One of the most surprising announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was a third-party game revealed near the end of the showcase. FromSoftware is developing a brand-new title called The Duskbloods, which bears some striking similarities to the beloved PlayStation 4 exclusive, Bloodborne.
To clarify, The Duskbloods is a fresh game, set for a worldwide release in 2026, and it will be exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch 2. In this game, players take on the role of the "Bloodsworn," a group that has transcended humanity through the use of special blood. The objective is to engage in a fierce melee to become the "First Blood."
FromSoftware's press release confirms that The Duskbloods is a PvPvE game with "online multiplayer at its core," where up to eight players will battle it out for victory. While the game's themes of blood, guns, and machinery evoke Bloodborne, it may also share similarities with the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, but with a PvP focus instead of solely co-op PvE.
Beyond these details, the showcase offered only cryptic teases and glimpses of horrifying beasts and bosses. Nonetheless, Bloodborne fans have expressed a wide range of reactions.
"BLOOD! EVERY FIVE SECONDS THEY TALKED ABOUT BLOOD!" exclaimed one commenter on the r/Bloodborne subreddit post about The Duskbloods. Another fan remarked, "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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While The Duskbloods is distinct, its connections to Bloodborne are evident, making it feel like a spiritual successor to many fans. Although FromSoftware's Souls games and Elden Ring have expanded to other platforms—including a Tarnished Edition of Elden Ring slated for the Switch 2—Bloodborne has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive since its launch, never making it to PC. Fans have been clamoring for a port, sequel, or any new 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, saying, "Bloodborne was always an exclusive, this is on brand."
The announcement has certainly energized Bloodborne enthusiasts, though some reality checks have come with the news that The Duskbloods seems to be a battle royale-style game rather than the traditional single-player RPG expected from FromSoftware.
Some fans have expressed a dampened enthusiasm upon learning that The Duskbloods is a PvPvE experience. Discussions on forums show fans discovering this detail and then voicing concerns about the multiplayer focus and Switch 2 exclusivity, which might deter them from eagerly jumping into The Duskbloods.
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 likely to clarify how The Duskbloods will function, what its PvPvE elements will entail, and whether it can truly satisfy the long-standing hopes of Bloodborne fans.
For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from today's stream, be sure to check out our recap of everything revealed at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.
