One of the most surprising announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was the reveal of a new third-party game by FromSoftware, titled *The Duskbloods*. This game, drawing notable parallels to the PlayStation 4-exclusive *Bloodborne*, is set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. In *The Duskbloods*, players assume the role of the "Bloodsworn," a faction that transcends humanity through the use of special blood. The game's core objective is to engage in intense combat to become the "First Blood."
FromSoftware has confirmed that *The Duskbloods* will be a PvPvE game, emphasizing "online multiplayer at its core," with up to eight players competing. While the game's themes of blood and machinery evoke memories of *Bloodborne*, it also shares similarities with the upcoming *Elden Ring Nightreign*, albeit with a focus on PvP rather than solely co-op PvE. Although the announcement was light on details, it included glimpses of horrifying beasts and bosses, sparking a range of reactions among *Bloodborne* enthusiasts.
The *Bloodborne* community has been vocal on platforms like Reddit, with one user exclaiming, "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." The sentiment is mixed, with some fans seeing *The Duskbloods* as a spiritual successor to *Bloodborne*, while others are wary of its shift towards a battle royale-style format rather than the traditional single-player RPG experience they're accustomed to from FromSoftware.
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 - The Dusk Bloods
12 Images
Despite its differences, The Duskbloods clearly resonates with Bloodborne fans, especially given Bloodborne's exclusive status on the PlayStation 4 and absence on PC. The community's longing for a sequel or port has been palpable, and this announcement has certainly stirred the pot. One commenter humorously remarked, "Nintendo really got tired of waiting for Bloodborne 2 and just decided to fund it themselves." Others noted the exclusivity, with one saying, "Bloodborne was always an exclusive, this is on brand."
The excitement about *The Duskbloods* has been tempered by the realization that it leans more towards a PvPvE experience, causing some fans to reconsider their interest due to the multiplayer focus and Switch 2 exclusivity. As anticipation builds, Nintendo plans to release an interview with director Hidetaka Miyazaki on April 4, which should provide more insight into the game's mechanics, its PvPvE elements, and its potential to satisfy the long-standing desires of *Bloodborne* fans.
For a comprehensive overview of all announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to visit our recap of the event.
AnswerSee Results
