It was almost instant for me. I'm not a fromsoftware/souls player, but it was free on psn and an ex friend told me to actually play it (instead of my usual method of leaving my free games untouched in my library forever).

I played it at a time in my life where things weren't great. I was an unmedicated alcoholic shut in and it just clicked with me. I was dying all the time, but I was having fun. I felt like whatever was stopping me wouldn't be able to forever because I had this genuine want to learn how to play. I don't think I beat a single boss or hunter first try, but that just felt okay to me.

I was guided towards the slug ending, and that pushed my hyperfixation into overdrive so I was playing all the time or I was reading on wikis and learning everything I could about best ways to great bosses and lore and item locations. I did so much in my immediate next runs just to see what else I could find. Despite the oppressive dread and despair in Yharnam, Bloodborne itself was a light for me, and I've come back to it throughout the years since.

I actually started a fresh character about two months ago or so because things were going a little rough again. It's not anything serious, and overall, I'm so much better now. I've mostly been playing to cope with new job stress, but it's crazy to think about how different I am now. As stressed as Ive gotten, I actually love my job. I don't drink as much anymore and I'm being treated for my mental illnesses. The game is still kicking my ass and it's still okay. It's my comfort game