"Duskbloods: Play as Bloodsworn, Not Bloodborne 2"

The Duskbloods will immerse players in the role of a Bloodsworn, but rest assured, it's not Bloodborne 2. Dive into the details to discover what FromSoftware has in store for this thrilling new title and its unique features.

FromSoftware Will Continue To Create Single-Player Focused Games

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

FromSoftware, the creators of the beloved Elden Ring, have reassured fans that they will continue to craft their signature single-player experiences, even as they venture into multiplayer gaming. The company recently unveiled their upcoming exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2, titled The Duskbloods, during the April 2 Nintendo Direct. This online multiplayer PvPvE game retains the iconic Soulslike themes and aesthetics, surprising many as FromSoftware also has another multiplayer title, Elden Ring Nightreign, on the horizon.

In a recent post on Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice blog dated April 4, FromSoftware Director Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed the company's future direction. He emphasized that despite the focus on multiplayer projects, FromSoftware remains committed to developing their traditional single-player games.

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 characters and setting, which revolve around the theme of blood. Players will take on the role of "Bloodsworn," members of a group endowed with superhuman abilities derived from special blood. While Miyazaki drew comparisons to vampires, he clarified that these characters would not be portrayed as traditional monstrous figures.

In The Duskbloods, Bloodsworn compete for "The First Blood," which emerges during "The Twilight of Humanity," an event that unfolds across various times and places.

Miyazaki described the game's settings, saying, "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."

He further explained the symbolic role of blood in the game, stating, "Blood symbolizes one of the game’s key themes—the history it holds, the power it passes on, the fates it weaves, and the marker of those who have surpassed the limitations of their own humanity."

Wide Variety of Characters and Online Multiplayer

The Duskbloods' trailer showcased a diverse array of characters, each with unique designs and personalities. Miyazaki confirmed that players will have over a dozen characters to choose from, with some level of customization available. 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 at a "hub" where they can select and customize their character before entering online multiplayer sessions that support up to 8 players. After each match, players return to the hub to collect their rewards, which primarily consist of character customization options.

Matches typically end with one player standing, though victory conditions can vary. Players may need to defeat a formidable boss or face other unique 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."

He also introduced the concept of "roles," where players can take on special responsibilities and objectives. While some details remain under wraps, Miyazaki provided examples such as the "Destined Rivals" role, where players must find and defeat their rival, and the "Destined Companion" role, where players must locate their partner to form a bond and earn 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 Creator’s Voice blog post offered valuable insights into FromSoftware’s plans for their Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. With more announcements expected in the future, The Duskbloods is set to launch in 2026. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this exciting new game by checking out our article below!