"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. Delve deeper 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 behind the acclaimed Elden Ring, have reassured fans that their commitment to crafting signature single-player games remains strong, despite their forays into multiplayer gaming. During the latest Nintendo Direct on April 2, they unveiled their upcoming exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2 titled The Duskbloods, an online multiplayer PvPvE game that echoes their iconic Soulslike themes and aesthetics. This announcement comes amidst news of another multiplayer project, Elden Ring Nightreign.

In a detailed post on Nintendo’s new insider blog, Creator’s Voice, published on April 4, FromSoftware Director Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed concerns about their future direction. He emphasized that despite the launch of consecutive multiplayer titles, FromSoftware’s dedication to single-player experiences remains unwavering.

Miyazaki clarified, "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 shed light on the game's central theme of blood, revealing that players will embody "Bloodsworn," individuals endowed with superhuman abilities through the use of special blood. He likened this concept to vampirism but noted that the characters would not be portrayed as traditional monstrous vampires.

The narrative of The Duskbloods revolves around the pursuit of "The First Blood," which emerges during "The Twilight of Humanity," an apocalyptic event that spans across various times and locations.

Miyazaki described the game's setting as diverse, featuring traditional Gothic and Victorian-style maps alongside those that reflect the closing years of the early modern period, such as the train scene glimpsed in the trailer.

He emphasized that blood in The Duskbloods is used more as a conceptual element than a graphic depiction of injury. Miyazaki stated, "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 range of characters, each with distinct designs and personalities. Miyazaki confirmed the availability of over a dozen characters, with customization options available. He expressed hope that players would find their favorite among them, saying, "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."

Players begin their journey at a "hub" where they can select and customize their character before entering online multiplayer sessions that support up to 8 players. Upon completing a match, players return to the hub to collect rewards, primarily in the form of character customization options.

Matches typically conclude with the last player standing, though some scenarios may feature different victory conditions, such as defeating a formidable boss or navigating special circumstances.

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," where players take on special responsibilities and objectives. While some details remain under wraps, Miyazaki provided examples such as the "Destined Rivals" role, where players seek out and defeat their rivals, and the "Destined Companion" role, where forming a bond with a partner yields special rewards.

He 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 post offers crucial insights into FromSoftware's exclusive title for the Nintendo Switch 2. With more announcements expected in the future, The Duskbloods is set to launch in 2026. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this intriguing game by checking out our article below!