A new leak suggests FromSoftware invested more time in gameplay prototyping for The Duskbloods than any other title, including Elden Ring. The Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, greenlit before Sekiro's 2019 release, features innovative PvPvE elements. The game is slated for a 2026 launch.
Development Insights
According to a leak shared by content creator Ziostorm, citing Chinese journalist Giwin—who previously accurately reported on Elden Ring details—FromSoftware has dedicated an unprecedented amount of time to prototyping The Duskbloods' gameplay. This period exceeds that of any prior studio project, emphasizing innovative mechanics in its PvPvE structure. The game avoids conventional genres like battle royale or extraction shooters, incorporating systems such as contracts, nemesis-style interactions, and multiple win conditions.
Project Timeline
The Duskbloods was greenlit before the marketing campaign for Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice in 2019. Initially developed by a small team for the original Nintendo Switch, as revealed by director Hidetaka Miyazaki in an April interview with Nintendo, the project shifted to the Switch 2. This transition may have contributed to the extended prototyping phase, allowing for more experimental features akin to Sekiro's parry system.
Reveal and Expectations
Unveiled during the first Nintendo Switch 2 Direct earlier this year, The Duskbloods drew comparisons to Bloodborne but stands as a multiplayer-focused action RPG built from the ground up. FromSoftware has maintained radio silence since the reveal, possibly to align with the Elden Ring Nightreign DLC cycle. Giwin speculates a trailer could appear at The Game Awards, highlighting the studio's history of event announcements.
The emphasis on gameplay innovation positions The Duskbloods as potentially influential, much like Sekiro's impact on action games.