"Duskbloods: Play as Bloodsworn, Not Bloodborne 2"

Discover the intricacies of FromSoftware's latest venture, The Duskbloods, and unravel what sets it apart from other titles, including the much-loved Bloodborne.

FromSoftware Will Continue To Create Single-Player Focused Games

The Duskbloods Director on Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice Blog

FromSoftware, the masterminds behind Elden Ring, have reassured their dedicated fanbase that their commitment to crafting compelling single-player experiences remains unwavering. Despite the buzz around their upcoming multiplayer game, The Duskbloods, announced for the Nintendo Switch 2 during the April 2 Nintendo Direct, the studio is not shifting its focus entirely to multiplayer titles. This assurance comes even as they prepare to launch another multiplayer project, Elden Ring Nightreign.

In a candid discussion on Nintendo's new insider blog, Creator’s Voice, posted on April 4, FromSoftware's director, Hidetaka Miyazaki, addressed the community's concerns. He emphasized that the studio's heart lies in creating immersive single-player games, saying, "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." Miyazaki further added, "The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Elden Ring was also announced, and we still intend to actively develop single player focused games such as this that embrace our more traditional style."

The Importance of Blood in The Duskbloods

Miyazaki delved into the thematic essence of The Duskbloods, highlighting the pivotal role of blood. Players take on the role of "Bloodsworn," members of an elite group endowed with superhuman abilities derived from their unique blood. While drawing parallels to vampirism, Miyazaki clarified that these characters would not embody the typical monstrous portrayal of vampires.

The game's narrative revolves around the pursuit of "The First Blood," which emerges during "The Twilight of Humanity," an apocalyptic event spanning various times and locations. Miyazaki described the game's diverse settings, saying, "There are more traditional Gothic- or Victorian-style maps as well as those depicting the closing years of the early modern period, like the one glimpsed in the trailer with the train running through it."

He emphasized that blood in The Duskbloods serves as a conceptual anchor rather than a mere depiction of violence. "Blood symbolizes one of the game’s key themes—the history it holds, the power it passes on, the fates it weaves and the marker of those who have surpassed the limitations of their own humanity," Miyazaki stated.

Wide Variety of Characters and Online Multiplayer

The Duskbloods' trailer showcased a diverse array of characters, each boasting distinct designs and personalities. Miyazaki confirmed players would have over a dozen characters to choose from, with some degree of customization available. "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," he noted.

Gameplay begins at a central "hub" where players select and customize their characters before diving into online multiplayer sessions supporting up to 8 players. Post-match, players return to the hub to collect rewards, primarily used for further character customization.

Matches typically end with a last-player-standing scenario, though Miyazaki hinted at varied victory conditions, including defeating formidable bosses or navigating unique challenges. "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," he explained.

Miyazaki also introduced the concept of "roles" within the game, where players can assume specific responsibilities and objectives. While details are still being finalized, he provided examples such as the "Destined Rivals" role, requiring players to seek out and defeat their designated rival, and the "Destined Companion" role, where players must form a bond with a chosen partner for unique rewards. "Roles can be assigned to any character via blood customization, allowing players to enjoy role-playing in a literal sense and hopefully adding to the drama of these engagements," he elaborated.

The Creator’s Voice blog post offers a glimpse into FromSoftware’s ambitious plans for The Duskbloods, a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive slated for release in 2026. With more announcements expected in the future, fans should keep an eye out for further updates. To stay informed about The Duskbloods and other FromSoftware projects, be sure to check out our related articles below!