it up for big arcane and blunt damage.
- Stick to heavy armor to shrug off Vileblood Chikage or arcane spells.
- The Radiance rune alerts other players to your Executioner status—brace for focused duels, especially around Cainhurst.
Co-op Advice
- If you team up with non-Executioners, announce your badge. Some players want to role-play the feud.
- Take advantage of the boosted Blood Vial drops during hard boss fights.
Farming
Wear the Radiance rune for all tough solo content; the occasional extra vial makes a difference on bosses like Ebrietas or the DLC’s nastier creatures.
Should You Join the Executioners?
This covenant is great for hunters seeking straightforward melee combat and a no-nonsense look. If you prefer healing and durability over speed and blood-magic flair, the Executioners are a solid pick. Plus, their feud with the Vilebloods gives extra flavor to PvP encounters.
All in, the Executioners offer a place for anyone who wants to stand with the Healing Church and crack skulls in the name of order. The rewards are a little more low-key, but few things feel as satisfying as spinning Logarius’ Wheel over a fallen Vileblood.
The League Guide
The League is Bloodborne’s “jolly co-op” covenant—an answer to the more adversarial groups like Vilebloods and Executioners. It doesn’t demand you pick sides in ancient blood feuds; instead, it welcomes hunters with a taste for teamwork and big, messy boss fights. From their hidden base in the Nightmare, League hunters stomp out “vermin”—twisted creatures and troublesome invaders—and leave a mark on the world to help each other do the same.
How to Join the League
Find Valtr in the Forbidden Woods
Your gateway to The League is Valtr, a stoic hunter in a bramble mask. You can meet him pretty early:
- From the Forbidden Woods lamp, take the shortcut to the building near the giant pig.
- Unlock the door with the ‘Key to the Forbidden Woods’ (obtained by progressing through the area).
- Valtr waits just inside, leaning against a pile of corpses.
Exhaust his dialogue, and he’ll offer the League Oath gesture along with the League Staff (your symbol of membership).
Equip the League Staff
Head back to the Hunter’s Dream and slot the League Staff in your “Covenant” rune slot at the Memory Altar. You’re now part of The League. You’ll notice a leafy branch shows up behind your character’s right shoulder—proof you’re signed up.
Mechanics: How the League Works
The League is all about cooperation. Instead of hunting rivals, League members invade other players’ worlds to help by taking down tough bosses and clearing out monsters.
The League Staff
While equipped, you signal to other League hunters that you’re open for co-op. The game matches you with others who’ve opted in, making it easier to find reliable partners.
Vermin and Ranks
- League members hunt vermin—twisted parasites symbolizing corruption.
- After you help someone defeat a boss as a cooperator (summoned via the Beckoning Bell), you get a Vermin item.
- Crush the Vermin in your inventory to gain League “merit.” You’ll even get a short, satisfying animation when you do.
- Collecting Vermin increases your League rank.
- At key milestones (1, 3, 5, and 10 Vermin crushed), return to Valtr for rewards—gestures and, eventually, a unique item.
The Impurity Rune
Valtr hands over the Impurity rune when you join. This boosts your chance to find co-op partners and allows you to earn Vermin with each boss you help defeat.
Phantom Summon Priority
If multiple co-op signs are available, those with the Impurity rune equipped are prioritized for summoning. So, it’s great for players who love helping others.
Rewards and Unique Items
Participating in The League isn’t just about shared glory—there are actual rewards:
League Oath Gesture
Show your allegiance by performing this elaborate gesture: your hunter places a hand over their heart while raising the League Staff.
League Confederate Summons
With the League Staff equipped, you’ll encounter special League “confederate” NPC summons throughout the game. These allies are like bonus helpers during boss fights.
Specimen Head Helmet
After crushing 5 Vermin, Valtr gives you the League Specimen Head—a gnarly, bug-riddled bucket helmet for serious gross-out factor.
Closing Valtr’s Quest
Crushing 10 Vermin lets you finish Valtr’s story. If you follow it to the end, he’ll drop the Constable’s Set, a chunky, old-school police uniform with strong defensive stats. This gives your hunter a look that’s part Sherlock Holmes, part strange police riot gear.
