Bloodborne is a beautiful rendition of cosmic horror set within the framework of a FromSoftware game. The way FormSoft curate their worlds is very welcoming to this particular literary genre and they hit the nail on the head with the execution, to say the least. Every aspect of the game is on point with the general theme all the while staying true to the SoulsBorne formula in terms of gameplay and lore delivery.
Considering the eldritch nature of cosmic horror where mere humans are involved with beings that are beyond their comprehension, there is a palpable influence of said beings but in order to connect to or understand them, one must have a level of understanding that defies orthodoxy. This is what Insight is in Bloodborne. It is a way of looking at the world where you pierce through the veil and peer into the extramundane nature of the world.
Though Insight is a stat that affects the world around you, it is also a currency that is useful for many things like:
- Insight is a significant part and is spent each time you initiate multiplayer in Bloodborne.
- Buying Small Resonant Bell (to join other players’ worlds for co-op) and Sinister Bell (invading other players’ worlds for PvP).
- Buying weapon upgrade items (Blood Stones).
- Buying Fire Paper and Bolt Paper for exploiting weaknesses and dealing extra damage.
- Buying special armor.
- Buying Chalice Dungeon ingredients.
Related: What Is Insight In Bloodborne? And What Is It Used For?
Insight Shop (Insight Bath Messenger)
There is a dedicated shop in the Hunter’s Dream where you can buy various types of items for the Insight that you have accumulated. All the items in the shop will be added as you progress through the game and/or have completed particular tasks. The items are all listed below:
Related: How To Get To Cainhurst In Bloodborne
Multiplayer
Insight is a necessary requirement for the multiplayer co-op and is needed to use both the Beckoning Bell for becoming the host and asking for online help and the Resonant Bell for becoming the guest in someone’s world and helping them. If you want to indulge in PvP then you will have to use Sinister Resonant Bell to invade other players’ worlds. All three of these bells will consume 1 Insight upon usage.
Hence Insight is a crucial aspect if you want to experience this game fully with your friends or engage in multiplayer in general. Always have a handful of Insight on you if you are looking to play multiplayer.
Fire Paper & Bolt Paper
These two types of Paper are very useful for fighting enemies in Bloodborne. Fire Paper engulfs most of your weapons with flame that deals burning damage. It is the common weakness of the Beasts type enemies(a very common enemy type in the game), and generally useful against enemies that have little to no clothing.
Bolt Paper coats most weapons with electricity that deals electrical damage. It is the common weakness of the Kin (those eldritch monstrosities), ethereal enemies, and is generally useful against enemies that use metal armor.
So always have a stock of these papers in your inventory and even equip them in quick use slots for instant use when dealing with particular types of enemies. Spending your Insight on these two items will be a smart decision that will pay off when used properly.
Related: 12 Best Skill Weapons In Bloodborne
Upgrade Materials
Blood Stones are required to upgrade/strengthen weapons in the Workshop in the Hunter’s Dream. There are 4 levels of Blood Stones each upgrading weapons to particular tiers, all of them are listed below. As you progress through the game all the levels of Blood Stones will become available in the Insight shop, and if you are someone who upgrades various weapons then this will be quite useful. You can easily buy Blood Stones without riveting to excessive farming and relying on the RNG.
| Icon & Name | Upgrade Tier | Insight Cost |
|---|---|---|
 Bloodstone Shard | +1, +2, +3 | 1 Insight each |
 Twin Bloodstone Shards | +4, +5, +6 | 2 Insight each |
 Bloodstone Chunk | +7, +8, +9 | 20 Insight each |
 Blood Rock | +10 | 60 Insight each |
These were all the places and items where you should be spending Insight on in Bloodborne and its best usage. There are some armor sets that unlock after defeating specific enemies /bosses which you can buy with Insight but as with most armor in Bloodborne, they serve little purpose in providing tangible benefits and are more or less eye-candy. But if you are into the whole Fashion Souls scene then these armors are a must-buy too.