One of the most surprising reveals from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was a new third-party game by FromSoftware, announced towards the end of the showcase. Titled "The Duskbloods," this game bears striking similarities to the beloved PlayStation 4 exclusive, Bloodborne.
To clarify, The Duskbloods is a brand-new game, slated for a worldwide release in 2026, and it will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. In this game, players assume the role of the "Bloodsworn," a group transformed beyond humanity by special blood, engaging in a violent melee to become the "First Blood."
FromSoftware confirmed in a press release that The Duskbloods is a PvPvE title, with "online multiplayer at its core." Up to eight players will compete for victory, blending the intense combat seen in Bloodborne with elements reminiscent of the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, but with a focus on PvP rather than solely co-op PvE.
The announcement included cryptic teases and glimpses of horrifying beasts and bosses, sparking a wide range of reactions among Bloodborne fans. One Reddit user commented, "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
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Though The Duskbloods is a distinct game, its connections to Bloodborne are undeniable, leading fans to view it as a spiritual successor. While the Souls games and Elden Ring have expanded to other platforms — with Elden Ring even receiving a Tarnished Edition for the Switch 2 — Bloodborne has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive, leaving fans yearning for a port, sequel, or any related content.
One fan remarked, "Nintendo really got tired of waiting for Bloodborne 2 and just decided to fund it themselves." Another noted the exclusivity, saying, "Bloodborne was always an exclusive, this is on brand."
The announcement has certainly reignited enthusiasm among Bloodborne enthusiasts, though the revelation that The Duskbloods is a PvPvE battle royale-style game, rather than the expected single-player RPG from FromSoftware, has tempered some of that excitement. Fans are now expressing mixed feelings about the multiplayer focus and the Switch 2 exclusivity, with some hesitant to dive into The Duskbloods.
More details about The Duskbloods are expected soon, with an interview featuring director Hidetaka Miyazaki set to be published on Nintendo's website on April 4. This interview is likely to clarify the game's mechanics, the nature of its PvPvE elements, and whether it can satisfy the long-held hopes of Bloodborne fans.
For a full recap of all announcements made during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to check out our comprehensive coverage.
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