FromSoftware Takes a Bold New Direction with Switch 2 Exclusive The Duskbloods
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
FromSoftware's upcoming Switch 2 exclusive, The Duskbloods, swaps traditional Soulslike progression for an eight-player, match-based PvPvE experience inspired by board games.
FromSoftware is stepping away from traditional Soulslike pacing for its next major project. Recent hands-on previews of The Duskbloods reveal an eight-player match-based multiplayer game that blends the moody aesthetic of Bloodborne with design influences from tabletop games like The Settlers of Catan. Instead of purely slogging through relentless difficulty, players take on the role of prebuilt supernatural beings called Bloodsworn, navigating a Victorian metropolis called Lawanro City to rack up victory points known as Virtue.
Matches unfold across four distinct phases, keeping lobbies frantic as players hunt bosses, explore vertical rooftops using a generous triple-jump system, and manage ad-hoc alliances. Game director Hidetaka Miyazaki aims to spark unexpected drama through this setup. The game features a dynamic mix of player-versus-environment mob-clearing, summoning AI companions known as Kin, and randomized map events like zeppelin airstrikes and meteor showers. Only the strongest survivors make it through the culls to the final player-versus-player showdown for the ultimate prize.
While the concept marks a radical departure for the studio, the depth of the roster and the chaotic freedom of the match structure show plenty of promise. Players will get their first taste of the action during an upcoming network test. The title is scheduled to launch exclusively for Nintendo's successor console sometime in 2026, offering a fresh multiplayer spin on FromSoftware's signature dark fantasy flavor.
Tags: Nintendo Switch 2, FromSoftware, Multiplayer, RPG
Original article: Polygon