"Duskbloods: Play as Bloodsworn, Not Bloodborne 2"

Discover the thrilling world of The Duskbloods, where you'll step into the shoes of a Bloodsworn, yet rest assured, this isn't Bloodborne 2. Dive deeper into FromSoftware's vision for this game 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 fans that their commitment to crafting immersive single-player experiences remains steadfast, even as they venture into the realm of multiplayer gaming. Amidst the excitement of their upcoming multiplayer title, The Duskbloods, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, announced during the April 2 Nintendo Direct, they continue to hold fast to their roots. This game, embracing the iconic Soulslike themes and aesthetics, marks a new direction while another multiplayer project, Elden Ring Nightreign, looms on the horizon.

In a revealing post on Nintendo's Creator’s Voice blog dated April 4, FromSoftware's Director Hidetaka Miyazaki shared insights into their future endeavors. He emphasized that despite the focus on multiplayer titles, the essence of FromSoftware's work—the single-player experience—will not be overshadowed. "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," Miyazaki stated. He further solidified their commitment by mentioning the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 version of Elden Ring, underscoring their dedication to single-player games that embody their traditional style.

The Importance of Blood in The Duskbloods

Miyazaki shed light on the game’s core theme—the concept of blood. Players will embody the Bloodsworn, a group endowed with superhuman abilities derived from special blood. Drawing parallels to vampirism without the horror, Miyazaki outlined a narrative where these Bloodsworn vie for "The First Blood," which emerges during "The Twilight of Humanity," an apocalyptic event spanning various eras and settings.

The game's settings range from Gothic and Victorian to scenes reminiscent of the early modern period, such as a train running through a landscape. 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." Here, blood serves as a metaphor for legacy and transcendence rather than mere gore.

Wide Variety of Characters and Online Multiplayer

The Duskbloods' trailer introduced an array of characters, each boasting distinctive designs and personalities. Miyazaki confirmed that players will have over a dozen characters to choose from, with customization options 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 noted.

Players begin their journey at a central "hub," where they can select and customize their character before diving into online multiplayer sessions supporting up to 8 players. Post-match, they return to the hub to claim their rewards, primarily character customizations.

Matches typically end with a last player standing, though alternative victory conditions, such as defeating a formidable boss or meeting specific circumstances, add variety. Miyazaki highlighted the game's intent to blend PvP and PvE experiences that encourage skill development and a rewarding sense of achievement. "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 elaborated.

Additionally, the game introduces "roles," assigning players unique responsibilities and objectives. Roles like "Destined Rivals," requiring players to seek out and defeat their rival, and "Destined Companion," where players must bond with a partner for special rewards, add depth to the gameplay. Miyazaki 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."

The insights from Nintendo's Creator’s Voice blog illuminate FromSoftware's ambitious plans for The Duskbloods, a title exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, slated for release in 2026. Stay tuned for more updates on this intriguing game by checking out our dedicated article below!