One of the most surprising announcements during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was the unveiling of a third-party game: FromSoftware's new title, The Duskbloods. Announced towards the end of the showcase, this game bears striking resemblances to the PlayStation 4-exclusive favorite, Bloodborne.
To set the record straight, The Duskbloods is an entirely new game slated for a worldwide release in 2026, and it will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. Players will assume the role of the "Bloodsworn," individuals who have transcended humanity through the power of special blood. The game challenges players to engage in fierce combat to become the "First Blood."
A press release from FromSoftware confirms that The Duskbloods is a PvPvE game, emphasizing "online multiplayer at its core," where up to eight players can compete against each other and the environment. While the game evokes Bloodborne with its themes of blood, guns, and machinery, it also shares elements with the forthcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, albeit with a PvP twist instead of solely co-op PvE.
The reveal was accompanied by cryptic teases and glimpses of terrifying creatures and bosses, sparking a range of reactions among Bloodborne fans. One Reddit user on the r/Bloodborne subreddit exclaimed, "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."
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 - The Dusk Bloods
12 Images
Although The Duskbloods stands as a unique title, its connections to Bloodborne are clear, leading fans to view it as a spiritual successor. While other FromSoftware titles like the Souls series and Elden Ring have expanded to multiple platforms—including a Tarnished Edition of Elden Ring for the Switch 2—Bloodborne has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive, never making it to PC. Fans have been clamoring for a port, sequel, or any related content for years.
One fan quipped, "Nintendo really got tired of waiting for Bloodborne 2 and just decided to fund it themselves." Another pointed out the exclusivity, noting, "Bloodborne was always an exclusive, this is on brand."
The announcement has energized the Bloodborne community, though some are tempering their excitement upon learning that The Duskbloods is a PvPvE experience, rather than the traditional single-player RPG expected from FromSoftware. Discussions on forums reveal a mix of anticipation and hesitation, especially with the game's exclusivity to the Nintendo Switch 2.
More details about The Duskbloods are expected soon, with Nintendo set to publish an interview with director Hidetaka Miyazaki on April 4. This interview should clarify how the game's PvPvE mechanics will function and whether it can meet the long-held expectations of Bloodborne enthusiasts.
For comprehensive coverage of all announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, check out our detailed recap.
