First VtM:B playthrough: what clan to play?

Nosferatu sounds like my type ;)

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If you're doing Toreador, you'll want to activate the Companion Mod [most mods can be activated through the Clan Quest Mod; aside from CQM, make sure to get the Unofficial Patch- + mode on that adds more features, but the basic UP just fixes lingering issues from the initial release, so that side of it is rather mandatory]. It really plays to the lore/tabletop background of the clan, and makes it stand unique from the other clans [if you don't use the mod for other clan playthroughs]. The increased frenzy mod is a good way to spice up Brujah or Gangrel, if you're looking for an increased challenge with them.

In any case, save Malkavian and Nosferatu for last- Malkavian is phenomenally different from all the other clans, and can spice up the game after any number of playthroughs with the other clans. On the other hand, playing Malks first can ruin playthroughs with other clans, as they get a lot of background lore available to them that other clans don't, so any other playthrough will seem lore-shallow by comparison.
Nossies are the most involved to playthrough with, essentially turning the game into a fully fledged stealth game, so they have a pretty distinct twist to mechanical differences.

Toreadors and Brujah are probably the least interesting of the clans inherently, and as Gangrels get bonuses during frenzy, it's often worth doing Brujah first and Gangrels with frenzy mod later on. Toreadors with companion mod are quite distinct and interesting, supplementing themselves with a follower system to reflect the clan's inherent charisma. Ventrue likewise are a less interesting comparison to Tremere and Malkavians, though they do get more interesting dialogue options than Tremere (though Malks also can access most of those) [unless you have unofficial patch+ activated, at which point Tremere also get Ventrue dialogue options].

My recommended playthrough order'd be:

1. Brujah: Straightforward dialogues and gameplay make them the least overwhelming (and least interesting later on) of the clans, and their emphasis on combat disciplines makes them fairly new player friendly for combat interactions.
2. Gangrel with Frenzy mod: Basically Brujah on crack. Even better combat disciplines and frenzy bonuses mitigate the challenge of constantly being in frenzy any time you're even slightly injured. There may be some save-scumming involved after you clean out a building of innocent civilians, but the humor of it should make up for it. You'll have to play more tactically than with Brujah, making sure you only frenzy in locations that won't get you killed, and making sure to keep your blood meter up otherwise.
3. Tremere: Also pretty combat focused, their magic makes for some interesting twists from the previous two clans. Clan Quest mod (which adds expanded clan-exclusive quests, as the name indicates) also makes them really distinct, though unofficial patch+ (the optional expanded mode of unofficial patch) should be off for their playthrough, considering how it muddles their clan with Ventrue.
4. Toreador with companion mod: Play for social manipulation on this one, relying on your companions for combat when it's necessary. This is a fun one to try for a manipulative, seductive roleplaying playthrough, and companion mod really plays to that strength.
5. Ventrue. More challenging in combat than previous clans and not as interesting in basic roleplay, but their domination dialogue options make up for their more demanding traits, with the options spicing up dialogue at a point when you've had enough playthroughs to really appreciate the freshening up of conversation [of course, if you spoiled it by using Malkavians (or Tremere with unoffical patch+) before Ventrue, then expect a rather bland playthrough]. At this point, you should be familiar enough with the game to be able to handle their less combat-oriented ability emphasis. If not, well, companion mod still fits well enough to their theme that you can keep that on for another playthrough.
6. Nosferatu: Here's where the game hits a new level of challenge- stealth everywhere, and learn to appreciate the extensive sewer and duct systems in the game. If you haven't explored those extensively before now, it opens a whole new world to you. Either way, Nossies make for an interesting dynamic shift, with you typically avoiding social interactions and combat for a stealth-oriented gameplay style. Honestly, it's comparable to the better stealth games out there. Likewise, dialogue is different enough in a lot of places that they continue to spice up interactions with this late gameplay slot.
7. Malkavians: Challenge is going to drop here from Nossies, but that's okay- Malkavians are fun and enlightening to play in a way that none of the other clans touch on. Think of this as the prize at the end of the struggle, a new game+ mode that gives you more answers and special powers to be absolutely ridiculous. It's a great time, and really expands the game into something utterly delightful. Like all but the first three clans, they're going to still struggle a bit with the harder single opponent boss fights, but their crowd control is as good as any, so most of the gameplay is pretty much just going to be nonstop casual silliness, especially given how familiar combat should be by this point.

