"Duskbloods: Play as Bloodsworn, Not Bloodborne 2"

The Duskbloods will have players be a Bloodsworn, but no, it’s not Bloodborne 2. Dive into the details of FromSoftware’s upcoming title, 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 behind the critically acclaimed Elden Ring, assures fans that they will continue crafting their renowned single-player games, despite venturing into multiplayer territory. During the latest Nintendo Direct on April 2, they unveiled The Duskbloods, an exclusive title for the Nintendo Switch 2. This online multiplayer PvPvE game retains the signature Soulslike themes and aesthetics, which might come as a surprise considering their upcoming multiplayer project, Elden Ring Nightreign.

In the newly launched Creator’s Voice blog by Nintendo, posted on April 4, FromSoftware Director Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed these developments. He clarified that despite the focus on multiplayer games, the company remains committed to producing traditional single-player experiences.

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 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 delved into the game’s narrative and setting, centered around the theme 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 emphasized that these characters would not be portrayed as traditional monstrous beings.

The Bloodsworn compete for "The First Blood," which emerges during "The Twilight of Humanity," an event that spans various times and locations.

For the game’s setting, Miyazaki described a range of environments, from Gothic and Victorian-inspired maps to those reflecting the early modern period, such as a scene with a train glimpsed in the trailer.

He explained that blood in The Duskbloods serves a symbolic role, representing 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 showcased a diverse cast of characters, each with distinct designs and personalities. Miyazaki confirmed that players can choose from over a dozen characters, with options for some customization. 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."

The game begins at a "hub" where players select and customize their characters before entering online multiplayer sessions that support up to 8 players. After matches, players return to the hub to collect rewards, primarily character customizations.

Matches typically conclude with one player standing, though victory conditions can vary. Players might need to defeat a formidable boss or navigate other special scenarios.

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."

Additionally, the game introduces "roles" with specific responsibilities and objectives, though some details remain undisclosed. Examples include the "Destined Rivals" role, where players must locate and defeat their rival, and "Destined Companion," where forming a bond with a partner yields special rewards.

Miyazaki 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 offered a deep dive into FromSoftware’s plans for The Duskbloods, a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive slated for release in 2026. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as the release date approaches. To keep up with the latest news on The Duskbloods, check out our article below!