Duskbloods: Play as Bloodsworn, Not Bloodborne 2

The Duskbloods: A New Chapter from FromSoftware

FromSoftware, the masterminds behind the critically acclaimed Elden Ring, are back with an exciting new title for the Nintendo Switch 2. The Duskbloods, announced during the latest Nintendo Direct on April 2, promises a unique blend of online multiplayer PvPvE action steeped in the company's signature Soulslike themes and aesthetics. But don't worry, fans of single-player experiences—FromSoftware has reassured us that they will continue to craft their beloved single-player games.

FromSoftware's Commitment to Single-Player Games

In an insightful post on Nintendo's new blog, Creator's Voice, FromSoftware Director Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed the community's concerns. Despite the upcoming multiplayer titles, including The Duskbloods and Elden Ring Nightreign, Miyazaki emphasized that FromSoftware remains committed to developing their traditional single-player focused games. He stated, "As a side note, please allow me to address one thing. As previously mentioned, this is an online multiplayer title at its core, but this doesn’t mean that we as a company have decided to shift to a more multiplayer-focused direction with titles going forward."

The Concept of Blood in The Duskbloods

Miyazaki delved into the thematic essence of The Duskbloods, revealing that players will assume the roles of "Bloodsworn," characters endowed with superhuman abilities through the use of special blood. While the concept might evoke images of vampirism, Miyazaki clarified that the Bloodsworn would not be depicted as traditional horrifying monsters. Instead, blood serves as a symbol of the game's central themes—history, power, fate, and transcendence of human limitations.

The game's narrative revolves around the competition for "The First Blood," which emerges during "The Twilight of Humanity," an event that unfolds across various times and settings. Miyazaki described the game's diverse settings, ranging from Gothic and Victorian maps to scenes reminiscent of the early modern period, complete with trains running through them.

Diverse Characters and Engaging Online Multiplayer

The Duskbloods boasts a rich array of characters, each with unique designs and personalities. Miyazaki confirmed that players can choose from over a dozen characters, with options for customization. He expressed hope that players would find favorites among the varied options, stating, "I think there are a lot of unique elements to the character designs and the weapons they use, so hopefully players can find one or two favorites among them."

The game's online multiplayer mode supports up to 8 players, starting at a central hub where players select and customize their characters before diving into matches. These matches typically end when one player remains standing, though some scenarios might involve defeating a formidable boss or meeting other special conditions.

Miyazaki highlighted the game's focus on skill development, saying, "Regardless of whether it’s PvP or PvE, the idea is to provide players with an experience that allows them to learn and hone their skills as they play. We’ve therefore designed the PvE boss encounters to present a tough challenge and a sense of accomplishment upon defeating them."

Innovative Roles and Gameplay Dynamics

The Duskbloods introduces a novel "roles" system, where players can take on specific responsibilities and objectives through blood customization. Miyazaki provided examples such as the "Destined Rivals" role, where players must seek out and defeat their rival, and the "Destined Companion" role, where forming a bond with a partner yields special rewards. He explained, "Roles can be assigned to any character via blood customization, allowing players to enjoy role-playing in a literal sense and hopefully adding to the drama of these engagements."

FromSoftware's latest venture, The Duskbloods, is set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as the release date approaches. For the latest news and insights on The Duskbloods, be sure to check out our dedicated articles.