In a surprising twist during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, FromSoftware unveiled a new game titled "The Duskbloods," sparking immediate comparisons to the fan-favorite PlayStation 4 exclusive, Bloodborne. Set to launch worldwide in 2026, The Duskbloods will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. Players assume the role of the "Bloodsworn," a faction that has transcended humanity through the use of special blood. Their mission? To vie for the title of "First Blood" in a brutal melee.
FromSoftware confirmed that The Duskbloods is a PvPvE game, emphasizing "online multiplayer at its core," where up to eight players compete in a dynamic environment. Although the game's aesthetic and thematic elements echo Bloodborne, it also shares similarities with the anticipated Elden Ring Nightreign, albeit with a stronger focus on player-versus-player combat.
The reveal was accompanied by cryptic teases and glimpses of the game's monstrous creatures and bosses, igniting a flurry of reactions among Bloodborne enthusiasts. On platforms like Reddit, fans expressed a range of sentiments, from excitement to skepticism. One 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."
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 - The Dusk Bloods
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While The Duskbloods introduces new elements, its connections to Bloodborne are unmistakable, leading many to view it as a spiritual successor. Unlike other FromSoftware titles like the Souls series and Elden Ring, which have expanded to multiple platforms, Bloodborne has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive, fueling long-standing fan demands for a port, sequel, or related content.
Some fans humorously remarked, "Nintendo really got tired of waiting for Bloodborne 2 and just decided to fund it themselves." Others noted the exclusivity, stating, "Bloodborne was always an exclusive, this is on brand."
However, the excitement was tempered by the realization that The Duskbloods leans towards a battle royale-style PvPvE experience, diverging from the traditional single-player RPG format typically associated with FromSoftware. This shift, combined with the game's exclusivity to the Nintendo Switch 2, has led to mixed feelings among potential players.
More details about The Duskbloods are expected soon, with an interview featuring director Hidetaka Miyazaki set to be published on Nintendo's website on April 4. This interview should provide further insight into the game's mechanics, its PvPvE structure, and whether it can truly fulfill the hopes of Bloodborne fans.
For a comprehensive overview of all announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to check out our detailed recap.
