Hey everyone, come sit down. I have been sharing game stories with friends for years at cookouts, over text late at night, or just chatting after work. Last night. The couch, and started playing Blood West again. I didn’t plan to stay up long, but man, it sucked me right in. This is for all of us who like games that feel like real adventures, the ones that make you jump or think twice. If that’s you, listen up. I am gonna tell you why this game feels so special to me, like it’s straight out of that tough book by Cormac McCarthy, and why you should download it free before it’s too late.
I am sitting there, snacks nearby, and the game starts. You are this guy called the Hunter not some perfect hero, just a tough soul pulled back from the dead to clean up a big mess. You walk through old West places that are cursed, chasing away the evil stuff that’s ruining everything. The game came out fully in 2023 from a small team called Runner Duck, with help from New Blood Interactive. It looks simple, kind of blocky, but that makes it feel honest, like an old photo.
Why am I talking about it today? Because Epic is giving it away for free during their holiday sale. Normally $14 on Steam, and lots of players over 1,200 say it’s great. I have seen thousands of people grabbing it already. It’s perfect for the holidays when you want something fun to play without spending money. I started last night thinking “just a little bit,” and suddenly hours were gone. If you need a break from all the busy stuff, this could be your thing.
How Blood West Reminds Me So Much of Blood Meridian
Okay, quick backstory if you have not read the book. Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West is this story from 1985 about a young guy who joins a rough group hunting for trouble in the old border lands. It’s not the happy cowboy movies it’s hard, with lots of fighting and a scary man called the Judge who talks about how life is just one big battle. The sunsets look bloody, and nothing feels safe.
Blood West gives me that same feeling, but I get to be in it. There are three main areas: dry canyons full of rocks, wet swamps with fog everywhere, and high mountains with cold wind. Everything changes a little each time you play, so it’s always new. You have to sneak a lot no running in shooting everything. Hide in shadows, move quiet, or the bad guys hear you and it’s over.
I remember one night playing, hiding behind a rock while creepy enemies walked by. My hands were sweaty waiting for them to pass. You find these “Eyes” from beaten enemies to make yourself better like walking quieter or shooting straighter. It’s easy to understand but keeps you on edge. The big fights feel heavy, not fun like in other games. You have to figure out smart ways to win, like using fire or traps. It makes me think about the book’s ideas: is the land winning, or are you?
I have played it a bunch, trying different ways one time far away with a bow, another close with a knife. Every time I find more of the story through little notes or talks with ghosts. It’s quiet but powerful, like a friend telling you something deep.
My Simple Guide to Finding Good Stuff in the Swamps – Blood West Chapter 2 Weapons Map
Chapter 2 is the swamps muddy, foggy, full of bugs that hurt your health and monsters that pop out of water. It’s tough at first, but once you find good weapons, it gets better.
I have played this part many times and noted where I usually find the best things. The places move a bit each game, but these spots work most of the time. Here’s my easy list.
| Weapon Name | Type | Why It’s Good | Where I Usually Find It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Rifle | Long rifle | Strong hit, great for far away | Tree platforms south of camp near the farm bridge, or near the bad guy cave |
| Avenger Pistol | Hand gun | Fast shots, extra strong on head | Camp where bad guys collect skin, north of bridge; or church south of town |
| Saber | Short sword | Quick for close fights | Small island with water monsters northwest of camp; boat building in town |
| Crossbow | Quiet bow | No noise, good shots | Box outside the boat area in town |
| Four Winds | Throwing axe | Comes back to you automatically | Inside the bad guy cave |
| Endless Hunger | Knife | Makes enemies weaker for a bit | Chicken place across south bridge |
| The Edge | Long sword | Causes bleeding over time | Top of the big boat north of town |
| Bloody Hunt | Bow | Gets stronger if you have more health | Top of the sawmill, climb ladder |
| Iron Thorn | Better crossbow | Stronger and faster reload | Circle of stones north of fort |
| Emerald Eyes | Shotgun | Wide shot, helps with shopping too | Small red house near the stones |
| Last Breath | Shotgun | Gets stronger with more enemies | Sunk boat between sawmill and farm |
| Hedera | Rifle | Helps hide in bushes better | Top floor office at the farm |
| Second Coming | Best rifle | Super strong, especially head shots | Top of doctor’s house behind sawmill |
Start in town for easy ones like the crossbow. Then go for the Buffalo Rifle it’s perfect for big monsters. Watch out for bugs that lower your health; get rid of them fast. My favorite mix is Hedera for hiding and Last Breath for groups.
Trying Out the Magic Guy in the Add-On – Blood West Dead Man’s Promise Character
If you like the main game, there’s an extra part called Dead Man’s Promise. You play a different person the Shaman, who’s the dad of a character named Twen. He’s stuck helping the god of death because of an old promise.
This guy uses magic instead of just guns. You can shoot fire that spreads, call helpers to fight for you, or put bad effects on enemies. The new area is more swampy with lost souls to help. You eat parts from wins to get healthier it’s a bit gross but cool.
When I first tried him, it felt fresh. Sneaking is still important, but with magic tricks. It adds more story and questions about fixing things or making them worse. You can start it anytime, and it’s on sale cheap if you want.
What’s Next and Why You Should Play
Go get Blood West free here: Epic Games Store link. People are already adding their own stuff to make it longer, and the makers might do more. It’s a game with heart that could start more like it.
I have had so much fun with it what about you? Have you played something that gave you that same spooky feeling? Tell me below!
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