"Duskbloods: Play as Bloodsworn, Not Bloodborne 2"

Dive into the world of The Duskbloods, where players will embody the Bloodsworn, yet rest assured, it's not Bloodborne 2. Discover FromSoftware's vision for this game and its intriguing features.

FromSoftware Will Continue To Create Single-Player Focused Games

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

FromSoftware, renowned for Elden Ring, reassures fans that their commitment to single-player games remains strong, even as they venture into multiplayer territories. The recent Nintendo Direct on April 2 unveiled their upcoming exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2, The Duskbloods. This online multiplayer PvPvE game embraces the Soulslike theme and aesthetics, surprising many as FromSoftware also has Elden Ring Nightreign on the horizon.

In a detailed post on Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice blog dated April 4, FromSoftware Director Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed the community's concerns. He emphasized that despite the upcoming multiplayer titles, FromSoftware's dedication to single-player experiences remains unwavering.

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 reassured, "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 thematic focus on blood. Players will control characters known as "Bloodsworn," members of a group endowed with superhuman abilities derived from special blood. While Miyazaki likened this to vampirism, he clarified that the portrayal would steer clear of traditional monstrous depictions.

In The Duskbloods, the Bloodsworn vie for "The First Blood," which emerges during "The Twilight of Humanity," an event that spans various times and locations.

Regarding the game's 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."

He emphasized that blood in The Duskbloods serves as a conceptual element, symbolizing the game’s central themes: "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 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 begin their journey at a "hub" where they can select and customize their character before entering online multiplayer sessions accommodating up to 8 players. Post-match, players return to the hub to collect rewards, primarily character customization items.

Matches typically end with one player standing, though some may have unique victory conditions, such as defeating a formidable boss or navigating special scenarios.

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 responsibilities and objectives. While details are still being finalized, Miyazaki provided examples like the "Destined Rivals" role, where players seek out and defeat their rival, and the "Destined Companion" role, which involves forming a bond with a partner to earn special rewards.

He added, "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 insights shared in Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice blog give us a tantalizing glimpse into FromSoftware’s plans for The Duskbloods. With more announcements expected in the future, this Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive is set to launch in 2026. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting title!