The most surprising reveal during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was undoubtedly the announcement of a new third-party game by FromSoftware, titled *The Duskbloods*. This game, which bears striking similarities to the beloved PlayStation 4 exclusive *Bloodborne*, was unveiled towards the end of the showcase. Set to launch worldwide in 2026, *The Duskbloods* will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. In this game, players assume the role of the "Bloodsworn," a group that has transcended humanity through the use of special blood, engaging in a fierce melee to become the "First Blood."
FromSoftware confirmed in a press release that *The Duskbloods* is a PvPvE title with "online multiplayer at its core," allowing up to eight players to compete against each other. While the game's themes of blood, guns, and machinery evoke memories of *Bloodborne*, it also shares similarities with the upcoming *Elden Ring Nightreign*, albeit with a focus on PvP rather than solely co-op PvE. The showcase provided only cryptic teases and glimpses of horrifying beasts and bosses, leaving much to the imagination.
The announcement has sparked a wide range of reactions among *Bloodborne* fans. 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." The excitement is palpable, yet tempered by the realization that *The Duskbloods* might lean more towards a battle royale-style game rather than the traditional single-player RPG experience fans expect from FromSoftware.
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 - The Dusk Bloods
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Despite its differences, The Duskbloods clearly draws inspiration from Bloodborne, leading fans to view it as a spiritual successor. While other FromSoftware titles like the Souls series and Elden Ring have expanded to other platforms, Bloodborne has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive, fueling fans' long-standing desire for a port, sequel, or any 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 among *Bloodborne* fans has been somewhat dampened by the revelation that *The Duskbloods* is a PvPvE experience. Discussions on forums reveal a mix of anticipation and concern, with some fans expressing reservations about the multiplayer focus and the game's exclusivity to the Nintendo Switch 2.
More details about *The Duskbloods* are expected soon, with Nintendo set to release an interview with director Hidetaka Miyazaki on its website on April 4. This interview is anticipated to provide further insight into the game's mechanics, its PvPvE elements, and whether it can truly satisfy the long-held hopes of *Bloodborne* enthusiasts.
For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to check out our detailed recap.
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