Defeating the Blood-Starved Beast in the Chapel of Old Yharnam is a major milestone in Bloodborne, but it often leaves players wondering where to head next. Defeating this poisonous terror opens up several new pathways and mechanics that are crucial for your journey through the gothic nightmare. Understanding these new options ensures you continue your progression efficiently while securing vital upgrades for your character.
Exploring Healing Church Workshop and the Radiant Sword Hunter Badge
Once the Blood-Starved Beast is slain, a previously locked door inside Oedon Chapel will open on the right side. Taking the elevator upward leads directly to the Healing Church Workshop, an area packed with valuable items and deadly enemies. At the top of the tower, players can retrieve the Radiant Sword Hunter Badge, which unlocks new weapons and items at the Messenger shop.
Navigating the wooden platforms inside the tower requires careful movement, as dropping down leads to hidden lower levels. Reaching the bottom opens a route back to Cathedral Ward, effectively bypassing the expensive Hunter Chief Emblem purchase. Many players following daily gaming news and guides appreciate this alternate path, as it saves 10,000 Blood Echoes for early-game character leveling.
Visiting Hypogean Gaol and the Snatcher Encounter
Another major change following the Blood-Starved Beast fight is the arrival of terrifying enemies known as Snatchers. These sack-toting figures spawn in specific areas around Cathedral Ward and deal massive physical damage to unprepared hunters. If you are defeated by a Snatcher, you will not respawn at a lamp, but will instead wake up trapped inside a cell in Hypogean Gaol.
Hypogean Gaol serves as an early preview of Yahar'gul, Unseen Village, offering high-level materials like Twin Blood Stone Shards. Navigating this dangerous zone allows players to challenge Darkbeast Paarl or unlock shortcut doors for future visits. It is wise to clear this zone early, as progress later in the main story will permanently alter the area.
Advancing Through Grand Cathedral and Vicar Amelia
With the gates of Cathedral Ward opened either via the emblem or the Healing Church Workshop descent, the main story path continues upward toward the Grand Cathedral. The stairways leading to the cathedral are heavily guarded by Church Servants and Gravekeepers that require patience to pull and eliminate. Restocking on Blood Vials and Quicksilver Bullets is recommended before attempting this ascent.
At the top of the Grand Cathedral awaits Vicar Amelia, one of the game's pivotal mandatory boss encounters. Beating her triggers a key cutscene that changes the world's time of day and unlocks access to the Forbidden Woods. Utilizing Fire Paper and Numbing Mists makes managing her aggressive attacks and healing abilities much easier.
Unlocking Chalice Dungeons for Gem Farming
Defeating the Blood-Starved Beast also rewards you with the Pthumeru Chalice, granting access to Bloodborne's Chalice Dungeon system. By performing a ritual at the altars in Hunter's Dream, players can enter subterranean labyrinths filled with unique bosses and valuable loot. These dungeons offer powerful Blood Gems that significantly enhance weapon damage early in the game.
While Chalice Dungeons are entirely optional for completing the main storyline, diving into them provides substantial Blood Echoes and crafting components. Clearing the initial levels helps strengthen your character if you find the main story areas challenging. Balancing dungeon exploration with main story progression provides a smooth and rewarding Bloodborne experience.
