The most surprising reveal during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was undoubtedly the announcement of a third-party game by FromSoftware, titled "The Duskbloods." This new title, set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, bears striking similarities to the PlayStation 4 exclusive, Bloodborne. In The Duskbloods, players take on the role of the "Bloodsworn," a faction that has transcended humanity through the use of special blood. The game promises intense melee combat as players vie to become the "First Blood."
FromSoftware confirmed in a press release that The Duskbloods is a PvPvE title with online multiplayer at its core, accommodating up to eight players in a competitive environment. While the game's aesthetic and themes evoke memories of Bloodborne, it also shares similarities with FromSoftware's upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, albeit with a focus on PvP rather than solely co-op PvE. The showcase offered glimpses of horrifying beasts and bosses, stirring a mix of excitement and speculation among fans.
Reactions from the Bloodborne community have been diverse. One fan exclaimed on Reddit's r/Bloodborne, "BLOOD! EVERY FIVE SECONDS THEY TALKED ABOUT BLOOD!" while 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 that Nintendo might have funded this game due to the long wait for a Bloodborne sequel was echoed by another commenter, who noted, "Nintendo really got tired of waiting for Bloodborne 2 and just decided to fund it themselves."
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 - The Dusk Bloods
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Despite its differences, The Duskbloods is seen by many as a spiritual successor to Bloodborne. While other FromSoftware titles like the Souls series and Elden Ring have expanded to multiple platforms, Bloodborne has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive, fueling fans' desire for a port or sequel. The Duskbloods, like Bloodborne, is exclusive to its platform, the Nintendo Switch 2.
However, the announcement has sparked mixed feelings among fans, particularly with the revelation that The Duskbloods is a PvPvE experience rather than the traditional single-player RPG expected from FromSoftware. Some fans have expressed diminished enthusiasm due to the game's multiplayer focus and exclusivity to the Switch 2.
More details about The Duskbloods are expected soon, with an interview featuring director Hidetaka Miyazaki set to be published on Nintendo's website on April 4. This interview is anticipated to provide further insight into the game's mechanics, its PvPvE elements, and whether it can fulfill the long-held hopes of Bloodborne enthusiasts.
For a comprehensive overview of all announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to check out our detailed recap.
