Duskbloods: Play as Bloodsworn, Not Bloodborne 2

The Duskbloods introduces players to the role of a Bloodsworn, yet it's important to clarify that this is not a sequel to Bloodborne. Dive deeper to uncover FromSoftware's vision for The Duskbloods and its unique features.

FromSoftware Will Continue To Create Single-Player Focused Games

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

FromSoftware, the minds behind Elden Ring, has reassured fans that they will continue to craft their signature single-player experiences, despite their foray into multiplayer gaming. They've recently unveiled their next project, The Duskbloods, an exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2 announced during the April 2 Nintendo Direct. This online multiplayer PvPvE game embraces the Soulslike theme and aesthetic, surprising many as FromSoftware also gears up for another multiplayer title, Elden Ring Nightreign.

In the newly launched Creator’s Voice blog by Nintendo on April 4, FromSoftware Director Hidetaka Miyazaki shared insights into their upcoming projects. He emphasized that despite the focus on multiplayer games, FromSoftware remains committed to their traditional single-player focused titles.

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 shed light on the game's characters and setting, which revolve around the concept of blood. Players assume the role of "Bloodsworn," members of a faction endowed with superhuman abilities derived from special blood. While Miyazaki drew comparisons to vampires, he clarified that these characters would not be portrayed as traditional monstrous beings.

In The Duskbloods, Bloodsworn vie for "The First Blood," which emerges during "The Twilight of Humanity," an apocalyptic event that unfolds across various eras and locations.

Regarding the setting, Miyazaki noted, "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."

Miyazaki emphasized that blood in the game serves as a conceptual element rather than a graphic depiction of injuries. He 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 Duskbloods’ trailer showcased a diverse array of characters, each with unique designs and personalities. Miyazaki confirmed over a dozen characters available for selection, with some degree of customization possible. He remarked, "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 in a "hub" where they can select and customize their character before entering online multiplayer sessions, which support up to 8 players. Upon completing a match, players return to the hub to collect rewards, primarily for character customization.

Matches typically end with one player standing, though some scenarios may have 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 can take on specific duties and objectives, though details are still being finalized. Examples include the "Destined Rivals" role, where players must find and defeat their designated rival, and the "Destined Companion" role, where players need to locate their partner and form a bond to earn special rewards.

Miyazaki 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 offered valuable insights into FromSoftware’s upcoming exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2. With more announcements anticipated, The Duskbloods is set to launch in 2026. Stay updated with the latest news on the game by checking out our article below!