Lore: Vermin, Valtr, and Justice
The League’s purpose is a little less clear-cut than other factions. Instead of targeting specific enemies, they’re self-appointed “cleaners,” rooting out the filth of the Hunt. Valtr, their grim leader, believes everything wrong in Yharnam comes from metaphorical and literal vermin. Instead of worrying about the source, the League stamps it out wherever it pops up.
Interestingly, the League stands outside the Healing Church's twisted politics and the Cainhurst tragedy, focusing on hunting for the city’s greater good. You’ll find members in some of the weirder corners of the game—willing to work with anyone who wants to rid the world of evil.
Co-op and PvP for League Hunters
Co-op Priority
With the Impurity rune, it’s much easier to join others. You’ll notice more bells ringing and get summoned often, even in less-populated areas.
League-Specific PvP
The League is technically neutral. They don’t get PvP perks, invasion tools, or bonuses for fighting other covenants. But, you can still participate in PvP if summoned as a Blue or Red Phantom—just don’t expect any extra rewards.
Group Hunts
If everyone in your party has the Impurity rune, co-op gets much smoother, and Vermin drop reliably after boss kills for all League members. Many players join specifically to help others beat tough fights.
League Tips and Tricks
- Solo Players Welcome: Even if you play mostly offline, you can summon League NPCs for help. They’re not as sharp as real players, but good for taking aggro.
- Crush Vermin Right Away: There’s no reason to hoard Vermin—crush them as soon as you have them to track your progress and unlock your rewards.
- Bragging Rights Only: There's no top-tier weapon or rune beyond the Specimen Head and Constable Set, but it’s a great covenant if you want to “complete” Bloodborne’s NPC stories.
- Story-Driven Play: Helping strangers can lead to wild moments and good karma. The League doesn’t mind if you branch off to join other covenants later.
Should You Join The League?
If you enjoy helping others, want faster co-op, or just like the League’s quirky, justice-driven lore, this is the group for you. It’s all about teamwork and boosting your ability to connect with fellow hunters, both real and NPC. The unique rewards may be little more for show than function, but the friends you make (and bosses you help beat) earn The League a special place in Yharnam.
So, grab your branch, pledge your oath, and go squash some vermin with friends—you might just make the Hunt a little brighter for everyone. Cainhurst Vileblood Guide
The Vilebloods—a secretive order dwelling in the haunted halls of Cainhurst Castle—mix elegance with menace. They offer a much different covenant experience from the straightforward co-op hunt of The League. Instead, these aristocratic hunters are all about PvP, lust for blood, and age-old revenge against the fanatical Executioners.
How to Join the Cainhurst Vilebloods
Becoming a Vileblood isn’t as simple as talking to an NPC in a hub. You’ll need to access Forsaken Cainhurst Castle—a late-game, optional area—with more than a few hoops to jump through:
Step 1: Secure the Cainhurst Summons
- In Yosefka’s Clinic (NOT the first-floor sickroom where you start the game), pick up the “Cainhurst Summons.”
- You’ll need to circle back after opening up Forbidden Woods. The easiest route is via the shortcut from the Forbidden Woods’ windmill and elevator.
Step 2: Summon Your Ride
- Head to Hemwick Charnel Lane’s lamp.
- With the Cainhurst Summons in your inventory, approach the large obelisk at the end of the executioner’s path near the witch’s boss arena.
- A ghostly carriage appears and whisks you off to Cainhurst Castle.
Step 3: Enter Cainhurst Castle
- Battle through the chilling castle packed with ghosts, undead nobles, and those terrifying gargoyles.
- At the summit, take on Martyr Logarius—a wild boss fight famous for its nasty spells and relentless aggression.
Step 4: Swear the Vileblood Oath
- Light the lamp after Logarius.
- Search for a pathway around the roof to reach the Vileblood Queen’s Chamber.
- Talk to Annalise, Queen of the Vilebloods. Swear loyalty, and you’ll officially join her ranks, receiving the Corruption Rune and Cainhurst Badge.
