In the January 2019 edition of PlayStation: Official Magazine, our ambassador Emma Withington discussed the positive effects Bloodborne had on her anxiety. She explains, “Bloodborne could be considered the definition of anxiety: it’s frenzied, relentless, and a constant battle.”

In Bloodborne, you must face your fears as you search for answers in the ancient city of Yharnam, now cursed with a strange endemic illness spreading through the streets like wildfire. Danger, death and madness lurk around every corner of this dark and horrific world, and you must discover its darkest secrets in order to survive.

Bloodborne is a masterclass in subconscious teaching. You must learn to take risks, prepare for uncertainty and accept that failure is inevitable. These lessons probably sound like your worst nightmare as an anxiety sufferer, but are key aspects to address in order to progress – in Bloodborne and in life. 

“Through basic mechanics, from Echo management (which risks are worth taking and which battles are worth fighting?) to ‘YOU DIED’ (why do I keep failing?), Bloodborne won’t give up on you or loosen its grip. It certainly won’t prepare you for what lies in wait around the corner. Accepting this and learning to adapt is by far the biggest hurdle,” said Emma.

As you play through Bloodborne, you eventually start to see patterns – why the mistakes are being made, your approach in battle, and what exactly causes that rising tightness in your chest. Bloodborne quickly becomes a deeply personal story, and offers a very unique form of CBT for those willing to challenge themselves.

Due to scenes of moderate violence, Bloodborne is not appropriate for players under 16. Not recommended if you are suffering from heart conditions.