Redfall: Exclusive New Details on Jacob’s Backstory and Abilities | IGN First

Each of the characters starring in Arkane Studio’s Redfall has a unique set of talents, whether they were invented, came with the job, or in Jacob’s case, were bestowed mysteriously by a vampire. In the exclusive character trailer above we learn more about Jacob’s background and how he gained his supernatural powers.

Jacob is an experienced sniper and uses his new abilities in combination with the skills he had prior to arriving at Redfall in his kit. Check out what he’s got available to him to fight off former co-workers and vampires below:

• Power 1: Raven – Command your raven to fly forward and mark enemies.
• Power 2: Cloak – Activate Jacob’s stolen Bellwether Cloak to hide from enemies.
• Ultimate Ability: Heartstopper – Summon a ghostly rifle. Use sights to lock onto enemies, then fire to deal heavy damage.

Note that while Jacob doesn’t have an explicit “movement” ability like Layla’s Lift, Jacob’s Cloak grants him bonus move speed, and of course, free movement around enemies.

Early concept art of Jacob.

Arkane shared these additional exclusive deatails about Jacob’s background and interests:

“Growing up in a poverty-stricken coal mining community and bouncing from one foster home to the next, Jacob Boyer learned early on to stay hidden to avoid getting hurt. When a military recruiter came to his high school, Jacob enlisted as soon as he was able. Following Infantry tours in Afghanistan and Syria, he was accepted into a covert Special Forces unit, undertaking a series of recon and combat assignments. After being discharged, he joined Bellwether, a private military company (or “PMC”) known for involving themselves in global conflicts.

For years he was sent into dangerous situations acting in the interests of international corporations and government agencies. Hired by an unknown, Aevum Therapeutics-affiliated client, Jacob and his unit were sent to Redfall with orders known only to the top brass. When he was separated from his fellow operators, Jacob was captured by the vampire god Miss Whisper and had a psychic raven and strange eye forced on him for an unknown purpose.

Over the course of his time in foster care in Ashton, West Virginia, Jacob helped take care of many cats and grew quite fond of them. While he grew up hunting, he never felt enthusiastic about it. In almost all situations, he’d rather spend time with cats than shoot wild animals. His raven being a potential exception to that rule, though he tolerates him more than hates him.

He has a knack for acoustic guitar, a fondness for mystery novels, and a passion for poetry–particularly Emily Dickinson. All facts he does not enjoy sharing with strangers. On the other side, he hates caves, being on camera, and people who hurt cats. That last one is a particularly burning hatred.”

The Redfall IGN First content continues throughout the month of April with additional exclusive character details, gameplay, and more. Check out our first character profile on Layla to learn more about her abilities and background.

Miranda Sanchez is the executive editor of guides at IGN and a member of Podcast Unlocked. She’s a big fan of stationery and fountain pens. You can sometimes find her on Twitter.