FromSoftware, the masterminds behind Elden Ring, are diving into new territory with their latest project, The Duskbloods, set to launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. Despite this foray into multiplayer gaming, FromSoftware reassures fans that their commitment to crafting single-player focused games remains unwavering.
FromSoftware Will Continue To Create Single-Player Focused Games
The Duskbloods Director on Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice Blog
In a recent post on Nintendo's Creator’s Voice blog dated April 4, FromSoftware Director Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed the studio's future direction. Despite the announcement of The Duskbloods, an online multiplayer PvPvE title for the Nintendo Switch 2, and another multiplayer project, Elden Ring Nightreign, Miyazaki emphasized that FromSoftware remains dedicated to their signature single-player experiences. He stated, "As a side note, please allow me to address one thing. As previously mentioned, this is an online multiplayer title at its core, but this doesn’t mean that we as a company have decided to shift to a more multiplayer-focused direction with titles going forward. The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Elden Ring was also announced, and we still intend to actively develop single-player focused games such as this that embrace our more traditional style."
The Importance of Blood in The Duskbloods
Miyazaki delved into the thematic elements of The Duskbloods, highlighting the central role of blood. Players assume the role of "Bloodsworn," individuals endowed with superhuman abilities derived from special blood. Drawing parallels to vampires, Miyazaki clarified that the Bloodsworn are not portrayed as monstrous. Their quest centers around "The First Blood," which emerges during "The Twilight of Humanity," an event occurring across various timelines and settings.
The game's environment spans from Gothic and Victorian aesthetics to scenes reminiscent of the early modern period, as seen in the trailer featuring a train. Miyazaki explained, "Blood symbolizes one of the game’s key themes—the history it holds, the power it passes on, the fates it weaves and the marker of those who have surpassed the limitations of their own humanity."
Wide Variety of Characters and Online Multiplayer
The Duskbloods boasts a diverse cast of characters, each with unique designs and personalities. Miyazaki confirmed that players can choose from over a dozen characters, with some level of customization available. He remarked, "I think there are a lot of unique elements to the character designs and the weapons they use, so hopefully players can find one or two favorites among them."
Players start at a "hub" where they select and customize their characters before entering online multiplayer sessions that support up to eight players. Post-match, players return to the hub to collect rewards, which mainly involve character customization.
Matches typically end with one player standing, though victory conditions can vary. Players may need to defeat a formidable boss or navigate other unique challenges. Miyazaki emphasized, "Regardless of whether it’s PvP or PvE, the idea is to provide players with an experience that allows them to learn and hone their skills as they play. We’ve therefore designed the PvE boss encounters to present a tough challenge and a sense of accomplishment upon defeating them."
The game introduces "roles" with specific duties and objectives, enhancing the multiplayer experience. Examples include "Destined Rivals," where players seek out and defeat their rivals, and "Destined Companion," where forming a bond with a partner yields special rewards. Miyazaki elaborated, "Roles can be assigned to any character via blood customization, allowing players to enjoy role-playing in a literal sense and hopefully adding to the drama of these engagements."
The insights shared on Creator’s Voice provide a glimpse into FromSoftware's ambitious plans for The Duskbloods. With more announcements expected in the future, fans can look forward to a rich and immersive experience on the Nintendo Switch 2. The Duskbloods is slated for release in 2026. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting title!
