"Bloodborne Fans Excited for Switch 2 Exclusive: The Duskbloods"

The most exciting reveal during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct might have been a third-party title announced towards the end of the showcase. FromSoftware is developing a brand-new game called The Duskbloods, which shares striking similarities with the beloved PlayStation 4-exclusive Bloodborne.

To clarify, The Duskbloods is a new game set to launch globally in 2026, and it will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. Players will assume the role of the "Bloodsworn," a group transformed beyond humanity by special blood, and engage in intense melee combat to become the "First Blood."

A press release from FromSoftware confirms that The Duskbloods is a PvPvE title with "online multiplayer at its core," where up to eight players compete against each other. While the game's themes of blood, guns, and machinery evoke memories of Bloodborne, it also appears to share similarities with the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, albeit with a focus on PvP rather than solely co-op PvE.

Although details are sparse, the announcement included cryptic teases and glimpses of terrifying beasts and bosses. The Bloodborne community has been buzzing with a range of reactions.

"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 Duskbloods

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Though The Duskbloods is a distinct game, it's easy to see the connections that make fans feel it's a spiritual successor to Bloodborne. While the Souls series and Elden Ring have expanded to other platforms—including the Elden Ring Tarnished Edition for the Switch 2—Bloodborne has remained exclusive to the PlayStation 4, never making it to PC. Fans have been eagerly awaiting a port, sequel, or any related news for years.

"Nintendo really got tired of waiting for Bloodborne 2 and just decided to fund it themselves," one commenter remarked. Another noted that, like Bloodborne, The Duskbloods is currently exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. "Bloodborne was always an exclusive, this is on brand," another added.

The announcement has ignited enthusiasm among the Bloodborne community, though some fans are tempering their excitement upon learning that The Duskbloods is a PvPvE experience. Discussions on forums reveal that the focus on multiplayer and Switch 2 exclusivity may deter some from eagerly anticipating The Duskbloods.

We'll soon learn more about The Duskbloods, as Nintendo is set to release an interview with director Hidetaka Miyazaki on its website on April 4. This interview is expected 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 comprehensive coverage of all the announcements from today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to check out our detailed recap.