One of the most unexpected announcements during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was the reveal of a third-party game from FromSoftware, titled "The Duskbloods." This new game, set for a worldwide release in 2026 exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2, shares notable similarities with the PlayStation 4 exclusive, Bloodborne.
In "The Duskbloods," players take on the role of the "Bloodsworn," a group that has transcended humanity through the use of special blood. The game involves a violent melee where players compete to become the "First Blood." A press release from FromSoftware confirmed that "The Duskbloods" is a PvPvE title, emphasizing "online multiplayer at its core," where up to eight players can battle for victory. This mix of blood, guns, and machinery evokes the atmosphere of Bloodborne, while also hinting at similarities with FromSoftware's upcoming "Elden Ring Nightreign," albeit with a PvP component rather than solely co-op PvE.
While the announcement included only cryptic teases and glimpses of horrifying beasts and bosses, it has sparked a wide range of reactions among Bloodborne fans. One Reddit user exclaimed, "BLOOD! EVERY FIVE SECONDS THEY TALKED ABOUT BLOOD!" Another 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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Though "The Duskbloods" is a distinct game, its connections to Bloodborne have led fans to view it as a spiritual successor. While the Souls series and Elden Ring have made their way to other platforms, with Elden Ring even slated for a "Tarnished Edition" on the Switch 2, Bloodborne has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive. Fans have long awaited a port, sequel, or any continuation, and one commenter humorously noted, "Nintendo really got tired of waiting for Bloodborne 2 and just decided to fund it themselves." Another pointed out the exclusivity of "The Duskbloods" to the Nintendo Switch 2, drawing parallels to Bloodborne's exclusivity.
The excitement among Bloodborne fans has been tempered by the revelation that "The Duskbloods" is a PvPvE experience rather than the traditional single-player RPG expected from FromSoftware. This shift to a battle royale-style game, combined with its exclusivity to the Switch 2, has led some fans to express reservations about their interest in the game.
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 provide further insight into the game's mechanics, its PvPvE elements, and its potential to satisfy the long-held hopes of Bloodborne enthusiasts.
For a comprehensive overview of all announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to visit our recap.
