When I logged into the first session of The Duskbloods network test, a login error halted my entry and forced the test to close early. After FromSoftware resolved the issue, I was able to join later sessions without further problems, which is exactly what a network test should achieve.
Familiar Elements and New Faces
The tutorial introduces Albert, a Bloodsworn who teaches combat, movement, and unique mechanics such as howling to stagger enemies and drinking blood to heal while turning weak foes into minions. Combat feels like Bloodborne with a secondary ranged weapon, but movement and triple‑jump rooftop traversal are closer to Sekiro, and fall damage is disabled.
The House of Night hub lets you browse the Blood Wheel, view the Great Withered Book (customization pending), and try Dusk Battles. Six Bloodsworn were available in the test: Albert (balanced melee/ranged), Bloody Hand Jan (ax and fire sorcery), Trang Lanh (silver blade and shadow cloak), Layla Sniper (dual daggers and sniper rifle), Senator Samir Patres (rapier/staff and spectral bird), and Zork (electric cable melee and jetpack). Each offers a distinct playstyle.
Don’t Let PvP Put You Off, The Duskbloods Is Much More
Although the game is labeled PvPvE, the PvP component is a small part of Dusk Battles. Players earn Virtue by exploring, defeating invader bosses, or limited PvP, and only need to out‑score opponents to survive each phase. Alliances and kinfolk—NPC allies with special abilities—can share Virtue, making cooperation essential. The final Moon Blood Bestowal pits the top three players in a chaotic free‑for‑all.
FromSoftware Continues to Make Promising Steps with Multiplayer Games
Overall, The Duskbloods feels fun and addictive. Occasional sweaty matches occur, but the blend of competition and collaboration sets it apart as one of FromSoftware’s most intriguing multiplayer experiments, and I’m eager to see how the full release evolves.
