FromSoftware recently participated in the Nintendo Direct centered around its upcoming game, The Duskbloods. A closed network test is confirmed to run for certain players in summer 2026.
There’s not much news about the upcoming souls-like game for Nintendo Switch 2, but it’s still confirmed to release in 2026. Hidetaka Miyazaki, The Duskblood director, has explained certain mechanics involved with the game to help prepare for the unique in-game competition.
Blood-filled online battle
The Duskbloods is mainly designed for online multiplayer, similar to Elden Ring: Nightreign. Its gameplay cycle is PvPvE structured, letting up to eight players fight against each other or specific CPU targets.
Missions are generally completed once the last player triumphs over their opponents, though some main objectives can vary. After completing the mission, players will receive Victory Points and rewards based on their performance.
Bloodthirsty competition
The Bloodsworn can select various missions with details in the main hub before entering different mission areas. Some missions will require players to fight each other while others will make the competitors fight against a boss target. Not every main objective will remain the same, as some special events could immediately change the victory conditions.
One confirmed event occurs when the moon shapeshifts into a grotesque face. These moments will force the active competitors to adapt to the changing environments, whether it’s a new enemy spawn or other tasks. These random events will also affect the mission rewards.
The navigator without bloodlust
The only confirmed NPC without any malicious intent is a black rat creature with wings. Despite his appealing appearance, he is an elderly gentleman, which implies being experienced with knowledge.
He’s designed as the in-game navigator, helping players with advice and explanations about the First Blood competition. Players can interact with him when returning to the main hub between missions.
Significance of First Blood
The main protagonists are the Bloodsworn, living beings who utilize special blood for superhuman abilities, similar to vampires. They don’t require blood to lengthen their lifespans, though they crave another special type: First Blood.
Twilight of Humanity is a unique competition that makes its participants compete for the rewarding First Blood. It summons eligible competitors across different eras and locations, making cultural appearances and powers differ greatly. Historically, this special event occurs in different areas, making its players experience different eras and locations during the active competition. This particular Twilight of Humanity is taking place in a more Gothic, Victorian realm, making its players explore castles, cathedrals, ruins, and even sewers.
Managing one’s fate through blood
The main hub is the designated place for Bloodsworns to customize their equipment and abilities. This particular competition lets the Bloodsworn accumulate different weapons, ranging from close-range blades to distant firearms. It’s even possible to call a supernatural entity to assist during battle.
When a Bloodsworn uses blood customization, its blood history and fate are altered, revealing the mysterious in-game lore and narrative. Changing the blood history and fate will also affect the Bloodsworn’s role, which provides specific responsibilities and objectives. Some roles may require a Bloodsworn to interact with other players, such as finding a compatible partner with the Designated Companion role or eliminating a specific player as a rival with the Destined Rivals role. This blood customization system allows the player to create diverse playstyles while encouraging engagement between the competitors.
The Duskbloods launches sometime this year exclusively to the Nintendo Switch 2.
