One of the most unexpected announcements during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was the reveal of a third-party game from FromSoftware. Near the end of the showcase, the acclaimed developer unveiled a brand-new title, The Duskbloods, which strikingly resembles the PlayStation 4-exclusive Bloodborne.
To clarify, The Duskbloods is an entirely new game, slated for a worldwide release in 2026 and exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. In the game, players will assume the role of the "Bloodsworn," a group transcending humanity through special blood, as they engage in a fierce melee to claim the title of "First Blood."
FromSoftware confirmed in a press release that The Duskbloods is a PvPvE title with "online multiplayer at its core," allowing up to eight players to compete for victory. While the game evokes Bloodborne with its blood-soaked aesthetics and mechanical elements, it also shares similarities with the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, though with a focus on PvP rather than just co-op PvE.
Beyond these details, the showcase provided only cryptic teases and glimpses of terrifying beasts and bosses. Yet, these glimpses have sparked a wide range of reactions among Bloodborne fans.
"BLOOD! EVERY FIVE SECONDS THEY TALKED ABOUT BLOOD!" exclaimed one enthusiast on the r/Bloodborne subreddit. Another user chimed in, "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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Although The Duskbloods is a distinct title, it's clear that it shares significant connections with Bloodborne, leading many fans to view it as a spiritual successor. While FromSoftware's Souls games and Elden Ring have expanded to other platforms—with Elden Ring even scheduled for a Tarnished Edition on the Switch 2—Bloodborne has remained a steadfast PlayStation 4 exclusive, never making the jump to PC. Fans have been clamoring for a port, sequel, or any related content for years.
"Nintendo really got tired of waiting for Bloodborne 2 and just decided to fund it themselves," one commenter suggested. Another noted that, much like Bloodborne, The Duskbloods is currently exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. "Bloodborne was always an exclusive, this is on brand," another fan added.
The announcement has certainly ignited enthusiasm among the Bloodborne community, though some reality checks are setting in with the revelation that The Duskbloods is a PvPvE experience. This battle royale-style format, combined with its exclusivity to the Switch 2, has tempered the excitement for some fans who were hoping for a traditional single-player RPG from FromSoftware.
Further 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 more insight into the game's mechanics, its PvPvE elements, and whether it can truly satisfy the long-held hopes of Bloodborne enthusiasts.
For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from today's stream, be sure to check out our recap of everything revealed at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.
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