The Duskbloods will have players be a Bloodsworn, but no, it’s not Bloodborne 2. Read on to learn more about FromSoftware’s plans for The Duskbloods and the game’s features.
FromSoftware Will Continue To Create Single-Player Focused Games
The Duskbloods Director on Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice Blog
Elden Ring’s FromSoftware reassures fans that they will continue to create their signature single-player games like the critically acclaimed Soulslike, despite having multiplayer game projects lined up. They recently announced their upcoming exclusive title for the Nintendo Switch 2 during the latest Nintendo Direct on April 2 called The Duskbloods, an online multiplayer PvPvE which follows their signature Soulslike themes and aesthetics. This comes as a shock as the company also has another multiplayer game coming up with Elden Ring Nightreign.
In Nintendo’s new insider scoop blog called Creator’s Voice, posted on April 4, FromSoftware Director Hidetaka Miyazaki shared his thoughts on their upcoming titles. He first clarified that despite back-to-back multiplayer games planned for their company, FromSoftware would still be creating their traditional single-player focused games.
Miyazaki explained, "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 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 divulged the game’s characters and setting, which focuses on the concept of blood. The characters controlled by the players are known as "Bloodsworn", who are members of a group that have superhuman abilities withusing special blood. Miyazaki compared it to the concept of vampires, although he clarified that the characters would not be depicted as horrifying monsters as per traditional vampirism.
In the game, Bloodsworn are competing for "The First Blood", which only appears at the end of human society in an event called "The Twilight of Humanity." This event takes place across different times and places.
For its setting, Miyazaki elaborated, "There are more traditional Gothic- or Victorian-style maps as well as those depicting the closing years of the early modern period, like the one glimpsed in the trailer with the train running through it."
According to Miyazaki, blood in the context of the game is used more conceptually rather than as depictions of injuries. He stated, "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 showed different characters, each having their unique design and personality. Miyazaki confirmed that there would be over a dozen characters to choose from, and they can be customized to some extent. He said, "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."
At the start, players gather at a so-called "hub" where they can choose their character, customize it, and enter online multiplayer, which supports up to 8 players. After a match, players return to the hub and receive their rewards for the game, which are mostly customization for their character.
These matches will usually last until there is one player left standing, but there would be certain cases where victory conditions differ. There would be times when players are required to defeat a powerful boss or face other special circumstances.
Miyazaki detailed, "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."
He also mentioned that the game would feature "roles" where players have special responsibilities and objectives, although some details are not yet finalized. Miyazaki gave examples like the "Destined Rivals" role, where the player must find their rival and defeat them, and "Destined Companion," where the player must find their partner and form a bond with them to receive special rewards.
He explained further, "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 Creator’s Voice provided key information for FromSoftware’s Switch 2 exclusive. Based on the details revealed, the developers look to have more things lined up to announce at later dates. The Duskbloods is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive set to be released sometime in 2026. To stay up to date with the latest information about the game, check out our article below!
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Creator’s Voice blog: Hidetaka Miyazaki on The Duskbloods (part 1)
Creator’s Voice blog: Hidetaka Miyazaki on The Duskbloods (part 2)
Creator’s Voice blog: Hidetaka Miyazaki on The Duskbloods (part 3)
