The most surprising reveal during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was undoubtedly the announcement of a new third-party game by FromSoftware, titled *The Duskbloods*. This game, unveiled towards the end of the showcase, draws striking parallels to the beloved PlayStation 4 exclusive, *Bloodborne*.
*The Duskbloods* is a brand-new title, slated for a global release in 2026, and will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. In this game, players will assume the role of the "Bloodsworn," a group that has transcended humanity through the use of special blood. The core gameplay revolves around a violent melee to claim the title of the "First Blood."
According to a press release from FromSoftware, *The Duskbloods* is a PvPvE game with "online multiplayer at its core," allowing up to eight players to compete for victory. The game's themes of blood, guns, and machinery evoke memories of *Bloodborne*, but it also shares similarities with the upcoming *Elden Ring Nightreign*, particularly in its PvP elements as opposed to solely co-op PvE experiences.
Details were sparse beyond these teases, but the glimpses of horrifying beasts and bosses have sparked a variety of reactions among *Bloodborne* fans. One Reddit user exclaimed, "BLOOD! EVERY FIVE SECONDS THEY TALKED ABOUT BLOOD!" on the r/Bloodborne subreddit, 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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Despite its differences, *The Duskbloods* clearly resonates with fans as a spiritual successor to *Bloodborne*. While other FromSoftware titles like the Souls series and *Elden Ring* have been released on multiple platforms—with *Elden Ring* even receiving a Tarnished Edition for the Switch 2—*Bloodborne* has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive, never making its way to PC. This has fueled fans' long-standing desire for a port, sequel, or any new development.
One fan humorously remarked, "Nintendo really got tired of waiting for Bloodborne 2 and just decided to fund it themselves," highlighting the exclusivity of *The Duskbloods* to the Nintendo Switch 2, akin to *Bloodborne*'s original exclusivity. Another fan added, "Bloodborne was always an exclusive, this is on brand."
The announcement has rekindled excitement among *Bloodborne* enthusiasts, though the realization that *The Duskbloods* is a battle royale-style game rather than the expected single-player RPG from FromSoftware has tempered some of that enthusiasm. Discussions have emerged where fans express mixed feelings about the multiplayer focus and Switch 2 exclusivity.
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 gameplay mechanics, the nature of the PvPvE elements, and whether *The Duskbloods* can truly satisfy the long-held hopes of *Bloodborne* fans.
For a comprehensive overview of all announcements made during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to check out our detailed recap.
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