FromSoftware’s Next: Duskbloods Brings the Fight to Nintendo Switch 2
FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods, revealed at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, promises a PvPvE thrill ride exclusive to the console in 2026. Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, it mixes online battles for ‘First Blood’ with tough PvE bosses, offering rewards for all playstyles. While the Switch 2 also gets Elden Ring, this multiplayer gem—born from a loose idea and boosted by Nintendo’s next-gen tech—shows the studio’s still cooking up variety.
Buckle up, gamers—the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct just unleashed a wild card straight from the minds at FromSoftware. Say hello to The Duskbloods, a shiny new PvPvE title exclusive to Nintendo’s next-gen console, set to drop sometime in 2026. Led by Dark Souls and Elden Ring mastermind Hidetaka Miyazaki, this game’s got all the makings of a FromSoftware fever dream, blending online chaos with that signature boss-battling thrill. And don’t worry, it’s not just for the PvP pros—there’s something here for everyone, even if your idea of multiplayer is trading turnips in Animal Crossing.
In a fresh Creator’s Voice interview on Nintendo’s blog, Miyazaki spilled the beans on what makes The Duskbloods tick. You pick a character, dive into a brawl, and chase the elusive “First Blood” prize. Win or lose, you get rewards to tweak your hero, then jump back in for more. It’s a loop that’s equal parts Mario Kart grind and Soul survivor vibes. But here’s the kicker—not every victory hinges on out-dueling your fellow players. “Some victory conditions center around defeating a boss enemy,” Miyazaki explained, promising PvE showdowns that’ll test your skills and leave you fist-pumping like you just aced a Zelda temple.
Miyazaki’s got the non-PvP crowd covered, too. “I’m not much of a PvP person myself,” he admitted, revealing personal objectives that dish out extra goodies alongside the main “First Blood” goal. So whether you’re dodging player attacks or teaming up to topple a hulking foe, there’s a reward waiting to keep the fun flowing. It’s like FromSoftware tossed a Super Mushroom into the mix, boosting accessibility without losing that tough-as-nails charm.
But wait—before you start fretting that FromSoftware’s gone full multiplayer mode, Miyazaki’s here to set the record straight. “This doesn’t mean we’ve shifted to a more multiplayer-focused direction,” he clarified in the interview. Case in point: the Switch 2 version of Elden Ring is also on the way, proving single-player epics are still very much in the studio’s wheelhouse. Think of The Duskbloods as a tasty side quest, not a whole new recipe. After all, FromSoftware’s been mixing it up lately—Shadow of the Erdtree tinkered with power scaling, Elden Ring: Nightreign brought co-op storm-chasing, and Armored Core VI revved up the mechs. This crew’s not afraid to experiment.
How’d this gem end up on Switch 2? Turns out, it started as a loose idea—“more a string of concepts than a proper pitch,” Miyazaki said—cooked up for the original Switch. Nintendo liked the flavor, but when the Switch 2’s online prowess came into focus, they nudged FromSoftware to level up the hardware. “It allowed us to stay true to the original vision,” Miyazaki noted, hinting at a multiplayer mashup that’s been simmering in the studio’s cauldron for a while.
So, what’s next? Don’t hold your breath for Elden Ring 2 or Bloodborne 2 just yet—Miyazaki’s keeping those cards close to his chest. For now, The Duskbloods is the main course, blending PvP and PvE into a Switch 2-exclusive stew. It’s a fresh twist from a team known for keeping us on our toes, and with Nintendo’s backing, this could be one wild ride. Get ready to sharpen your skills and dive in—2026’s looking like a bloody good time.