One of the most unexpected reveals during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was the announcement of a third-party game from FromSoftware called The Duskbloods. Showcased towards the end of the event, this new title drew immediate comparisons to the beloved PlayStation 4 exclusive, Bloodborne, due to striking similarities.
The Duskbloods is an entirely new game, slated for a worldwide release in 2026, and will be exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch 2. Players assume the role of the "Bloodsworn," a faction that transcends humanity through the power of special blood. The game centers around a fierce melee combat scenario where participants strive to become the "First Blood."
According to a press release from FromSoftware, The Duskbloods is a PvPvE game that emphasizes online multiplayer, accommodating up to eight players in competitive battles. While the game evokes Bloodborne with its themes of blood, guns, and machinery, it also shares elements with the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, particularly in its PvP focus rather than solely cooperative PvE.
The announcement included glimpses of terrifying beasts and bosses, leaving much to the imagination. Fans of Bloodborne have been buzzing with a mix of excitement and speculation.
"BLOOD! EVERY FIVE SECONDS THEY TALKED ABOUT BLOOD!" exclaimed a user on the r/Bloodborne subreddit. Another fan suggested, "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
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Despite its differences, The Duskbloods is clearly drawing from the same well as Bloodborne, leading fans to consider it a spiritual successor. While other FromSoftware titles like the Souls series and Elden Ring have found their way to multiple platforms, Bloodborne has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive, fueling years of fan demand for a port or sequel.
"Nintendo really got tired of waiting for Bloodborne 2 and just decided to fund it themselves," one commenter noted. Another pointed out the exclusivity, saying, "Bloodborne was always an exclusive, this is on brand."
While the announcement initially sparked enthusiasm among the Bloodborne community, the revelation that The Duskbloods leans towards a battle royale-style PvPvE experience has tempered some of that excitement. Many fans, expecting a traditional FromSoftware single-player RPG, are now expressing reservations about the multiplayer focus and the Switch 2 exclusivity.
More details about The Duskbloods are expected soon, with Nintendo set to release an interview with director Hidetaka Miyazaki on its website on April 4. This interview should provide further insight into the game's mechanics, its PvPvE elements, and whether it can truly satisfy the long-standing desires of Bloodborne fans.
For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to check out our detailed recap.