"Duskbloods: Play as Bloodsworn, Not Bloodborne 2"

The Duskbloods will have players embody the role of a Bloodsworn, but rest assured, it's not Bloodborne 2. Dive in to discover more about FromSoftware's vision for The Duskbloods and the exciting features it promises.

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 they will not stray from their signature single-player experiences. Despite venturing into multiplayer with titles like The Duskbloods and Elden Ring Nightreign, the studio remains committed to crafting immersive, single-player games. The Duskbloods, unveiled during the April 2 Nintendo Direct, is an exclusive title for the Nintendo Switch 2, blending PvPvE elements with the iconic Soulslike style.

In a revealing post on Nintendo’s new insider blog, Creator’s Voice, on April 4, FromSoftware Director Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed the community's concerns. He clarified, "While we are exploring multiplayer with titles like The Duskbloods, our dedication to single-player games remains unwavering. We are excited about the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Elden Ring and will continue to develop games that embody our traditional style."

The Importance of Blood in The Duskbloods

Miyazaki shed light on the thematic essence of The Duskbloods, emphasizing the significance of blood. Players will assume the role of "Bloodsworn," individuals with superhuman abilities derived from unique blood. Drawing a comparison to vampires, Miyazaki clarified that the portrayal would be more nuanced, steering away from the traditional monstrous depiction.

The narrative revolves around the quest for "The First Blood," which emerges during "The Twilight of Humanity," a cataclysmic event that spans various eras and locations. Miyazaki described the game's settings, saying, "We've crafted environments ranging from Gothic and Victorian to early modern periods, as seen in the trailer with a train cutting through the landscape."

He further elucidated the symbolic role of blood, stating, "Blood in our game represents key themes—the history it encapsulates, the power it transfers, the destinies it intertwines, and the mark of those transcending human limits."

Wide Variety of Characters and Online Multiplayer

The Duskbloods promises a diverse roster of characters, each boasting unique designs and personalities. Miyazaki confirmed over a dozen characters available for selection and customization. He noted, "The distinctiveness of our character designs and their weaponry should help players find their favorites."

The game features a central "hub" where players can choose and customize their characters before diving into online multiplayer sessions, accommodating up to 8 players. Upon completing a match, players return to the hub to collect rewards, primarily character customization items.

Matches typically end with the last player standing, though varied victory conditions add depth, such as defeating formidable bosses or navigating special scenarios. Miyazaki emphasized, "Whether it's PvP or PvE, our goal is to offer an experience that enhances player skills and provides a satisfying challenge, especially with our meticulously designed PvE boss battles."

Additionally, the game introduces "roles" that assign players unique objectives and responsibilities. Miyazaki exemplified roles like "Destined Rivals," where players must seek out and defeat their rivals, and "Destined Companions," where forming a bond with a partner unlocks special rewards. He elaborated, "Roles can be customized through blood, enhancing the role-playing aspect and adding drama to player interactions."

The insights shared on Creator’s Voice have painted an intriguing picture of FromSoftware's plans for The Duskbloods. With more announcements expected, The Duskbloods remains a highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, slated for release in 2026. Stay tuned to our updates for the latest on this captivating title!