Note: If you’ve helped Alfred (the Executioner NPC) earlier and give him the “Unopened Summons” later, he’ll kill Annalise, locking you out of the Vilebloods—at least temporarily!
Mechanics: How the Vilebloods Work
Joining the Vilebloods flips your focus from helping others to besting them. This covenant is an invitation to PvP—invading worlds, dueling, and collecting the blood of your foes.
Blood Dregs
- Defeating another hunter as a hostile invader (using the Cainhurst Summons item) or via co-op PvP as a summoned guest lets you collect Blood Dregs.
- Blood Dregs can drop from hunters’ mobs in Cainhurst Castle, as well.
- Bring Blood Dregs to Queen Annalise to deepen your bond and move up the Vileblood ranks.
Corruption Rune
- Equipping this rune marks you as a Vileblood and enables Blood Dreg collection.
- Some players claim it also gives you a slight health restore for visceral attacks, making it popular for players who favor parrying and critical hits.
PvP Duels
- Use the Chime of Resonating Bell to invade other players and test your skill directly.
- Defeating enemy players this way is the main route to farming Blood Dregs.
Vileblood Ranks and Rewards
- 1 Dreg: Annalise gives you the Respect gesture.
- 3 Dregs: More gestures are unlocked.
- 5 Dregs: Receive the Cainhurst Knight Set, a striking gothic armor with strong resistances.
- Maxing rank: Going even higher just gives you bragging rights, but the real reward is the Knight’s honor.
- The Cainhurst Badge you got upon joining instantly unlocks Cainhurst gear (like the stylish Chikage katana) in the Hunter’s Dream Bath Messenger shop.
Lore: The Blood-Soaked Aristocracy
The Vilebloods are obsessed with pure, noble blood—hence their use of Blood Dregs. They once ruled Cainhurst, feasting on the blood’s power to gain immortality and preying on Yharnam’s society. The Healing Church, horrified by their practices, dispatched the Executioners to purge them, setting off an unending feud.
Queen Annalise
Annalise claims to be undying—only the Church’s “martyrdom” of Logarius keeps her imprisoned. Vileblood players serve her by collecting Blood Dregs as proof of their hunting prowess, feeding her eternal thirst.
Executioner Rivalry
The Vilebloods’ ancient grudge with Executioners matters in-game. If you’re a Vileblood and oppose an Executioner covenant player online, expect intense hostility. Their leader, Alfred, can shatter your progress if you let him—so think carefully before delivering him the “summons.”
Co-op and PvP for Vileblood Hunters
PvP Priority
- Equipping the Corruption rune signals the world you’re in for duels and invasions.
- You’ll be summoned or invaded more often, especially in higher-level PvP zones.
- Earning Blood Dregs hinges on defeating player-controlled hunters—not NPCs.
Co-op with a Twist
- Vilebloods can still do co-op PvE, but their true focus is on player duels.
- If you tire of hunting hunters, swap out the Corruption rune—there are no penalties for leaving.
Tips and Tricks for Aspiring Vilebloods
- Best Dreg Farming: PvP in hot spots—places like the Forbidden Woods, Mensis, or near Nightmare of Mensis lantern—will net more Blood Dregs. You can summon blue phantoms for duels as well.
- Protect Queen Annalise: Don’t progress Alfred’s quest if you want to keep Annalise alive (and your Vileblood covenant rewards accessible).
- Chikage Mastery: The Chikage—and the Cainhurst armor—make the Vilebloods one of the most stylish (and deadly) endgame PvP builds.
- Annoying Downside: If Annalise dies, wait until later in the game to revive her (using the Queenly Flesh in the Healing Church Workshop). This restores full access to covenant rewards.
Should You Join the Vilebloods?
Choose the Vilebloods if you crave PvP duels, love the moody gothic vibe, or want access to Cainhurst armor and the unique Chikage katana. The rivalry with the Executioners adds a spicy narrative hook, and the Queen’s chamber has its own mysterious charm.
Stick with the Vilebloods as long as you like PvP and gothic intrigue. If you’re after a playstyle with a sharper edge and dramatic lore, this is your faction.