The most surprising reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was undoubtedly a third-party game. Announced towards the end of the showcase, FromSoftware unveiled a brand-new title, *The Duskbloods*, which bears striking similarities to the beloved PlayStation 4 exclusive, *Bloodborne*.
To clarify, *The Duskbloods* is a new game set to launch worldwide in 2026, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. Players will assume the role of the "Bloodsworn," a group that has transcended humanity through the power of special blood. The game involves a brutal melee competition to become the "First Blood."
Confirmed by a press release from FromSoftware, *The Duskbloods* is a PvPvE title with "online multiplayer at its core," allowing up to eight players to compete for victory. While the game evokes *Bloodborne* with its themes of blood, guns, and machinery, it also shares similarities with the upcoming *Elden Ring Nightreign*, albeit with a focus on PvP rather than solely co-op PvE.
Beyond these details, the showcase offered only cryptic teases and glimpses of terrifying beasts and bosses. Nonetheless, *Bloodborne* fans have expressed a wide range of reactions to this announcement.
"BLOOD! EVERY FIVE SECONDS THEY TALKED ABOUT BLOOD!" exclaimed one commenter on the r/Bloodborne subreddit post about *The Duskbloods*. Another user suggested, "That game is 100% *Bloodborne 2*. I assume the name change is either because it's set in a different world, or due to Sony's exclusivity."
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 - The Dusk Bloods
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Although *The Duskbloods* is distinct, 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—with *Elden Ring* even slated for a Tarnished Edition on the Switch 2—*Bloodborne* has remained a PlayStation 4 exclusive, never making it to PC. Fans have long awaited a port, sequel, or any related content.
"Nintendo really got tired of waiting for *Bloodborne 2* and just decided to fund it themselves," one commenter quipped. Another pointed out that, like *Bloodborne*, *The Duskbloods* is currently exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. "Bloodborne was always an exclusive, this is on brand," a user added.
The announcement has certainly reignited the passion of *Bloodborne* enthusiasts, though the reality that *The Duskbloods* is a battle royale-style game rather than the expected single-player RPG from FromSoftware has tempered some excitement.
Some fans have expressed diminished enthusiasm upon learning that *The Duskbloods* is a PvPvE experience. Discussions have emerged where fans, upon discovering this and the game's exclusivity to the Switch 2, have voiced reservations about their interest in the title.
More information about *The Duskbloods* is 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 the announcements from today's stream, be sure to check out our recap of everything revealed at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.
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