Duskbloods: Play as Bloodsworn, Not Bloodborne 2

The Duskbloods will have players take on the role of a Bloodsworn, but it's important to clarify that this is not Bloodborne 2. Dive in to discover FromSoftware's vision for The Duskbloods and the exciting features it brings to the table.

FromSoftware Will Continue To Create Single-Player Focused Games

The Duskbloods Director on Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice Blog

FromSoftware, the studio behind the acclaimed Elden Ring, assures fans that they remain committed to crafting their signature single-player experiences. Despite recent announcements of multiplayer titles like The Duskbloods and Elden Ring Nightreign, the company's focus on single-player games remains unwavering. The Duskbloods, an exclusive for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, was unveiled during the April 2 Nintendo Direct. This online multiplayer PvPvE game retains the iconic Soulslike themes and aesthetics, blending competition with FromSoftware's traditional game design.

In a recent post on Nintendo's Creator’s Voice blog on April 4, FromSoftware Director Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed the company's future direction. He clarified that despite the upcoming multiplayer games, FromSoftware will continue to produce their renowned single-player titles. Miyazaki 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." He further added, "The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Elden Ring was also announced, and we still intend to actively develop single player focused games such as this that embrace our more traditional style."

The Importance of Blood in The Duskbloods

Miyazaki shed light on the game's thematic focus on blood, central to the narrative and gameplay. Players assume the role of "Bloodsworn," individuals with superhuman abilities derived from special blood. While drawing parallels to vampires, Miyazaki emphasized that the Bloodsworn would not be portrayed as monstrous figures. Instead, they compete for "The First Blood," a coveted prize that emerges during "The Twilight of Humanity," an event spanning various historical settings.

The game's environments range from Gothic and Victorian settings to scenes reminiscent of the early modern period, such as a train traversing a historic landscape. Miyazaki explained, "There are more traditional Gothic- or Victorian-style maps as well as those depicting the closing years of the early modern period, like the one glimpsed in the trailer with the train running through it." In The Duskbloods, blood serves as a symbol of history, power, fate, and transcendence, deeply woven into the game's thematic fabric.

Wide Variety of Characters and Online Multiplayer

The Duskbloods features a diverse roster of characters, each with unique designs and personalities. Miyazaki confirmed the availability of over a dozen characters, customizable to an extent. He noted, "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."

Players begin their journey in a "hub" where they can select and customize their character before entering online multiplayer sessions that support up to 8 players. Post-match, players return to the hub to collect their rewards, primarily in the form of character customization options.

Matches typically conclude with one player remaining, though alternative victory conditions may apply, such as defeating a formidable boss or meeting specific challenges. Miyazaki elaborated, "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."

The game introduces "roles," special assignments with unique objectives. Miyazaki provided examples such as the "Destined Rivals" role, where players seek out and defeat their designated rival, and the "Destined Companion" role, where players find and bond with a partner for special rewards. He further 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."

The insights shared in Nintendo's Creator’s Voice blog offer a glimpse into FromSoftware's ambitious project for the Nintendo Switch 2. The Duskbloods promises a rich, multifaceted experience, with more details expected to be revealed in the future. Scheduled for release in 2026, this exclusive title is set to captivate gamers with its blend of Soulslike elements and innovative multiplayer features. Stay tuned to our updates for the latest news on The Duskbloods!