The most surprising reveal during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was undoubtedly the announcement of a new third-party game from FromSoftware titled The Duskbloods. Revealed towards the end of the showcase, this game bears striking similarities to the fan-favorite PlayStation 4 exclusive, Bloodborne.
To clarify, The Duskbloods is an entirely new title, slated for a global release in 2026, and it will be exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch 2. In the game, players assume the role of the "Bloodsworn," a group that transcends humanity through the use of special blood. The objective is to engage in a brutal melee to claim the title of "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. While the game evokes memories of Bloodborne with its themes of blood, guns, and machinery, it also shares similarities with the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, albeit with a focus on PvP rather than solely co-op PvE.
The announcement was accompanied by cryptic teases and glimpses of horrifying beasts and bosses, sparking a wide range of reactions from Bloodborne enthusiasts. "BLOOD! EVERY FIVE SECONDS THEY TALKED ABOUT BLOOD!" exclaimed one commenter on the r/Bloodborne subreddit. 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
12 Images
Although The Duskbloods is a distinct game, its connections to 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—including a Tarnished Edition of Elden Ring for the Switch 2—Bloodborne has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive, with fans eagerly awaiting any form of continuation or port.
One fan humorously remarked, "Nintendo really got tired of waiting for Bloodborne 2 and just decided to fund it themselves." Another pointed out the exclusivity of The Duskbloods to the Nintendo Switch 2, drawing parallels to Bloodborne's exclusivity, "Bloodborne was always an exclusive, this is on brand."
The announcement has certainly reignited the passion of Bloodborne fans, though some are tempering their excitement upon learning that The Duskbloods is a PvPvE experience, rather than the traditional single-player RPG expected from FromSoftware. Discussions on forums reveal a mix of anticipation and concern over the game's multiplayer focus and its exclusivity to the Switch 2.
More details about The Duskbloods are expected soon, with Nintendo set to release an interview with director Hidetaka Miyazaki on its website on April 4. This interview is anticipated to provide further insight into the game's mechanics, its PvPvE elements, and whether it can truly satisfy the long-held hopes of Bloodborne fans.
For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to check out our detailed recap.
