3 Soulslike Games Confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026 – Beyond The Duskbloods

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to host a strong slate of exclusive games in 2026, with FromSoftware's The Duskbloods standing out as a major highlight. This multiplayer action RPG draws clear inspiration from the studio's hits like Dark Souls, Elden Ring, and Bloodborne, featuring a Victorian gothic aesthetic and challenging combat. Announced in April 2025 during a Nintendo Direct, the game shifts development focus to leverage the new console's hardware for enhanced online features.

Players take on roles as Bloodsworn, vampire-like characters with unique weapons and abilities, in up to eight-player matches blending PvP and PvE elements. Matches revolve around earning Victory Points through combat or strategy, ending when one player remains victorious. Rewards fuel character customization, regardless of win or loss.

Director Hidetaka Miyazaki shared that the project began as a loose concept pitched to Nintendo, initially for the original Switch before pivoting to Switch 2 for better alignment with FromSoftware's vision. The Bloodsworn reinterpret vampire romance themes without monstrous depictions, pulling from Gothic, Victorian, and early modern aesthetics. This marks FromSoftware's first home console Nintendo exclusive since Lost Kingdoms II in 2003. Nintendo's official pages emphasize its multiplayer focus: "The moontears will flow for one and one alone".

While The Duskbloods grabs headlines as a Switch 2 exclusive, it's not alone in delivering Soulslike experiences next year. Lords of the Fallen 2, a dark action RPG set in a gothic world, plans a 2026 release across Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Epic Games Store. Unlike the Nintendo-locked Duskbloods, this multiplatform title offers a more accessible entry for Souls fans impatient for FromSoftware's offering.

The original Lords of the Fallen earned praise for its dual-world Umbral mechanic and punishing combat reminiscent of Dark Souls. Its sequel promises refined Soulslike action, potentially drawing players away if Switch 2 stock issues persistNintendo consoles often face shortages and higher costs compared to PC via Epic. Switch 2's exclusivity for Duskbloods could limit its reach, pushing some toward broader options.

• FromSoftware's Track Record: Known for brutal difficulty and deep worlds in Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring, the studio applies expertise to PvE enemy design in Duskbloods' multiplayer.
• Switch 2 Advantages: Development shifted to exploit upgraded hardware, emphasizing online play over the original Switch's limits.
• Competition Dynamics: Multiplatform Soulslikes like Lords of the Fallen 2 provide alternatives amid fan frustrations over sparse Duskbloods updates.

Fans express impatience online, with some joking Duskbloods feels like a distant "Bloodborne 2" due to quiet post-announcement news. Elden Ring's Switch 2 port also faces delays for performance tweaks, heightening anticipation for 2026's full lineup.

This cluster of Soulslikes underscores Nintendo Switch 2's push into mature, challenging genres traditionally dominated by PlayStation and Xbox. The Duskbloods' exclusivity could boost console sales among FromSoftware loyalists, while multiplats like Lords of the Fallen 2 broaden appeal. Expect demanding performance requirements, but Switch 2's specs aim to handle them. As release windows firm up, these titles position 2026 as a pivotal year for portable hardcore gaming.