The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct brought a surprising reveal with a third-party game announcement that has sent waves through the gaming community. Near the end of the showcase, FromSoftware unveiled their latest project, The Duskbloods, a title that echoes the much-loved PlayStation 4 exclusive, Bloodborne.
The Duskbloods is a brand-new game set for a global release in 2026, exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2. Players will assume the role of the "Bloodsworn," individuals who have transcended humanity through the power of special blood. The game centers around a fierce melee where players vie to become the "First Blood."
FromSoftware confirmed in a press release that The Duskbloods is a PvPvE title with "online multiplayer at its core," accommodating up to eight players in a battle royale-style competition. While the game evokes the atmosphere of Bloodborne with its themes of blood, guns, and machinery, it also shares similarities with the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, albeit with a focus on PvP rather than co-op PvE.
The announcement was accompanied by cryptic teases and glimpses of terrifying beasts and bosses, sparking a wide range of reactions from Bloodborne fans. One enthusiast exclaimed on Reddit, "BLOOD! EVERY FIVE SECONDS THEY TALKED ABOUT BLOOD!" Another speculated, "That game is 100% Bloodborne 2. I assume the name change is either because it's in a different setting, or because of Sony exclusivity."
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 - The Dusk Bloods
12 Images
Although The Duskbloods is a distinct game, its connections to Bloodborne are evident, leading fans to view it as a spiritual successor. While other FromSoftware titles like the Souls series and Elden Ring have expanded to various platforms, with Elden Ring even receiving a Tarnished Edition for the Switch 2, Bloodborne has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive. The absence of a port or sequel has left fans yearning for more.
One commenter jokingly remarked, "Nintendo really got tired of waiting for Bloodborne 2 and just decided to fund it themselves." Another noted the exclusivity of The Duskbloods to the Switch 2, drawing parallels to Bloodborne's own exclusivity, saying, "Bloodborne was always an exclusive, this is on brand."
The excitement among Bloodborne fans was palpable, but the realization that The Duskbloods is a PvPvE game, diverging from FromSoftware's traditional single-player RPGs, has tempered some of the enthusiasm. Discussions on forums reveal a mix of anticipation and concern over the multiplayer focus and the game's exclusivity to the Switch 2.
More details about The Duskbloods are expected soon, with Nintendo set to release an interview with director Hidetaka Miyazaki on April 4. This interview is anticipated to clarify the game's mechanics, the nature of its PvPvE elements, and whether it will satisfy the long-held hopes of Bloodborne enthusiasts.
For comprehensive coverage of all announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to explore our detailed recap.
AnswerSee Results