Bloodborne Fans Buzz Over Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusive: The Duskbloods

The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct brought an unexpected announcement that caught many gamers' attention—a third-party game from FromSoftware titled The Duskbloods. This reveal, which came near the end of the showcase, drew immediate comparisons to the PlayStation 4-exclusive Bloodborne due to its thematic similarities.

The Duskbloods is set to launch worldwide in 2026, and it will be exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch 2. Players will take on the role of the "Bloodsworn," a group that has transcended humanity through the power of special blood. The game's narrative centers around a brutal melee where participants vie to become the "First Blood."

FromSoftware confirmed in a press release that The Duskbloods is a PvPvE title, emphasizing "online multiplayer at its core" with up to eight players competing for victory. While the game's atmosphere and elements like blood and machinery evoke Bloodborne, it also shares similarities with Elden Ring Nightreign, though with a focus on PvP rather than solely co-op PvE.

The reveal included only cryptic teases and glimpses of terrifying beasts and bosses, leaving much to the imagination. Fans of Bloodborne have shown a range of reactions to this news. One Reddit user 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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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, Bloodborne has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive, fueling fans' long-standing desire for a port, sequel, or 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 exclusivity, saying, "Bloodborne was always an exclusive, this is on brand."

The announcement has sparked excitement among Bloodborne enthusiasts, though some are tempering their enthusiasm 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 Switch 2 exclusivity.

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 should 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 announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to check out our detailed recap.