A Shift in Perspective
As a dedicated fan of Elden Ring and Nightreign, the news that FromSoftware’s upcoming multiplayer venture, The Duskbloods, would be a Switch 2 exclusive initially felt like a major blow. However, after participating in the recent closed network test, those feelings of missing out have largely dissipated. While I entered the test with high hopes, the experience left me feeling confused, and by the end, I found myself far from impressed.
The Network Test Experience
To be fair, the limitations of the network test may have contributed to my lukewarm reception. It featured only a single map, six characters, no build customization, and lacked a full tutorial. Furthermore, the experience was hampered by significant input lag, both in handheld and docked modes, making the core controls feel like an uphill battle.
There is a possibility that the final version will polish these issues. I recall that Nightreign didn't resonate with me for the first 20 hours, only to become a daily obsession later. Yet, in its current state, The Duskbloods feels like a disjointed collection of interesting mechanics that fail to create a cohesive experience worth purchasing a dedicated console for.
Bizarre Mechanics and Opaque Lore
What stands out is just how odd the game feels for a 2026 release. It captures a nostalgic, offbeat energy reminiscent of retro titles developed before the current industry standards for battle royales or hero shooters were established. The game uses dense, cryptic language, with objectives like:
«To obtain Virtue visit Sites of Ritual to pledge yourself on the Eve of the Third Moon before the final Bestowal.»
While this evocative style is quintessentially FromSoftware, it offers little practical guidance on how to actually play the game.
Gameplay Loops and PvP Dynamics
At its core, The Duskbloods functions like a MOBA. Players drop into a map and must farm creeps to collect Virtue points, eventually building up for a final PvP showdown. The PvP aspect itself feels surprisingly low-stakes for most of the match. Engaging in combat with other players is a high-risk endeavor that offers little reward, as death primarily serves to set back your farming progress. It is often more efficient to approach the game like a speedrun of a traditional Souls title, only engaging in player combat when necessary.
Character Kits and Companion Systems
The game features an eclectic cast with unique skills, though these need more depth beyond simple PvP utility. For instance, while it is satisfying to turn a character into a mobile turret, the novelty wears off quickly against basic enemies. The most interesting addition is the "Kin" system, which allows players to recruit allies like a singing defense-buffing man named Baritone or a healing snake-girl named Gargoyle. These companions function similarly to refined Spirit Ashes, though they often struggle to keep up with the chaotic pace of player-versus-player encounters.
A Lingering Mystery
Despite my frustrations, I remain intrigued by the premise: factions of vampires battling on the brink of an apocalypse under a blood-drenched moon. The world is filled with curious elements, such as steampunk airships and bosses that evoke memories of previous FromSoftware classics. However, these glimpses are only enough to remind me of the studio's stronger titles.
Given recent comments from director Hidetaka Miyazaki regarding Nintendo's pivotal role in development, it seems likely that The Duskbloods will remain an exclusive. For those on PC, this may not be a significant loss. The current experience is largely defined by repetitive farming mechanics that feel dated. While I hope for improvement, I am concerned that this could be the first entry in the developer's catalog that I decide to skip entirely.