"Duskbloods: Play as Bloodsworn, Not Bloodborne 2"

The Duskbloods introduces players to the role of a Bloodsworn, but don't confuse it with Bloodborne 2. Dive deeper into FromSoftware's vision for The Duskbloods and discover its intriguing features.

FromSoftware Will Continue To Create Single-Player Focused Games

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

FromSoftware, renowned for Elden Ring, has reassured fans that they will not stray from their tradition of crafting exceptional single-player experiences, despite their forays into multiplayer gaming. The company recently unveiled The Duskbloods, an upcoming exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2, announced during the April 2 Nintendo Direct. This online multiplayer PvPvE game retains FromSoftware's signature Soulslike themes and aesthetics, surprising many as it follows closely on the heels of another multiplayer project, Elden Ring Nightreign.

In a detailed post on Nintendo's Creator’s Voice blog on April 4, FromSoftware Director Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed the company's direction. He emphasized that despite the upcoming multiplayer titles, FromSoftware remains committed to developing their classic single-player games. "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," Miyazaki clarified. He further noted, "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 central theme of blood, revealing that players will control characters known as "Bloodsworn." These characters belong to a group endowed with superhuman abilities derived from special blood, akin to vampires yet distinct in their portrayal. The game's narrative revolves around the quest for "The First Blood," which emerges during "The Twilight of Humanity," an event that unfolds across various times and places.

The game's settings range from Gothic and Victorian to the early modern period, as seen in the trailer with a train. Miyazaki explained that blood in The Duskbloods serves as a symbol rather than a graphic depiction of injury. "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," he stated.

Wide Variety of Characters and Online Multiplayer

The Duskbloods boasts a diverse cast of characters, each with unique designs and personalities. Miyazaki confirmed that players can choose from over a dozen characters, with some level of customization available. "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," he said.

Players begin their journey at a "hub" where they select and customize their characters before entering online multiplayer sessions supporting up to 8 players. Upon completing a match, players return to the hub to collect rewards, primarily character customizations.

Matches typically conclude when one player remains standing, though some scenarios may have different victory conditions, such as defeating a powerful boss. Miyazaki emphasized the game's design philosophy: "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."

The game also introduces "roles" that assign players special responsibilities and objectives. Examples include "Destined Rivals," where players must locate and defeat their rival, and "Destined Companion," requiring players to find and bond with a partner for unique rewards. Miyazaki 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."

Nintendo's Creator’s Voice blog provided valuable insights into FromSoftware's plans for The Duskbloods, a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive set for release in 2026. Stay tuned for more updates on this promising title.