During the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, a surprising announcement was made towards the end of the showcase: FromSoftware, the renowned developer, is working on a new game titled The Duskbloods. This title has sparked interest due to its striking similarities to the beloved PlayStation 4 exclusive, Bloodborne. Set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, The Duskbloods introduces players to the "Bloodsworn," a group transformed beyond humanity by special blood, engaging in a fierce competition to become the "First Blood."
FromSoftware has confirmed through a press release that The Duskbloods will be a PvPvE game, emphasizing "online multiplayer at its core." Up to eight players will compete against each other and AI-controlled enemies, blending the intense action of Bloodborne with elements reminiscent of the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, but with a focus on player-versus-player combat rather than purely co-operative play.
While the game was showcased with cryptic teases and glimpses of horrifying beasts and bosses, the reaction from Bloodborne fans has been varied. Social media platforms like Reddit have seen a flurry of comments, with one user exclaiming, "BLOOD! EVERY FIVE SECONDS THEY TALKED ABOUT BLOOD!" 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
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Despite being a distinct title, The Duskbloods shares enough thematic and gameplay elements with Bloodborne to be considered a spiritual successor by many fans. While other FromSoftware titles like the Souls series and Elden Ring have expanded to various platforms—including a Tarnished Edition for the Switch 2—Bloodborne has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive, with fans eagerly awaiting any news on a sequel or port.
Some fans humorously noted, "Nintendo really got tired of waiting for Bloodborne 2 and just decided to fund it themselves." Others pointed out the exclusivity to the Nintendo Switch 2, drawing parallels to Bloodborne's own exclusivity, with one commenter stating, "Bloodborne was always an exclusive, this is on brand."
The announcement has ignited excitement among Bloodborne enthusiasts, though the realization that The Duskbloods leans more towards a battle royale-style game rather than the expected single-player RPG from FromSoftware has tempered some of that enthusiasm. Discussions on forums reveal a mix of anticipation and concern over the game's multiplayer focus and its exclusivity to the Switch 2.
More information about The Duskbloods is expected soon, with Nintendo set to release an interview with director Hidetaka Miyazaki on its website on April 4. This interview is anticipated to clarify the game's mechanics, its PvPvE elements, and its potential to fulfill the long-held hopes of Bloodborne fans.
For a comprehensive overview of all announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to visit our recap of the event.
