In a surprising turn of events at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the spotlight was stolen by a third-party game announcement that has sent waves through the gaming community. FromSoftware, renowned for their challenging and immersive titles, unveiled a new game titled "The Duskbloods." This reveal drew immediate comparisons to the fan-favorite PlayStation 4 exclusive, Bloodborne, due to its thematic similarities and intense gameplay elements.
Set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, "The Duskbloods" introduces players to the "Bloodsworn," a faction that transcends humanity through the use of special blood. The game promises a thrilling melee experience where players vie to become the "First Blood." A press release from FromSoftware confirmed that "The Duskbloods" is a PvPvE title, emphasizing "online multiplayer at its core," allowing up to eight players to compete simultaneously amidst a backdrop of blood, guns, and machinery. This blend of elements hints at similarities not only with Bloodborne but also with FromSoftware's upcoming "Elden Ring Nightreign," though with an added PvP component rather than just co-op PvE.
While details are scarce beyond some eerie glimpses of beasts and bosses, the gaming community, especially Bloodborne enthusiasts, has been vocal. Reactions range from excitement to skepticism. One Reddit user 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."
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 - The Dusk Bloods
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Though "The Duskbloods" is a distinct title, its connections to Bloodborne are undeniable, stirring speculation about it being a spiritual successor. Unlike other FromSoftware titles like the Souls series and Elden Ring, which have seen multi-platform releases, Bloodborne has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive, fueling years of fan demand for a port, sequel, or related content. One commenter humorously noted, "Nintendo really got tired of waiting for Bloodborne 2 and just decided to fund it themselves." Another pointed out the exclusivity, saying, "Bloodborne was always an exclusive, this is on brand."
The excitement was tempered, however, when it became clear that "The Duskbloods" leans towards a battle royale-style PvPvE experience, diverging from the traditional single-player RPG format fans might have expected from FromSoftware. Some fans expressed disappointment over the multiplayer focus and the game's exclusivity to the Nintendo Switch 2.
Further details about "The Duskbloods" are expected soon, with Nintendo set to release an interview with director Hidetaka Miyazaki on April 4. This interview is anticipated to clarify the game's mechanics, its PvPvE elements, and its potential to satisfy the long-standing hopes of Bloodborne fans.
For comprehensive coverage of all announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to visit our recap of the event.