The Duskbloods: FromSoftware’s Bold New Direction in PvPvE Gaming
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FromSoftware, the studio renowned for its punishingly difficult yet deeply rewarding action RPGs like the Dark Souls series and Elden Ring, is venturing into uncharted territory with The Duskbloods. While retaining the core DNA of challenging combat and grotesque monster design, this upcoming title introduces a unique blend of player-versus-player (PvP), player-versus-environment (PvE), and strategic gameplay reminiscent of board games like Settlers of Catan. This isn’t just another Soulsborne game; it’s a bold new direction for the studio.
A New Breed of Bloodsworn
In The Duskbloods, players take on the roles of supernatural entities known as Bloodsworn, tasked with hunting down monstrous creatures. Unlike traditional FromSoftware games where players are largely isolated in their struggles, The Duskbloods emphasizes online interaction, both cooperative and adversarial. However, the game’s focus isn’t solely on relentless forward assaults against overwhelming odds. Instead, it’s a match-based multiplayer experience where eight players compete to earn “Virtue,” the key to victory.
Soulslike games are known for their demanding gameplay and intricate world design, but The Duskbloods distinguishes itself with its strategic depth. The game is described as PvPvE, meaning there’s player-versus-player combat, including a final showdown between players. However, much of the gameplay revolves around fighting environmental threats and rarely directly confronting other players.
Gameplay Mechanics: Virtue, Sigils, and Kin
During a hands-on preview, I focused on the PvE aspects, slaying hordes of creatures, leveling up my character, and collecting items. The game’s design is heavily influenced by games like The Settlers of Catan, offering multiple paths to victory. Players choose from pre-built characters called Bloodsworn, similar to those in Elden Ring Nightreign. Each has a close-range weapon, a long-range attack, and unique special abilities that can unlock during a match.
One common ability is the “Howl,” which staggers enemies, much like the stunning effect of firearms in Bloodborne. Bloodsworn can then “Drink Blood” from staggered foes to restore health and even temporarily turn them into allies.
Bloodborne‘s legacy is evident in the game’s combat system, but The Duskbloods adds layers of strategic depth with its Virtue-based progression and unique gameplay elements.
Here’s how you earn Virtue in The Duskbloods:
Sword: Defeat other Bloodsworn at ritual sites. Repulsion: Defeat Great Foes (field bosses) and Trespassers (major bosses battled cooperatively). Flame: Explore and light a flame within the skull of a corpse sitting in a chair. Commendation: Earn Bloodfang (by defeating enemies) and Collector (by acquiring items, the rarer the better) commendations. Other: Acquire Virtue by completing Sigil objectives or collecting random items. Redstones: Claim from rock plinths; defeat other Bloodsworn while holding one to earn additional Sword Virtue. Goldstones: Claim from rock plinths; swear a blood pledge at a pillar for additional Pledge Virtue.
The game’s structure consists of four phases. The first phase is dedicated to earning Virtue and leveling up. At the end of phases two and three, players with the lowest number of Virtue points are “culled” from the match. Phase four is the final showdown between remaining players.
Kith and Kin: Allies in Battle
Players aren’t alone in The Duskbloods. They can form alliances with other players or follow the rules of Sigils, which encourage cooperation. Players can also summon assistant characters called Kin, who possess unique powers and abilities. These NPCs level up alongside the Bloodsworn, unlocking new skills and becoming even more powerful.
During my preview, I fought alongside a variety of Kin, including Undead Marlowe, an immortal street urchin with poison attacks, and Baritone, an opera singer who buffs allies with his booming voice.
Elden Ring Nightreign‘s influence is evident in the game’s exploration and combat, but The Duskbloods adds a layer of strategic depth with its Virtue-based progression and unique gameplay elements.
Sigils and Events: Adding Layers of Complexity
Sigils add another layer of complexity to matches, allowing players to define specific rules for themselves and other players. These can range from forming alliances to hunting down designated targets. For example, the “Sigil of an Old Friend” encourages two players to team up and earn additional Virtue by fighting together until the final phase. Conversely, the “Sigil of Love Ephemeral” requires one player to propose marriage to another using a specific emote.
Random in-game events further shake up matches. One event introduces a zeppelin that allows players to call in airstrikes on their enemies. Another event causes meteorites to fall from the heavens, providing opportunities for players to collect Virtue fragments.
A Glimpse into the Future
The Duskbloods is shaping up to be a truly unique experience, blending the challenging combat and grotesque monster design of FromSoftware’s signature style with innovative multiplayer mechanics and strategic depth. The network test, running from August 21-24, offers players a chance to dive into this new world and discover its secrets. While the official release date is still pending beyond 2026, The Duskbloods promises to be an unforgettable addition to FromSoftware’s impressive catalog, exclusively for Switch 2.
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