The most surprising reveal during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was undoubtedly a third-party game announced towards the end of the showcase. FromSoftware, renowned for their challenging and atmospheric games, is developing a brand-new title called "The Duskbloods." This game bears striking similarities to the beloved PlayStation 4 exclusive, Bloodborne.
To clarify, The Duskbloods is a new game slated 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 violent melee to become the "First Blood."
According to a press release from FromSoftware, The Duskbloods is a PvPvE title with "online multiplayer at its core," allowing up to eight players to compete for victory. While the game's themes of blood, guns, and machinery evoke memories of Bloodborne, it also shares similarities with the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, albeit with a focus on PvP rather than just co-op PvE.
The reveal was accompanied by cryptic teases and glimpses of horrifying beasts and bosses, stirring a wide array of reactions among Bloodborne fans. One Reddit user exclaimed, "BLOOD! EVERY FIVE SECONDS THEY TALKED ABOUT BLOOD!" 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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Though The Duskbloods is a distinct game, its connections to Bloodborne are evident, leading fans to view it as a spiritual successor. While FromSoftware's Souls series and Elden Ring have expanded to multiple platforms, Bloodborne has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive, never reaching PC. Fans have long awaited a port, sequel, or any related content.
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 of The Duskbloods to the Nintendo Switch 2, drawing parallels to Bloodborne's exclusive status: "Bloodborne was always an exclusive, this is on brand."
The announcement has certainly energized the Bloodborne community, but the reality that The Duskbloods is a battle royale-style game rather than a single-player RPG has tempered some of the enthusiasm. Fans are expressing mixed feelings about the game's multiplayer focus and its exclusivity to the Switch 2.
More details about The Duskbloods are expected soon, as Nintendo has scheduled an interview with director Hidetaka Miyazaki on their website for April 4. This interview should provide further insight into the game's mechanics, the nature of its PvPvE experience, and whether it can fulfill the long-held 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 unveiled at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.