One of the most unexpected announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was the reveal of a third-party game by FromSoftware, titled *The Duskbloods*. This game, drawing striking similarities to the beloved PlayStation 4 exclusive *Bloodborne*, promises to captivate fans with its unique setting and gameplay. Scheduled for a worldwide release in 2026, *The Duskbloods* will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.
In *The Duskbloods*, players take on the role of the "Bloodsworn," a group transcending humanity through special blood. The game's core revolves around a fierce melee where players compete to become the "First Blood." FromSoftware confirmed that *The Duskbloods* is a PvPvE title with "online multiplayer at its core," allowing up to eight players to battle it out. While it evokes the atmosphere of *Bloodborne* with its focus on blood, guns, and machinery, it also shares elements with the upcoming *Elden Ring Nightreign*, albeit with a PvP twist rather than solely co-op PvE.
Though details were sparse, the showcase provided glimpses of terrifying beasts and bosses, stirring excitement and speculation among fans. On Reddit, in the r/Bloodborne community, reactions ranged from enthusiastic to skeptical. One fan 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
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The connections between *The Duskbloods* and *Bloodborne* are evident, 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, *Bloodborne* has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive. This has left fans yearning for a port, sequel, or related project for years.
One commenter humorously noted, "Nintendo really got tired of waiting for Bloodborne 2 and just decided to fund it themselves." Another pointed out the exclusivity parallel, stating, "Bloodborne was always an exclusive, this is on brand." However, the excitement was tempered by the realization that *The Duskbloods* is a battle royale-style game rather than the traditional single-player RPG fans might have hoped for.
The multiplayer focus and Switch 2 exclusivity have led some fans to express reservations about their enthusiasm for *The Duskbloods*. As discussions continue, more details are expected soon. Nintendo will release an interview with director Hidetaka Miyazaki on April 4, which should provide further insight into the game's mechanics, its PvPvE elements, and how it aims to satisfy the long-held desires of *Bloodborne* fans.
For those interested in all the announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to check out our comprehensive recap of the event.
