The most exciting reveal during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was undoubtedly the announcement of a new third-party game by FromSoftware, titled "The Duskbloods." This game, which bears striking similarities to the iconic PlayStation 4 exclusive, Bloodborne, is set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. In The Duskbloods, players take on the role of the "Bloodsworn," a faction that transcends humanity through the use of special blood, engaging in fierce battles to claim the title of "First Blood."
FromSoftware has confirmed that The Duskbloods is a PvPvE game, with online multiplayer at its heart, allowing up to eight players to compete for victory. While the game's themes of blood and machinery echo Bloodborne, it also shares elements with the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, but with a PvP twist rather than just co-op PvE.
Although details are sparse, with only glimpses of terrifying beasts and bosses, the announcement has sparked a flurry of reactions among Bloodborne fans. One fan on Reddit exclaimed, "BLOOD! EVERY FIVE SECONDS THEY TALKED ABOUT BLOOD!" while another speculated, "That game is 100% Bloodborne 2. I assume the name change is either because it's in a different setting, or because of Sony exclusivity."
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While The Duskbloods is a distinct game, its connections to Bloodborne are evident, leading fans to view it as a spiritual successor. Unlike the Souls series and Elden Ring, which have expanded to other platforms, Bloodborne has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive, fueling fan demand for a port, sequel, or similar experience.
A commenter on Reddit humorously remarked, "Nintendo really got tired of waiting for Bloodborne 2 and just decided to fund it themselves." Another noted the exclusivity to the Switch 2, drawing parallels to Bloodborne's exclusivity on PlayStation.
The announcement has stirred excitement among Bloodborne enthusiasts, though some are tempering their enthusiasm upon learning that The Duskbloods will feature a battle royale-style PvPvE experience rather than the traditional single-player RPG format expected from FromSoftware. This, combined with its exclusivity to the Switch 2, has led to mixed feelings among fans.
More information about The Duskbloods is expected soon, with an interview featuring director Hidetaka Miyazaki set to be posted on Nintendo's website on April 4. This interview is anticipated to provide further insight into the game's mechanics, its PvPvE elements, and its potential to satisfy the long-standing hopes of Bloodborne fans.
For a comprehensive overview of all announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to check out our detailed recap.