(Image credit: FromSoftware)
FromSoftware, the mastermind behind Dark Souls and Elden Ring, is diving deeper into the multiplayer realm with its latest venture, The Duskbloods. Nintendo fans were in for a surprise during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct reveal. Who would have thought a Nintendo-exclusive game from FromSoftware would emerge, especially a development linked to the ambitious Elden Ring: Nightreign?
Nightreign, for those who recall, offered a unique three-player experience, demanding individuals to play solo or with others, but never in pairs. Building upon this, The Duskbloods is designed as a “PvPvE-based multiplayer action game” accommodating up to eight players, as detailed on FromSoft’s website (courtesy of translation tools). While extraction shooter genres aren’t usually my go-to, as I believe titles like Escape from Tarkov, Dark and Darker, and Hunt: Showdown have set the benchmark, the direction FromSoft is taking intrigues me.
For years, Dark Souls incorporated multiplayer elements, but the entire Soulsborne ‘series’ wasn’t strictly multiplayer-first. While Elden Ring blurred those lines, Nightreign began the journey of redefining them. Now, with The Duskbloods, we see the birth of an entirely new IP, reminiscent of Bloodborne, yet dedicated to multiplayer interplay. Unlike Elden Ring, where multiplayer was optional, this component is at the heart of the game, showcasing a fresh frontier for this legendary studio—a venture I’m eager to witness.
Discover everything we currently know about The Duskbloods and what it means for passionate gaming communities. Subscribe for weekly updates and stories from your favorite online worlds.