Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines Skills, feats and experience: read the character sheet
Buy the rating an obstacle actually checks and avoid unnecessary point spreading.
Edition covered
Original 2004 PC campaign and original publisher pictures. Unofficial Patch Basic and Plus releases change or restore content; this reference does not assume Plus-only quests, shortcuts or rewards. Bloodlines 2 is a separate game.
Attributes and abilities form practical feats
Bloodlines uses combined ratings for actions such as melee combat, lockpicking and hacking. Hover over entries to see the connection, then buy the less expensive or more broadly useful improvement for the current goal.
| Feat | Contributing ratings | Practical role |
|---|---|---|
| Melee | Strength and Melee | Effectiveness with melee weapons |
| Ranged | Perception and Firearms | Effectiveness with guns |
| Lockpicking | Dexterity and Security | Opening suitable locks |
| Hacking | Wits and Computer | Accessing secured computer functions |
| Persuasion | Charisma and Scholarship | Opening blue dialogue options |
| Sneaking | Dexterity and Stealth | Moving without detection |
Quest progress is the main reason to explore
Experience comes from completing objectives and discovering useful solutions rather than simply grinding random street fights. Talk to contacts and inspect e-mails so secondary assignments are not missed between main missions.
| Situation | Check first | Useful response |
|---|---|---|
| Door resists picking | Required Lockpicking rating | Compare Dexterity and Security costs |
| Terminal rejects access | Hacking difficulty | Look for a password or improve the feat |
| Weapon feels ineffective | Relevant combat feat | Invest in the chosen damage route |
| Skill book found | Reading and training requirements | Check before spending the next dot |
Utility checks solve different obstacles
Lockpicking opens physical locks, Hacking accesses computers, and dialogue feats operate through conversations. A locked computer terminal and a locked door are different problems even when both protect the same room.
Books and teachers can affect spending order
Training opportunities can improve abilities under particular conditions. Read a skill book’s requirements before buying the next dot, and keep spare experience when an upcoming obstacle may reveal a more useful purchase.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Publisher game manual | store.steampowered.com |