One of the most astonishing announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was a third-party game unveiled towards the end of the showcase. FromSoftware, renowned for their challenging and immersive titles, has announced a new game titled The Duskbloods. This game draws striking parallels to the much-loved PlayStation 4 exclusive, Bloodborne.
The Duskbloods is a brand-new title, set for a global release in 2026, and will be available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2. In this game, players assume the role of the "Bloodsworn," a group that has transcended humanity through the use of special blood. The game promises a fierce melee combat experience as players vie to become the "First Blood."
Confirmed by a press release from FromSoftware, The Duskbloods is a PvPvE title with "online multiplayer at its core," allowing up to eight players to compete against each other for victory. While the game evokes Bloodborne with its themes of blood, guns, and machinery, it also shares similarities with the forthcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, though with a focus on PvP rather than solely co-op PvE.
Although the showcase provided only cryptic teases and glimpses of terrifying beasts and bosses, the announcement has elicited a wide range of reactions from Bloodborne fans.
"BLOOD! EVERY FIVE SECONDS THEY TALKED ABOUT BLOOD!" exclaimed one commenter on the r/Bloodborne subreddit. Another fan 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 Duskbloods
12 Images
Despite its differences, The Duskbloods clearly resonates with Bloodborne, making it feel like a spiritual successor. While FromSoftware's other titles like the Souls series and Elden Ring have been released on multiple platforms—with Elden Ring even slated for a Tarnished Edition on the Switch 2—Bloodborne has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive, never making it to PC. This has fueled fans' long-standing desire for a port, sequel, or any related content.
"Nintendo really got tired of waiting for Bloodborne 2 and just decided to fund it themselves," another fan humorously remarked. It was also noted that, akin to Bloodborne, The Duskbloods is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. "Bloodborne was always an exclusive, this is on brand," a commenter pointed out.
The announcement has sparked excitement among Bloodborne enthusiasts, though some are tempering their enthusiasm upon learning that The Duskbloods is a battle royale-style game rather than the traditional single-player RPG typically expected from FromSoftware.
Some fans expressed diminished excitement upon discovering The Duskbloods' PvPvE focus and its exclusivity to the Switch 2, leading to discussions about whether they would still be eager to try the game.
More details about The Duskbloods are expected soon, with Nintendo set to publish an interview with director Hidetaka Miyazaki on its website on April 4. This interview is anticipated to clarify the game's mechanics, the nature of its PvPvE elements, and whether it can truly satisfy the long-held hopes of Bloodborne fans.
For a complete rundown of all the announcements from today's stream, be sure to check out our recap of everything revealed at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.
AnswerSee Results