Brujah and Gangrel focus primarily on unarmed combat. Any clan with Auspex (Malkavian, Toreador, Tremere) is going to favor ranged combat, and any clan with Potence (Brujah, Nosferatu) is going to favor melee combat, as those abilities specifically benefit those specific styles. Make sure to at least buy melee weapons on Malks, though- they've got some silly weapon reskins you gotta see. Ventrue lack a specific focus [part of the reason they're a challenge to play for boss fights], so that one is really up to your preference. Of course, given that only Nossies really are set for non-unarmed melee, Ventrue'd be a good secondary option for that.
Without the increased frenzy mod, frenzy is actually pretty rare unless your health is to the point that you're nearly dead. Theoretically it's not something you have to worry about much, so long as your humanity (ie, the game's morale system stat) remains high. Lower humanity has increased frenzy chance and sends vampire-hunters after you, so your 'evil' playthroughs should come toward the end of your playthroughs, when you're looking for more of a challenge. Towards that consideration, it can really help add to that hunted feel for Nosferatu- the higher chance of frenzy doesn't really match to smooth stealth play, but if you're playing to avoid damage, you may find it to not be a concern.

Also, make sure histories are activated. I think Unofficial Patch does that automatically with any iteration of it released within the past few years, but if if not, look up how to activate them through in-game console. Histories let you further customize your characters, making them feel even more strongly distinct in their clan emphasis.

If at any point after your Tremere playthrough you're starting to want a bit more spice, that'd probably be the time to consider activating UP+. Unlike UP, which tries to fix and finish the original game, UP+ adds community-created concepts and creations to the game, and diverts from the original flavor of the game in some places. I can't tell you whether it's worth activating or not, players kinda go both ways in liking it or not. Still, if you're curious about it, later playthroughs may do well with some new elements added in.

Also, finally, just because a mod is included within CQM (the base mod itself being a good general addition, as it adds clan-specific expansions to content to further make the clans feel distinct [including clan-specific "strongholds"]) doesn't mean it's worth using, so you'll probably want to save any but the two mods I mentioned applying for when you've finished with your playthroughs with each clan, and are looking for further ways of making the game interesting to play again. Same goes for any of the few other notable mods which aren't included in CQM. Some of the cosmetic/HD/resolution mods are definitely worth looking into, however- though many of them have a tendency to screw up game graphics in wacky ways, so use restraint and consideration in applying any.

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Malkavian, of course. Best clan to play, but for second walkthrough, yes.
All depends on style. If you like melee - bruja and gangrel, guns - toreador, magic - tremere. Nosferatu is "second-game" experience. So it could be good variant to start with Ventrue, this clan pretty "standart", without obvious pros and cons.

I played Ventrue twice. Toreador sounds good as well.

I always liked playing Tremere, but Nosferatu is also a lot of fun as it plays completely different than any of the other clans, but is also more difficult, because you need to be stealthy all the time.

If you aren't familiar with World of Darkness, play as Brujah or Toreador as your first character.

вuмp 🚃

Blacklisted you for hating on tremere (◣_◢)

View attached image.

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I have no idea bump :3

Malkavians and Nosferatu are great, but not for your first playthrough. They introduce some radical changes to gameplay, which make a second (or third) playthrough a lot more interesting.

Brujah with Celerity and Potence is a force of nature, at higher levels you're so fast ingame that you can see the bullets shot at you :D
Everything was already told I guess ; be sure and have at least one strong form of combat, because it will be needed. mid-ish computer (or called hacking?) and lockpicking are useful :)

For the first time Toreador or Ventrue, for replay better Malkavian. It was my most favourite game before.. Before the patches were released :) Even those sweet bugs with movement and crushes to WinXP desktop didnt bother me that much. Good luck and enjoy playing!

Malkavian :)

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Pick Toreador!

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Imo, in this game Toreador is one of the more boring classes (despite them being my favorite clan overall). If you want more 'social' gameplay, Ventrue is better.

But if you're only planning a single playthrough... pick Tremere female. ;) Not only Tremere are extremely fun to play, she's also super hot. No kidding. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qkul3AqDRuQ

Malkavian will each almost every line of dialog your character can say, so is posible for it to be your first playtrough.. but do keep that in mind, actually my first playtrough was indeed malkavian and that helped me cement my love for the game.

Malkavian all the way!!:)

Don't have the steam version, so can't cast a vote, but... I can't really remember what clan I played anyway. It was either Toreador or Tremere. Great game though, hopefully you enjoy it.

Malkavian, you won't regret it.

Malkavian seems quite a popular choice, but really, don't play them for first, because in most of their dialogues they either refer to an event happening in the future either spot on, but out of context, or they refer to the actual plot / story / missions in a cloudy, cryptic way that to be honest is closer to ramblings, than real conversation most of the time. They are like easter eggs, best to experience when you know what they are referring to, as their role as a clan is more like a crazy psychic, than just generally crazy person.

Thank you !
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