New The Duskbloods Gameplay Details Shed Light on Multiplayer Focus (And FromSoftware’s Future Plans)

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Initially, when I first laid eyes on the trailer for the forthcoming masterpiece from FromSoftware, The Duskbloods, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu, as if it were a sequel to Bloodborne. But as more juicy tidbits about this game developed by the geniuses behind Elden Ring trickled out, it became evident that The Duskbloods is set to be an entirely fresh experience. In an enlightening conversation with Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice, the game director Hidetaka Miyazaki shed some light on what players can anticipate from this new offering from FromSoftware. What truly caught my attention was when Miyazaki confirmed that, like Elden Ring Nightreign, The Duskbloods will be a multiplayer adventure.

It has been confirmed that the game titled “The Duskbloods” will be a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, which comes as a surprise considering the type of games usually released on Nintendo consoles. In an interview, Miyazaki revealed that FromSoftware has collaborated with Nintendo on this project for some time now, even before the decision to develop it specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2. Given the multiplayer aspect of the game, the new GameChat feature and online connectivity in the Switch 2 are seen as a significant advantage for FromSoftware.

For enthusiasts of past FromSoftware games, the emphasis on multiplayer could catch you off guard. That’s because games like Dark Souls and Elden Ring are primarily designed for single-player experiences, and FromSoftware isn’t renowned for its online server reliability. With Elden Ring Nightreign approaching, one might wonder if another multiplayer title from FromSoftware signals a move towards more PvP encounters in future games.

In the interview, Miyazaki clarified this point, explaining that the recent two-game sequence focusing on multiplayer doesn’t signify a change in direction for FromSoftware as a company towards more multiplayer development. Instead, they continue to prioritize single-player games. However, for the time being, we can look forward to two upcoming titles that are multiplayer oriented.

What We Know About The Duskbloods Gameplay So Far

In essence, “The Duskbloods” is designed to be a multiplayer game that combines Player vs Player (PvP) and Player vs Environment (PvE) experiences. This means players can engage in battles not only with other players but also with in-game characters. As an online game, it primarily focuses on multiplayer interactions, and it’s speculated that it might utilize the new Switch 2 GameChat feature. However, the specifics of how this feature will operate are yet to be revealed. We now have a better understanding of the game’s background story, but details about its lore continue to unfold.

In this game, players assume the character of Bloodsworn, exceptional individuals who possess extraordinary abilities due to “special blood.” Although they are not traditional vampires, they share some similarities. As Bloodsworn, players can exhibit enhanced speed and greater jumping capabilities, but there might be additional powers yet to be unveiled. Furthermore, these blood-derived skills can be augmented by a wide range of weapons, including firearms.

Miyazaki mentioned that in The Duskbloods, players won’t have the freedom to completely design their own characters. Instead, they’ll select from a range of characters already created, each with unique identities and looks. While there will be some customization options available, these are likely to focus on cosmetic changes and skill sets rather than creating an entirely new character like in Baldur’s Gate 3.

In this multiplayer-centric game, players might ponder why they’re battling each other. As a Bloodsworn, competitors strive for “First Blood,” an uncommon and likely potent magic resource. Similar to Elden Ring’s Nightreign, gamers initially gather in a shared “hub” where they select and personalize their characters before diving into the online multiplayer arena. Each match accommodates up to 8 players, and participants receive rewards for successfully completing battles regardless of the final outcome.

In this game, Victory Points determine the winner of each round, implying that combat isn’t the sole factor. Instead, players must employ strategy to achieve various goals and accumulate these points. These objectives can range from battling non-player characters (NPCs) to other tasks, thereby making the game a blend of Player versus Player (PvP) and Player versus Environment (PvE).

All things considered, it appears that The Duskbloods is opting for a multiplayer strategy that’s more intricate compared to the straightforward brawls seen in games like Marvel Rivals, which resemble shooter-style matches. It will certainly be exciting to observe these complexities unfold as we receive additional gameplay previews in the upcoming trailers.

Are these recent updates about The Duskbloods increasing your anticipation, or are you still hoping for additional solo gameplay experiences directly from the developer?

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2025-04-04 19:43