Bloodborne version 1.03 is out, striking a visceral blow to the notably long load times in From Software's action role-playing game.

According to the PS4 patch notes, the update improves "loading time," "game performance" and fixes some unspecified bugs. An update on PlayStation's Japanese Bloodborne page says that the patch decreases load times "approx. 5-15 seconds; may vary by circumstance." Here's the full list of changes from the site:

-Reduced loading times (approx. 5-15 seconds; may vary by circumstance)

-Fixed bug that left certain lifts and elevators inoperable

-Fixed bug that resulted in bosses becoming immobilized

-Fixed bug that left players unable to advance NPC events during multi-play

-When the PS4 is put into Rest Mode during online play, the game will now return to the main title screen upon resuming play

This will resolve matchmaking issues related to Suspend/Resume.

-Other various bug fixes

Those loading screens were a technical blight on an otherwise well-received game. They forced players to wait unusually long after they died or warped, as the game reset itself to a playable state.

As we wrote in our review, "Bloodborne's other major technical concern is its load times. Should you die in Bloodborne or want to travel between locations via one of its lanterns, you're looking at a load time of 20 to 40 seconds, sometimes more. If you need to dip back into the game's safe haven, the hub known as the Hunter's Dream, you may wind up seeing multiple loads back to back."

In a recent PlayStation Blog post, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Studio producer Masaaki Yamagiwa wrote that the game's next patch would address the load times. That patch is now available, and Bloodborne players will need to install it before they can resume playing online.

The patch that brought version 1.03 also updated the interstitial screen's content, making the wait more interesting for players in loading limbo. Instead of a black screen with the name of the game and a blinking symbol in the upper right, Bloodborne now displays a series of item descriptions, echoing From Software's other action RPG series, Dark Souls.

Press play below to watch a warp from the Hunter's Dream to Hemwick Charnel Lane takes. It takes less than 30 seconds, which From Software fills with new item descriptions.

For more on the PlayStation 4 exclusive, press play below to watch the beginning of our multi-part walkthrough. If you're looking for some help, be sure to read and watch our guide.

Gameplay Walkthrough: Bloodborne