The Duskbloods: FromSoftware's New Multiplayer Adventure

The gaming world is abuzz with the announcement of The Duskbloods, FromSoftware's latest venture into the realm of online multiplayer. Set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, this game introduces players to the world of the Bloodsworn, a group of characters with superhuman abilities derived from special blood. While it may share thematic elements with FromSoftware's beloved titles, The Duskbloods is not a sequel to Bloodborne but a fresh take on the studio's signature Soulslike experience.

FromSoftware's Commitment to Single-Player Games

Despite the excitement surrounding The Duskbloods and the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware reassures fans that their dedication to single-player experiences remains strong. In an insightful post on Nintendo's Creator's Voice blog on April 4, Director Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed the balance between their multiplayer projects and their traditional single-player games. He emphasized, "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." This statement comes alongside the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Elden Ring, reaffirming FromSoftware's commitment to their core style.

The Role of Blood in The Duskbloods

Central to The Duskbloods is the concept of blood, which serves as a symbol of history, power, fate, and the transcendence of human limitations. Players take on the role of Bloodsworn, who are not vampires in the traditional sense but are empowered by special blood. Their quest revolves around obtaining "The First Blood," which emerges during "The Twilight of Humanity," an event that spans various times and places. The game's setting ranges from Gothic and Victorian-era maps to those depicting the early modern period, as seen in the trailer featuring a train.

Character Customization and Online Multiplayer

The Duskbloods offers a wide array of characters, each with distinct designs and personalities. Players can choose from over a dozen characters and customize them to suit their playstyle. Miyazaki noted, "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." The game starts at a hub where players can select and customize their characters before entering online multiplayer sessions, which support up to 8 players. After each match, players return to the hub to collect rewards, primarily for character customization.

Matches in The Duskbloods typically end with one player standing, but there are variations where players must defeat a powerful boss or meet other special conditions. Miyazaki explained, "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."

Additionally, the game introduces "roles" that players can assume, such as "Destined Rivals" or "Destined Companions," which come with unique objectives and rewards. These roles can be customized via the blood system, adding a layer of role-playing and drama to the gameplay.

FromSoftware's Creator's Voice blog provided a wealth of information about The Duskbloods, and more details are expected to be revealed in the future. As a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive set for release in 2026, The Duskbloods promises to be an exciting addition to FromSoftware's portfolio. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into this intriguing new title.