The Duskbloods will have players embody the role of a Bloodsworn, but rest assured, it's not Bloodborne 2. Dive into the details below 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 masterminds behind Elden Ring, have reassured their dedicated fanbase that they will continue to craft their renowned single-player experiences, akin to the beloved Soulslike genre. This commitment comes despite the announcement of their upcoming multiplayer title, The Duskbloods, exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. Unveiled during the Nintendo Direct on April 2, The Duskbloods is a PvPvE game that retains FromSoftware's signature Soulslike essence. This news arrives amidst the anticipation for another multiplayer venture, Elden Ring Nightreign.
In a revealing blog post on Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice on April 4, FromSoftware Director Hidetaka Miyazaki shared insights into their future projects. He emphasized that despite the focus on multiplayer titles, FromSoftware remains dedicated to producing 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 shed light on the game's characters and setting, which revolve around the theme of blood. Players take on the role of "Bloodsworn," members of a faction endowed with superhuman abilities through the use of special blood. While comparing the concept to vampires, Miyazaki clarified that the portrayal of these characters diverges from traditional vampiric horror.
In The Duskbloods, Bloodsworn vie for "The First Blood," which emerges at the culmination of human civilization during an event dubbed "The Twilight of Humanity." This event unfolds across various times and locations.
Miyazaki elaborated on the game's settings, stating, "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 rather than mere gore. "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," Miyazaki explained.
Wide Variety of Characters and Online Multiplayer
The Duskbloods' trailer showcased a diverse array of characters, each with unique designs and personalities. Miyazaki confirmed that players would have over a dozen characters to choose from, with some degree of customization available. "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," he remarked.
At the outset, players gather in a "hub" where they can select and customize their character before diving into the online multiplayer mode, which supports up to 8 players. Upon completing a match, players return to the hub to collect their rewards, primarily character customization items.
Matches typically conclude with a last-player-standing scenario, though victory conditions can vary. Some scenarios might require players to defeat a formidable boss or navigate other unique challenges.
Miyazaki detailed, "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 specific responsibilities and objectives. While some details remain under wraps, Miyazaki provided examples such as the "Destined Rivals" role, where players must locate and defeat their rival, and the "Destined Companion" role, where players seek a partner to form a bond and earn special rewards.
He 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."
Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice blog post offered a wealth of information on FromSoftware’s upcoming Switch 2 exclusive, The Duskbloods. With more announcements expected in the future, fans can look forward to the game's release on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. Stay tuned for the latest updates by checking out our dedicated article below!
