"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. Dive into the details to uncover FromSoftware's vision for The Duskbloods and its distinctive features.

FromSoftware Will Continue To Create Single-Player Focused Games

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

FromSoftware, the masterminds behind Elden Ring, have reassured fans that they will continue to develop their signature single-player games, akin to their critically acclaimed Soulslike titles. This commitment comes despite their foray into multiplayer gaming with the recently announced The Duskbloods, an exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2 unveiled during the April 2 Nintendo Direct. The Duskbloods promises an online multiplayer PvPvE experience that retains the studio's signature Soulslike themes and aesthetics. This announcement follows closely on the heels of another multiplayer project, Elden Ring Nightreign.

In the newly launched Nintendo insider blog, Creator’s Voice, posted on April 4, FromSoftware Director Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed the company's future direction. He emphasized, "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 further clarified, "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 narrative and setting, which revolves around the concept of blood. Players will embody "Bloodsworn," members of a faction endowed with superhuman abilities derived from a special type of blood. While Miyazaki likened the concept to vampires, he assured that the characters would not be portrayed as traditional horror figures.

The Bloodsworn in The Duskbloods are in a race to claim "The First Blood," which manifests at the culmination of human society during an event known as "The Twilight of Humanity." This event unfolds across various eras and locations.

Describing the game's environment, Miyazaki stated, "There are more traditional Gothic- or Victorian-style maps as well as those depicting the closing years of the early modern period, like the one glimpsed in the trailer with the train running through it."

In The Duskbloods, blood serves as a conceptual element rather than a mere representation of injury. Miyazaki explained, "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 trailer for The Duskbloods showcases a diverse array of characters, each with unique designs and personalities. Miyazaki confirmed the inclusion of over a dozen characters, offering players customization options. He expressed, "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 start their journey at a "hub" where they can select and customize their character before venturing into online multiplayer sessions accommodating up to 8 players. After each match, players return to the hub to collect rewards, primarily character customizations.

Matches typically conclude with the last player standing, though alternative victory conditions may apply, such as defeating a formidable boss or facing unique challenges.

Miyazaki detailed, "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 specific responsibilities and objectives. While specifics are still pending, Miyazaki provided examples like 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.

He further 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."

The Creator’s Voice blog offered valuable 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 exciting game by checking out our article below!