The Duskbloods will have players assume the role of a Bloodsworn, but it's important to clarify that this is not Bloodborne 2. Dive deeper into FromSoftware's vision for The Duskbloods and explore its unique features.
FromSoftware Will Continue To Create Single-Player Focused Games
The Duskbloods Director on Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice Blog
FromSoftware, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Elden Ring, has reassured fans that they will continue to develop their signature single-player games. Despite the announcement of their upcoming multiplayer title, The Duskbloods, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 during the Nintendo Direct on April 2, the studio remains committed to their traditional game design. The Duskbloods, an online multiplayer PvPvE game, adheres to FromSoftware's iconic Soulslike themes and aesthetics. This announcement follows closely on the heels of another multiplayer project, Elden Ring Nightreign.
In a recent post on Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice blog on April 4, FromSoftware Director Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed the community's concerns. He emphasized that despite the upcoming multiplayer titles, FromSoftware's focus on single-player games remains unchanged. 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 provided insights into the game’s characters and setting, highlighting the central theme of blood. Players control characters known as "Bloodsworn," members of a group endowed with superhuman abilities derived from special blood. While Miyazaki drew parallels to vampires, he clarified that the Bloodsworn would not be portrayed as traditional monstrous figures.
In The Duskbloods, the Bloodsworn compete for "The First Blood," which emerges during an event called "The Twilight of Humanity," signaling the end of human society. This event spans different times and places, offering a rich backdrop for gameplay.
Miyazaki elaborated on the game's setting, which includes traditional Gothic and Victorian-style maps, as well as those depicting the closing years of the early modern period, such as a scene with a train from the trailer. He explained that blood is used conceptually in the game, symbolizing key themes like history, power, fate, and transcending human limitations. Miyazaki noted, "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 showcased a diverse range of characters, each with unique designs and personalities. Miyazaki confirmed that players will have over a dozen characters to choose from, with some level of customization available. He expressed enthusiasm about the characters, saying, "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 in a "hub" where they can select and customize their character before entering online multiplayer sessions, which can support up to 8 players. After each match, players return to the hub to collect their rewards, which primarily consist of character customization items.
Matches typically conclude with a last player standing, though some may have different victory conditions, such as defeating a powerful boss or meeting special objectives. Miyazaki emphasized the game's focus on skill development, stating, "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."
The game also introduces "roles" that add depth to the multiplayer experience. Players can take on roles like "Destined Rivals," where they must find and defeat a designated rival, or "Destined Companion," where they need to form a bond with a specific partner to gain unique rewards. Miyazaki explained, "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 insights shared on Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice blog provide a fascinating glimpse into FromSoftware’s plans for The Duskbloods. With more announcements expected in the future, fans can look forward to further details. The Duskbloods is set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. Stay updated with the latest news on the game by checking out our dedicated article below!
