"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 deeper into FromSoftware’s vision for The Duskbloods and explore its innovative features.

FromSoftware Will Continue To Create Single-Player Focused Games

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

FromSoftware, the masterminds behind Elden Ring, have reassured fans that they remain committed to crafting their renowned single-player experiences, even as they venture into multiplayer territories. During the recent Nintendo Direct on April 2, they unveiled The Duskbloods, an exclusive title for the Nintendo Switch 2 that combines online multiplayer PvPvE with the signature Soulslike atmosphere. This announcement comes alongside news of another multiplayer project, Elden Ring Nightreign.

In a detailed post on Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice blog dated April 4, FromSoftware Director Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed the company’s future plans. He clarified that while The Duskbloods is fundamentally an online multiplayer title, FromSoftware is not shifting away from their traditional single-player focus. 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 emphasized their commitment by noting, "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, introducing players to the "Bloodsworn," characters endowed with superhuman abilities through the use of special blood. Drawing a comparison to vampires, Miyazaki noted that these characters would not be portrayed as monstrous beings.

The narrative revolves around the Bloodsworn's quest for "The First Blood," which emerges during "The Twilight of Humanity," an apocalyptic event that unfolds across various eras and locations.

Describing the game’s settings, Miyazaki remarked, "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 that blood in The Duskbloods serves as a conceptual element, symbolizing the game’s core themes: "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 showcases a diverse array of characters, each with distinctive designs and personalities. Miyazaki confirmed that players will have over a dozen characters to choose from, with options for customization. He expressed his hope that players would find favorites among these unique designs and weapon sets.

Gameplay begins at a central "hub" where players select and customize their characters 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 conclude when only one player remains standing, though alternative victory conditions exist, such as defeating a formidable boss or achieving other specific goals.

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" within the game, which assign players specific responsibilities and objectives. While some details remain under wraps, Miyazaki provided examples like the "Destined Rivals" role, where players must seek out and defeat their rivals, and the "Destined Companion" role, where forming a bond with a partner yields special rewards.

He added, "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 has given us a glimpse into FromSoftware’s plans for The Duskbloods, a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive slated for release in 2026. Keep an eye on our updates for the latest news on this exciting title!