As the curtains lift on The Duskbloods reveal, we find ourselves introduced to a striking scene: a man dozing peacefully in an intricately designed chair. Nearby, a woman strategically positions herself to avoid the moonlight pouring in from a window, and as she reaches out to take his hand, she seems to leave an enigmatic circular mark. In a classic FromSoft twist, she delivers a mysterious message to some invisible guest, “I give you my blood. I give you my life. Turn a wheel and transport him to a night of moonlight, to humanity’s very dusk.”
What unfolds next is a whirlwind of cutscenes and gameplay, painting a picture of a semi-Gothic world that feels like a fascinating blend of Bloodborne and Elden Ring, with a unique steampunk flair all its own. Imagine a futuristic train blitzing through a gritty industrial landscape. A valiant hero, decked out in heavy, Iron Man-esque armor, launches from a cliff and soars over a skyline reminiscent of the Victorian era. Amidst a gloomy cathedral, a damaged metallic figure, rifle slung across its back, hovers with intense drama.
These visuals might defy expectations for a Bloodborne follow-up, yet there’s a palpable sense that the FromSoft folks are nudging us to regard The Duskbloods as a spiritual successor. Bloodborne spun a deeply symbolic tale about humanity’s bond with blood and the moon, especially its mythical connections to creation. It’s no accident that this first peek at The Duskbloods leans heavily into similar themes, even if the game ultimately strides down its own path separate from Bloodborne.
Little details reinforce this notion. Take Bloodborne, the sole Soulsborne entry to feature guns, and note how firearms play a major role in The Duskbloods. According to the official FromSoft website, players in The Duskbloods will plunge into “a violent fray for ‘First Blood’,” a concept that echoes Bloodborne’s elder god-affiliated Old Blood. Some might call it a stretch, but there’s a man at the end of The Duskbloods trailer who strikes a pose uncannily similar to Bloodborne’s iconic Make Contact gesture.
It’s no wonder fans are eager to spot Bloodborne’s influence in The Duskbloods. Released exclusively for PlayStation 4 in collaboration with Sony’s Japan Studio (may it rest in peace), Bloodborne has remained tethered to just one platform since its debut in 2015. Fans are ravenous for any recognition of its legacy, flocking to each gaming event in hopes of witnessing Bloodborne’s resurgence.
Sadly, it looks like The Duskbloods might share a similar fate, being bound to Switch 2 exclusivity. However, its existence might offer a hint at what’s unfolding with Bloodborne behind the scenes. Since Sony owns the Bloodborne IP, any potential remaster or sequel requires their blessing, even if FromSoft spearheads development. Perhaps The Duskbloods is FromSoft’s way of delivering what fans desire without navigating the complexities of Sony’s approval.
Scheduled for launch on the Switch 2 in 2026, The Duskbloods stands poised to captivate audiences eager for a glimpse of this enigmatic world.
