"Duskbloods: Play as Bloodsworn, Not Bloodborne 2"

The Duskbloods, an upcoming title from FromSoftware, has piqued the interest of gamers worldwide. While it features players as "Bloodsworn," 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, renowned for their critically acclaimed Soulslike games, assures fans that they will continue to prioritize single-player experiences, despite venturing into multiplayer territories. The announcement of The Duskbloods, an online multiplayer PvPvE game exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, came during the April 2 Nintendo Direct. This game retains the signature Soulslike themes and aesthetics, surprising many as FromSoftware also has another multiplayer project, Elden Ring Nightreign, in the works.

In a detailed post on Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice blog on April 4, FromSoftware Director Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed these developments. He emphasized that despite the focus on multiplayer games, FromSoftware remains committed to crafting traditional single-player games. 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 insights into the game’s thematic focus on blood. Players will embody "Bloodsworn," characters with superhuman abilities derived from special blood, reminiscent of vampires but without the monstrous connotations. The central quest revolves around competing for "The First Blood," which emerges during "The Twilight of Humanity," an event signaling the end of human society, set across various times and places.

The game’s settings will range from Gothic and Victorian to early modern periods, as seen in the trailer featuring a train. 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 Duskbloods promises a rich array of characters, each with unique designs and personalities. Miyazaki confirmed over a dozen customizable characters, offering players a chance to find their favorites. The gameplay begins at a "hub" where players select, customize, and then enter online multiplayer sessions supporting up to 8 players.

Matches typically end with the last player standing, though some may involve defeating a powerful boss or meeting special conditions. 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."

Additionally, the game introduces "roles" that assign players unique objectives, such as "Destined Rivals" and "Destined Companion," enhancing the role-playing aspect through blood customization. Miyazaki noted, "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 light on FromSoftware's plans for The Duskbloods, a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive set for release in 2026. Stay tuned for more updates by checking out our related articles.