If you’re looking for a terrifying time this Halloween, you can’t do much better than a vampire survival game. V Rising was a runaway hit at launch, and continues to thrive, granting fans endless updates and events. If you haven’t tried it yet, this is the perfect opportunity to sink your teeth into the game, as it goes free to play from October 28 – November 1.
The nights are growing longer and there is still so much of the spooky season to enjoy – whether you get your fix from horror stories around a campfire or dressing up as a ghost. V Rising is the ideal game for those autumnal evenings when it’s cold outside and you just need to get stuck into something scary. Better than a scary movie and more satisfying than trick-or-treat candy, this weekend you can immerse yourself in life after death.
As if you need any more persuasion to jump into the game during the free weekend, during which a new (also free) DLC is launched, we’ve compiled a run-down of what you can enjoy once you’ve downloaded V Rising. Wrap yourself in something warm and get ready for some ghastly gothic goodness.
A thirst for blood
V Rising wastes no time in dropping the weighty responsibility of vampire survival on your head. Waking up as a weak and exhausted prince of the night, you must gain strength and power through a ruthless hunt for blood. All the classic tropes are there, and you’d best avoid the scorching sunlight if you wish to see another moonrise.
While you’ve been indulging in your century-long slumber, your powers have weakened and your castle has crumbled to dust. Rebuild your gothic mansion and fill it with willing (or unwilling) servants, ready to do your bidding. In the safe confines of your home, you can build vast collections of loot and ready your undead armies for holy soldiers and rival vampires.
A whole world of horror
The wide open world of Vardoran is one of the main draws of V Rising, enhancing gameplay and making everything look extra gorgeous. Unfortunately, things that would fill a human with joy – lush forests and spacious countryside – become perilous for a vampire, and you must learn to traverse them safely. Of course, you can also skulk about in dark caverns.
This world is far from empty. As you ride around on your noble steed you’ll bump into friends, foes, and some incredible supernatural entities. It won’t be a surprise to learn that many will be hostile toward you merely for your vampiric tendencies, so be sure to build your skills and refine your weapons before venturing out alone.
Fight through the night
As you travel freely through the world, you’ll encounter some not-so-friendly faces. Holy armies will try to attack your stronghold, so you’ll need to steel your servants and ensure the security of your castle while you roam. Mythical beasts will accost you, and other vampires may decide you’re worth more dead than you are alive, so be mindful of noises around you and try to keep hidden. Alternatively, go in all guns – and teeth – blazing, and wipe out powerful enemies, gaining strength with every kill.
V Rising allows you to really live up to your bad guy fantasy if you want to, mercilessly slaying everything around you and drinking the blood of countless innocents. That being said, if you fancy yourself as more of a cloak-wearing diplomat, you can negotiate truces and partnerships with other vampires around you, and explore the world as friends. Fighting side-by-side might give you the boost you need to take down some of the biggest threats out there in Vardoran.
Tricks and treats
Aside from the Halloween event – which has been given the horrifying name of Bloodfeast – Halloween also brings a bunch of new content to the game. Even if you’re new on the servers you’ll be able to engage with this update and brand new limited-time DLC.
The free Haunted Nights Castle DLC pack is a real treat, bringing plenty of new customisation options for your humble house of horrors. Dress your castle up with festively frightening wall decor, lanterns, pumpkins, skull candles, and more, for the most important event in any goth’s calendar.
There’s also new server settings for old and new players alike to enjoy in the form of Mad Hunt. These allow you to shuffle things up, making it a little harder for yourself and presenting a real challenge.
Be sure to download V Rising via Steam during the free weekend – from October 28 – November 1.