"Play as Bloodsworn in The Duskbloods, Not Bloodborne 2"

The Duskbloods: A New Chapter from FromSoftware

FromSoftware, the masterminds behind Elden Ring, have unveiled their latest project, The Duskbloods, an exclusive title for the Nintendo Switch 2. While fans might be surprised by the announcement of consecutive multiplayer games, including Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware reassures that their commitment to single-player experiences remains steadfast.

FromSoftware's Commitment to Single-Player Games

In a recent post on Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice blog on April 4, FromSoftware Director Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed concerns about the studio's direction. He clarified that despite the focus on multiplayer titles like The Duskbloods and Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware will continue to develop single-player games. Miyazaki emphasized, "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 that the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 version of Elden Ring underscores their commitment to traditional single-player experiences.

The Role of Blood in The Duskbloods

Miyazaki revealed that The Duskbloods revolves around the concept of blood, with players taking on the role of "Bloodsworn." These characters possess superhuman abilities derived from special blood, drawing comparisons to vampires without the traditional monstrous depiction. The narrative centers on the pursuit of "The First Blood," which emerges during "The Twilight of Humanity," an event that unfolds across various times and settings. Miyazaki described the game's environments as ranging from Gothic and Victorian styles to scenes reminiscent of the early modern period, such as a train running through a landscape.

In The Duskbloods, blood serves as a conceptual symbol, representing history, power, fate, and the transcendence of human limitations. Miyazaki stated, "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."

Diverse Characters and Dynamic Multiplayer

The Duskbloods introduces a wide array of characters, each with unique designs and personalities. Players can choose from over a dozen characters and customize them to a certain extent. Miyazaki hopes players will find favorites among these diverse options, noting, "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."

The game's multiplayer aspect begins at a "hub" where players select and customize their characters before entering online sessions that support up to 8 players. Matches typically end with one player standing, though some scenarios may have different victory conditions, such as defeating a powerful boss. Miyazaki explained, "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."

The Duskbloods also introduces "roles" with unique responsibilities and objectives. Examples include the "Destined Rivals" role, where players must find and defeat their rival, and the "Destined Companion" role, where forming a bond with a partner yields special rewards. Miyazaki elaborated, "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."

As FromSoftware continues to unveil more about The Duskbloods, fans can look forward to further announcements. The game is set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into this exciting new title from the creators of some of the most beloved games in recent years.