"Duskbloods: Play as Bloodsworn, Not Bloodborne 2"

The Duskbloods will have players take on the role of a Bloodsworn, but don't get too excited—it's not Bloodborne 2. Dive deeper to discover 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 remain committed to crafting their signature single-player experiences, akin to their critically acclaimed Soulslike titles. This statement comes despite the studio's recent venture into multiplayer gaming with their upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, The Duskbloods, announced during the April 2 Nintendo Direct. The Duskbloods is an online multiplayer PvPvE game that retains the iconic Soulslike themes and aesthetics. This announcement surprised many, especially with another multiplayer title, Elden Ring Nightreign, on the horizon.

In an insightful piece on Nintendo’s new Creator’s Voice blog dated April 4, FromSoftware's Director Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed the community's concerns about the studio's direction. He emphasized that despite the upcoming multiplayer titles, FromSoftware's dedication to single-player games 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 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 narrative and setting, which revolves around the theme of blood. Players will embody the "Bloodsworn," members of an elite group endowed with superhuman abilities through the manipulation of special blood. While Miyazaki drew parallels to vampirism, he clarified that these characters are not portrayed as terrifying monsters but rather as complex beings.

The central quest in The Duskbloods involves the pursuit of "The First Blood," which manifests during "The Twilight of Humanity," an apocalyptic event that spans various epochs and locales.

For the game's settings, Miyazaki described a mix of Gothic and Victorian aesthetics alongside environments reflecting the end of the early modern period, as seen in the trailer featuring a train.

He 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."

Wide Variety of Characters and Online Multiplayer

The Duskbloods' trailer introduced a diverse array of characters, each boasting unique designs and personalities. Miyazaki confirmed the game will offer over a dozen characters for players to select and customize. He remarked, "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 choose and customize their characters before diving into the online multiplayer mode, which supports up to 8 players. Upon completing a match, players return to the hub to claim their rewards, primarily character customizations.

Matches typically conclude when a single player remains standing, though special victory conditions may vary. For instance, players might need to defeat a formidable boss or meet other unique challenges.

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 assume specific responsibilities and objectives within the game. Although details are still being refined, Miyazaki provided examples like the "Destined Rivals" role, where players seek out and defeat their designated rival, and the "Destined Companion" role, where players must locate their partner to forge a bond and unlock 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 Creator’s Voice blog offered valuable insights into FromSoftware's upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. With more announcements expected in the future, The Duskbloods is set to launch in 2026. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this exciting title by checking out our article below!