The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct's biggest surprise might have been an unexpected third-party reveal. Toward the event's conclusion, FromSoftware announced The Duskbloods - a new title drawing clear inspiration from the acclaimed PS4 exclusive Bloodborne.

Scheduled for global release in 2026 as a Switch 2 exclusive, The Duskbloods casts players as "Bloodsworn" - enhanced beings transformed by arcane blood who engage in brutal combat to claim the title of "First Blood."

FromSoftware confirms The Duskbloods focuses on PvPvE multiplayer battles supporting up to eight players. While evoking Bloodborne's gothic aesthetic with its blood mechanics and Victorian weaponry, its competitive structure bears similarities to Elden Ring Nightreign's upcoming PvP features.

The reveal offered cryptic glimpses of nightmarish creatures and bosses, generating mixed reactions among Bloodborne enthusiasts.

"They mentioned BLOOD every five seconds!" remarked one Reddit user on r/Bloodborne. Another speculated: "This is clearly Bloodborne 2 - the name change likely reflects either a new setting or Sony's exclusivity rights."

Nintendo Direct: Switch 2 Presents The Duskbloods

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Though distinct mechanically, The Duskbloods' thematic parallels spark speculation about spiritual succession. While Dark Souls and Elden Ring expanded beyond PlayStation, Bloodborne remains confined to PS4 - making any new content highly anticipated.

"Nintendo grew tired waiting for Bloodborne 2 and financed their own version," joked a commenter. Others noted the Switch 2 exclusivity mirrors Bloodborne's original platform limitations.

The announcement initially thrilled fans, though details suggesting battle royale elements rather than traditional Soulsborne RPG gameplay tempered expectations.

Some expressed disappointment upon learning about the PvPvE focus and exclusivity. Multiple discussion threads reveal fans reconsidering their enthusiasm based on these factors.

Nintendo promises more details coming April 4th via a Hidetaka Miyazaki interview, potentially clarifying The Duskbloods' mechanics and multiplayer dynamics - and whether it can satisfy Bloodborne's devoted fanbase.

For complete coverage of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct announcements, check our full event recap.

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