The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct unveiled a surprising addition to its lineup: a third-party game from FromSoftware titled *The Duskbloods*. Announced towards the end of the showcase, this new title bears a striking resemblance to the PlayStation 4 exclusive, *Bloodborne*.
*The Duskbloods* is set to launch in 2026 exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2. In the game, players take on the role of the "Bloodsworn," a group transformed beyond human limits by special blood. The objective? To emerge victorious in a brutal melee and become the "First Blood."
FromSoftware confirmed that *The Duskbloods* is a PvPvE game with "online multiplayer at its core," allowing up to eight players to compete for supremacy. The game's focus on blood, firearms, and machinery draws clear parallels to *Bloodborne*, while also sharing similarities with *Elden Ring Nightreign*, though with a PvP twist rather than purely co-op PvE.
Although details are sparse beyond cryptic teases and glimpses of terrifying beasts and bosses, *Bloodborne* fans have shown a range of reactions. One Reddit user on the r/Bloodborne subreddit 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."
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While The Duskbloods offers a distinct experience, its connections to Bloodborne are evident, leading fans to view it as a spiritual successor. Despite the Souls series and Elden Ring expanding to other platforms—including a Tarnished Edition for the Switch 2—Bloodborne has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive, with fans yearning for a port, sequel, or any related content.
A witty commenter suggested, "Nintendo really got tired of waiting for *Bloodborne 2* and just decided to fund it themselves." Another noted that, like *Bloodborne*, *The Duskbloods* is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, maintaining the exclusivity trend.
The announcement has reignited the passion of *Bloodborne* enthusiasts, though the reality of *The Duskbloods* being a battle royale-style PvPvE game rather than a traditional single-player RPG from FromSoftware has tempered some of the excitement. Discussions on forums reveal fans grappling with the game's multiplayer focus and Switch 2 exclusivity, causing hesitation among some.
More information about *The Duskbloods* is expected soon, with an interview featuring director Hidetaka Miyazaki set to be published on Nintendo's website on April 4. This 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 comprehensive coverage of all announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to explore our detailed recap.