The Duskbloods is a new Switch 2 exclusive coming from Dark Souls and Elden Ring developer, FromSoftware.
The new multiplayer experience was first announced during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct back in 2025, with FromSoftware just recently confirming that the upcoming Switch 2 game from Hidetaka Miyazaki has been pushed in 2027 in response to feedback from network tests. During these tests, the team said it saw "active interest in the core concepts of the game, including combat, strategic depth, and player expression", but in order to enhance these aspects in the new game, more time is needed.
Set to be a PvPvE experience that does seem to channel some Bloodborne vibes, I've brought together a roundup of everything that you need to know about The Duskbloods as we await its arrival.
The Duskbloods release date speculation
The Duskbloods release date is now for sometime in 2027.
FromSoftware put out a statement in October 2026 confirming its upcoming PvPvE game has been pushed in 2027 with only a year launch window given. Pointing towards the network tests, the team decided to move the release to allow "time for final adjustments to game rules and balancing". This comes after a 2026 launch window was given during its initial reveal. We'll be keeping an eye out for further updates on the release date.
The Duskbloods platforms
In a surprise twist, The Duskbloods will be a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. It's a huge get for Nintendo – especially given FromSoftware's prestige status and popularity following Elden Ring's launch – but it remains to be seen whether it will stay on the handheld.
There's a chance it eventually makes its way to other platforms – Capcom launched Monster Hunter Rise exclusively on the original Switch (where it was a massive hit) before eventually porting to PC and console – but for now, assume its Switch 2 exclusivity is here to stay.
The Duskbloods trailer
Right now, our only footage of The Duskbloods is the reveal trailer that debuted during the 2025 Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. That said, there's plenty to enjoy in those sweet three-and-a-half minutes. The vampires! The shapeshifting dinosaur-thing! Jetpacks! Look, it needs to be seen to be believed – check it out above.
The Duskbloods gameplay
The Duskbloods' gameplay made up the majority of its first trailer, so we already have a good idea of how it will play. However, The Duskbloods' website (heads-up – it's in Japanese) offers a little bit more detail. Up to eight players will be thrown into battle, where they must fight each other and the Bloodborne-esque world's various enemies to claim the "First Blood".
It's all very mysterious, but it does sound like a more competitive-minded spin on Elden Ring Nightreign. The trailer shows off plenty of third-person action, with a few features teased – including the ability for one character to fly around on a steampunk jetpack, while another bites into an enemy to gain powers. If the huge axe-swinging baddies are anything to go by, it also looks like FromSoftware's signature boss fights will also be making a comeback.
This is the second online multiplayer outing from the studio, now with Elden Ring Nightreign, also focusing on a collaborative gameplay experience. However, don't worry, single-player game fans, FromSoftware isn't going to be leaving you behind. The Duskbloods director, Hidetaka Miyazaki, has come out to confirm that we'll still see single-player outings in the future during a chat with Nintendo's Creator’s Voice blog.
"As previously mentioned, this is an online multiplayer title at its core, but this doesn't mean that we as a company have decided to shift to a more multiplayer-focused direction with titles going forward. [...] ...we still intend to develop single-player-focused games that embrace our more traditional style."
The Duskbloods story and setting
The Duskbloods' setting will look awfully familiar to Bloodborne fans, as it takes place in a similarly spooky Gothic Victorian city. From the trailer, it looks like we'll be fighting in towering cathedrals, upon the rafters of a grand train station, and along grand streets that look suspiciously like Dark Souls' notorious city, Anor Londo.
While there are elements of steampunk – we spotted both a steam-powered jetpack and guns – it all looks fairly grounded, if you can look past the vampires falling from the sky. Speaking of which, The Duskbloods' story seems to follow a protagonist who has been given a mysterious character's blood, which appears to bring them back to life and unlock new powers. However, we'll have to fend off other players to realize our character's full potential – as The Duskbloods' trailer description ominously warns, "The moontears will flow for one and one alone". Spooky!
Can I pre-order The Duskbloods?
Pre-orders for The Duskbloods aren't up just yet, but expect to be able to buy ahead of time once a release date has been confirmed by FromSoftware.
Don't worry – if you're looking to make full use of your handheld, our pick of the best Switch 2 games to play right now is here for help you stay busy. If you're yet to secure the console itself, our page going over where to buy a Switch 2 has you covered with everything you'll need to know.
For more action, here are the best FromSoftware games of all time.
