The Duskbloods will have players take on the role of a Bloodsworn, but rest assured, it's not Bloodborne 2. Dive deeper into FromSoftware's vision for The Duskbloods and explore the game's unique 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 their commitment to crafting signature single-player experiences remains strong, even as they venture into multiplayer territories. During the latest Nintendo Direct on April 2, they unveiled their upcoming exclusive title for the Nintendo Switch 2, The Duskbloods. This online multiplayer PvPvE game embraces the Soulslike themes and aesthetics fans love, yet comes as a surprise alongside their other multiplayer project, Elden Ring Nightreign.
In an insightful post on Nintendo’s new Creator’s Voice blog on April 4, FromSoftware's Director Hidetaka Miyazaki shared his vision for upcoming titles. He emphasized that despite the company's recent focus on multiplayer games, FromSoftware will not abandon their beloved single-player formula.
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 further 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 provided a deeper look into the game's narrative and setting, centered around the theme of blood. Players will embody "Bloodsworn," individuals with superhuman abilities derived from special blood, drawing parallels to vampires but without the traditional monstrous depiction.
In The Duskbloods, Bloodsworn vie for "The First Blood," which emerges during "The Twilight of Humanity," an event signaling the end of human society, unfolding across various times and locales.
For the game's setting, Miyazaki elaborated, "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."
He explained that blood in the game serves as a conceptual element rather than mere gore, symbolizing key themes like history, power, fate, and transcending human limitations.
Wide Variety of Characters and Online Multiplayer
The Duskbloods' trailer showcased a diverse array of characters, each with unique designs and personalities. Miyazaki confirmed over a dozen characters will be available for players to choose and customize. 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."
Players begin their journey in a "hub" where they can select and customize their character before diving into online multiplayer, which supports up to 8 players. Upon match completion, players return to the hub to collect rewards, primarily character customization items.
Matches typically end with a last player standing, though some scenarios may require players to defeat a powerful boss or meet other special conditions.
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" within the game, where players can have specific responsibilities and objectives. Examples include the "Destined Rivals" role, where a player must find and defeat their rival, and "Destined Companion," where forming a bond with another player yields special 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."
The Creator’s Voice blog post shed significant light on FromSoftware’s ambitious Switch 2 exclusive. With more announcements expected, The Duskbloods is set to launch in 2026. Stay tuned to our site for the latest updates on this intriguing new title!
