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FromSoftware’s upcoming title, The Duskbloods, is set to release exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. While it introduces a multiplayer PvPvE format, the game’s aesthetic and thematic elements draw heavily from Bloodborne, creating a spiritual successor that blends new mechanics with familiar atmospheres.
Gothic Aesthetics and Steampunk Elements
The Duskbloods immerses players in a world that combines Gothic and Victorian influences with steampunk elements. The game’s environments feature grand cathedrals, eerie streets, and industrial districts, reminiscent of Bloodborne‘s Yharnam. However, the inclusion of futuristic technology, such as jetpacks and advanced weaponry, introduces a unique twist to the setting.
Bloodsworn and the Quest for First Blood
Players assume the roles of Bloodsworn, vampire-like characters competing to obtain “First Blood” during an apocalyptic event known as the “Twilight of Humanity.” This central objective ties into the game’s lore, where blood symbolizes history, power, and the transcendence of humanity. The pursuit of First Blood serves as the primary goal in each match, influencing both gameplay and narrative progression. Source:Polygon
Structured Multiplayer with Role-Based Objectives
Unlike traditional Soulsborne titles, The Duskbloods offers a structured multiplayer experience supporting up to eight players. Each match incorporates both player-versus-player and player-versus-environment elements. Players can select from over a dozen preset Bloodsworn characters, each with unique weapons and abilities. Customization is available through the “blood history and fate” system, allowing players to adjust attributes, appearances, and in-game roles.
Roles such as “Destined Rivals” and “Destined Companions” assign specific objectives, encouraging diverse strategies and interactions. Dynamic events during matches, like special enemy spawns and additional objectives, offer bonus rewards and influence the flow of gameplay.
Embracing Bloodborne Comparisons
Director Hidetaka Miyazaki acknowledges the similarities between The Duskbloods and Bloodborne, noting that the new title reinterprets romantic aspects of vampires and blood. While The Duskbloods introduces a multiplayer focus and new mechanics, it maintains the atmospheric storytelling and thematic depth characteristic of FromSoftware’s previous titles.
Conclusion
The Duskbloods represents FromSoftware’s venture into a multiplayer-focused experience while retaining the rich, atmospheric elements that define their games. By blending Gothic aesthetics with innovative gameplay mechanics, the title offers a fresh yet familiar experience for fans of the Soulsborne genre. For more reviews and news, stay tuned to our website.
