The Duskbloods: Switch 2 Gothic Soulslike Multiplayer Preview by Hidetaka Miyazaki

Introduction

FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods blends gothic vampire lore, Soulslike combat, and PvPvE multiplayer on Switch 2. Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, this ambitious new title promises intense duels, boss fights, and haunting worlds.

 

The Duskbloods has gamers buzzing, promising a fresh twist on dark fantasy action RPG multiplayer. With gothic Victorian aesthetics, vampiric lore, and the studio’s signature challenge, this upcoming Switch 2 exclusive might just redefine what online Souls style games can be. Let’s dive into this preview gameplay of The Duskbloods, features, story hints and decide whether is The Duskbloods worth it.

Gameplay Overview

Video: The Duskbloods デビュートレーラー【Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 - 2025.4.2 】

Source: FromSoftware, Inc.

 

(Based on information compiled and theorized by [u/Cooper_the_copper] on r/soulslikes)

 

In The Duskbloods, players enter a central hub to select their “Bloodsworn” vampire like warriors with supernatural abilities drawn from mysterious “special blood.” From there, they customize appearance, abilities, and “blood history” roles before heading into 8 player PvPvE matches.

 

Once a match begins, players can earn Victory Points through multiple objectives, not just by defeating other players. You might eliminate a rival, form an alliance to take down a massive boss enemy, or complete special map specific goals. Matches can end in a last player standing scenario, but certain conditions will reward cooperation over competition.

 

The setting spans multiple eras, from gothic Victorian streets to steampunk cities and even prehistoric landscapes, tying into the lore of the Twilight of Humanity, a time when Bloodsworn are summoned to compete for “First Blood.”

 

Character Variety & Mobility

Each Bloodsworn has unique weapons and abilities, some linked directly to their design. While weapon swaps may be limited, customization covers abilities, traits, and cosmetic flair. Mobility is more advanced than past Soulslike titles, including sprinting, super jumps, double jumps, and possible character specific traversal tools (e.g., jetpacks, gliding).

Combat & Summoning

Combat blends melee and ranged options, with several characters shown wielding modern firearms. Players can also summon NPC allies (“entities”) during a match, a mechanic tied to the lore, rather than calling in other players mid match.

Dynamic Events & Roles

Randomized events like unique enemy spawns, environmental changes, or bonus objectives can alter the flow of a match. Players’ chosen roles influence their goals, for example:

• Destined Rival: Hunt down a specific opposing player.

• Destined Companion: Find and aid a designated ally, potentially unlocking special rewards.

This system keeps matches unpredictable, ensuring each session feels different and encourages both competition and cooperation.

Story and Setting

 

While FromSoftware has not detailed a full narrative arc yet, early lore frames participants as Bloodsworn summoned to the First Blood during the Twilight of Humanity. Players fight in diverse eras from gothic Victorian streets to early modern steampunk landscapes reflecting a flexible timeline concept rather than a fixed era.

 

Despite heavy visual parallels to Bloodborne, The Duskbloods is not a sequel. It builds an original universe where moonlit hunts, vampire motifs and gothic architecture come together to craft a haunting, yet romantic, tale in multiplayer form.

Graphics and Sound

 

Trailers reveal gothic environments infused with Victorian and steampunk design blood stained spires, moon lit streets, gear driven machines and even jetpacks or dinosaurs that hint at traversal tools and world scale.

 

FromSoftware is not known for cutting edge visuals but rather atmospheric design. Expect moody lighting, detailed monster work, and haunting ambient soundscapes more atmospheric than photorealistic. While not as graphically advanced as Elden Ring, fans will feel right at home in its gothic tone.

What Makes It Unique

What truly sets this game apart is how it merges Soulsborne combat with multiplayer roles and objectives. Bloodsworn customization, role based tasks and dynamic match events bring unpredictable depth to each session.

 

The multiplayer model is a bold evolution for FromSoftware. After Elden Ring and its co‑op spinoff Nightreign, The Duskbloods doubles down on multiplayer but maintains challenge and tension in every encounter PvP duels, PvE boss fights and shifting alliances.

 

Furthermore, its status as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive makes it a potential system seller, offering a big jump forward for the platform’s capabilities and FromSoft’s online ambitions.

Community and Updates

Information so far comes from developer diaries like Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice featuring Miyazaki, where additional world details and inspiration were shared on April 4, 2025. Fans are watching closely for upcoming reveals, likely tied to pre‑orders and gameplay deep dives later in 2025 or early 2026.

 

Public commentary includes strong comparisons to Bloodborne’s style, but also recognition that The Duskbloods offers a new vision some call it a spiritual successor, while others praise FromSoftware’s multiplayer experiment that moves beyond nostalgia. Critics and commentators are keen to see whether FromSoft will later return to solo RPG experiences after this multiplayer wave.

 

Community excitement is growing, and once layered gameplay systems like in match roles and build variety are revealed, the fanbase will likely rally around strategies, lore and theories.

Conclusion

 

Early impressions show a bold venture by FromSoftware. The blend of gothic vampire themes, strategic PvPvE, flexible customization and Souls style combat makes it clearly worth it for fans and skeptics alike. If you love dark fantasy action with multiplayer depth, the gameplay of The Duskbloods is shaping up to be unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What kind of game is The Duskbloods?
A: It’s a PvPvE vampire themed Soulslike action game. Players compete as supernatural warriors called Bloodsworn in matches involving both other players and AI enemies.

 

Q: Is The Duskbloods a new FromSoftware game?
A: Yes. This is a brand new title developed by FromSoftware and published by Nintendo, expanding their signature challenging combat into a unique PvPvE format.

 

Q: Will The Duskbloods be exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2?
A: At the time of this writing The Duskbloods available exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2..

 

Q: What new FromSoftware game is coming?
A: The Duskbloods is FromSoftware’s latest announced game, introducing a competitive and cooperative multiplayer twist to their usual formula.

 

Q: How many players are in a match?
A: Early information points to 8-player matches, but final numbers could change before release.

 

Q: Will The Duskbloods have co-op?
A: Yes, The Duskbloods is a multiplayer game with both PvP (player versus player) and PvE (player versus environment) elements. It will feature up to 8 players vying for supremacy against each other and challenging enemies

 

Q: When is The Duskbloods coming out?
A: No official release date yet the rumour is around 2026, but given FromSoftware’s reveal timing, more information is expected in upcoming gaming events.