FromSoftware's latest venture, The Duskbloods, is not to be confused with a sequel to Bloodborne, but it promises to be an exciting addition to their portfolio. Announced during the April 2 Nintendo Direct, this title is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 and will be released in 2026. Dive in to uncover FromSoftware's vision for The Duskbloods and explore 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 critically acclaimed Elden Ring, have reassured fans that they will continue to develop their signature single-player experiences, despite their upcoming multiplayer projects. In a surprising move, they unveiled The Duskbloods, a PvPvE game for the Nintendo Switch 2, alongside their other multiplayer title, Elden Ring Nightreign.
In a recent post on Nintendo's insider blog, Creator’s Voice, on April 4, FromSoftware Director Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed the company's future direction. He emphasized that while The Duskbloods is an online multiplayer title, it does not signify a shift away from single-player games. Miyazaki stated, "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 reassured fans by mentioning the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 version of Elden Ring, affirming their commitment to single-player focused games.
The Importance of Blood in The Duskbloods
Miyazaki delved into the thematic focus of The Duskbloods, which revolves around the concept of blood. Players will take on the role of "Bloodsworn," members of a group endowed with superhuman abilities through the use of special blood. While drawing parallels to vampires, Miyazaki clarified that these characters are not portrayed as traditional monsters.
The narrative of The Duskbloods centers on the competition for "The First Blood," which emerges during "The Twilight of Humanity," an event spanning various times and places. Miyazaki described the game's settings, which include Gothic and Victorian-style maps, as well as scenes from the early modern period, such as a train running through a historical landscape.
In The Duskbloods, blood is not merely a visual element but a conceptual symbol representing the game’s key themes. Miyazaki explained, "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 trailer for The Duskbloods 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 degree 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."
At the outset, players gather in a "hub" to select and customize their character before entering the online multiplayer mode, which supports up to 8 players. After each match, players return to the hub to collect their rewards, primarily character customization items.
Matches in The Duskbloods typically end with one player remaining, though victory conditions can vary. Players may sometimes need to defeat a formidable boss or meet other specific challenges. Miyazaki detailed, "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."
Additionally, The Duskbloods introduces "roles" that assign players special responsibilities and objectives. While details are still being finalized, Miyazaki provided examples such as the "Destined Rivals" role, where players must seek out and defeat their rival, and the "Destined Companion" role, where players need to find and bond with a partner for unique rewards. He elaborated, "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 has shed light on FromSoftware's plans for The Duskbloods, hinting at more announcements to come. As a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive set for release in 2026, The Duskbloods promises to blend FromSoftware's signature themes with innovative multiplayer experiences. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new title!
