FromSoftware, a studio renowned for its challenging single-player experiences, is venturing into competitive multiplayer with The Duskbloods, a Switch 2 exclusive that aims to blend familiar Soulslike combat with a unique player-versus-player-versus-environment (PvPvE) structure. While the initial description as a "PvPvE Soulslike" drew reservations, the studio now believes it was an inaccurate representation, emphasizing that while player combat is central, extensive solo exploration, confronting formidable monsters, and uncovering secrets remain core tenets. After several hours of play at FromSoftware's Tokyo headquarters, the game proved to be an engaging experience, even for players who typically favor solo adventures.
The Blood Moon Rises The Duskbloods has been in development since 2021, running parallel to Elden Ring's creation. The game centers on the Bloodsworn, vampiric warriors competing in an event known as the Twilight of Humanity for a prize called First Blood. Game director Hidetaka Miyazaki clarified that the game's development timeline and focus on multiplayer are not a reaction to Elden Ring's success or a shift in the studio's direction, but rather a reflection of the game he wanted to create. He assured that FromSoftware remains committed to single-player titles, with The Duskbloods' multiplayer mechanics evolving from previous single-player games like Dark Souls, made possible by a dedicated multiplayer experience. The transition to the Switch 2, originally planned for the less powerful Switch, was a fortunate development, alleviating concerns about potential compromises.
Sworn to Blood At the heart of The Duskbloods are the playable characters, the Bloodsworn. The full game will feature over 10 Bloodsworn, with six available for the preview session and the upcoming closed network test. Each Bloodsworn possesses distinct short- and long-range weaponry, alongside unique special abilities. Among the available characters are Albert, a balanced fighter with dual sabers and an SMG; Bloodhand Jan, who wields an axe and a flamethrower; Senator Samir Patres, featuring a rapier and the surprising ability to transform into a dinosaur; Trang Lanh, utilizing a large ring blade and invisibility; Sniper Layla, a marksman with insect transformation and a chest-mounted Gatling gun; and Zork, a heavily armored combatant wielding an electric cable and various projectiles.
Beyond character selection, The Duskbloods incorporates familiar FromSoftware combat mechanics, enhanced by a unique traversal system. Bloodsworn can perform multiple high leaps, allowing for rapid map traversal and strategic positioning without fall damage. Stamina management is reserved for attacking and dodging, enabling free sprinting. A key mechanic involves biting staggered enemies to drain their blood, offering a health boost and turning weaker foes into temporary allies. This action requires a parry-like "howl" before an enemy strike, creating a window for the neck bite. This tactic can be used against other players to interrupt attacks and deal significant damage.
Special portals allow players to summon allies called Kin, akin to Elden Ring's Spirit Ashes. These companions persist throughout a match and grow stronger with enemy defeats. Examples include Baritone, a singing behemoth providing stat buffs, and Gargoyle, which offers healing. While Kin can be recalled and replaced, higher-level Kin offer a strategic advantage, making the decision to switch potentially costly. The preview offered eight Kin, with more possibly to be revealed.
Victory is a Virtue Players begin in the House of Night, the game's central hub, before queuing for a "Dusk Battle," an eight-player match where the last player standing wins. Victory is achieved by accumulating "Virtue," earned through combat, defeating bosses, and exploration. Different types of Virtue exist, such as Repulsion Virtue from defeating bosses and Commendation Virtue from completing minor objectives. Flame Virtue is a rare, one-time reward found on specific corpses, offering a rush to those who find it first.
The matches consist of four timed Phases. Phase I is elimination-free, allowing players to focus on leveling up, unlocking abilities, and seeking out Virtue. Deaths are not penalized, with players respawning on the map. Health flasks are limited but can be replenished. Optional character-specific "Sigils" offer additional ways to earn Virtue, such as hunting marked players or forming alliances.
Phases II and III introduce eliminations and "Ritual Sites" – contested zones where players can earn substantial Virtue through PvP battles or capturing points. Randomly occurring "Events" can dramatically alter gameplay, introducing map-wide modifiers like zeppelin bombardments or player-wide teleportation.
The final Phase IV pits the top three players against each other in smaller, arena-like settings with limited lives. These concluding battles are intense, often requiring direct combat skill, and draw the attention of eliminated players for spectating.
The sole map available in the preview, Lowarno City, is a multi-layered environment emphasizing verticality, featuring diverse areas like a cathedral, caves, and ruins. It offers opportunities to find weapon enhancements and presents a scale that balances isolation with regular player encounters. Lowarno City is one of three maps planned for the final release.
The Value of Teamwork While primarily competitive, The Duskbloods allows for player cooperation through "Alliances." Once accepted, partners cannot harm each other and share rewards until Phase IV, when they must become opponents. Prematurely ending an Alliance incurs a Virtue penalty. A "Duos Mode" also exists, forming four teams of two, where partners share Virtue and weapon enhancements, with teams eliminated each round until the final two face off.
A Story Told Through Battle Narrative in The Duskbloods is woven through gameplay and environmental storytelling. The House of Night hub will feature an NPC, inaccessible in the preview build, who will reveal story elements through player interaction. Additionally, "Bloodlines," a customization system tied to Bloodsworn characters, unlocks lore about their histories and relationships as players progress. Emergent moments from multiplayer interactions, such as those involving Sigils and Events, can also unlock new Bloodlines, creating a dynamic and unpredictable narrative experience.
A Promising First Impression The Duskbloods offers a surprisingly enjoyable experience, even for those accustomed to solely single-player games. The ability to gain significant Virtue through exploration and AI combat, rather than mandatory PvP, allows players to engage on their own terms. The game successfully blends the urgency of a battle royale with the exploration and depth of a FromSoftware title. The variety of characters caters to different playstyles, and the game performed exceptionally well on the Switch 2, consistently delivering a smooth experience. While many mysteries remain regarding the full narrative, potential Switch 2 specific features, and post-launch support, the preview indicates FromSoftware is crafting a potent and entertaining addition to the competitive multiplayer genre.