FromSoftware's upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 title The Duskbloods will feature a ranked matchmaking framework aimed at protecting inexperienced players from veteran competition.
In a recent discussion with IGN, studio president and game director Hidetaka Miyazaki confirmed that the multiplayer title will divide players into separate skill pools. By grouping highly proficient competitors together and keeping beginners in their own lobbies, the developer hopes to prevent one-sided matches as player skill levels naturally diverge over time. Skill-based matchmaking remains a controversial topic in online gaming, with titles like Call of Duty and Apex Legends frequently drawing criticism from users who find strict matchmaking overly stressful.
To keep newcomers engaged regardless of match outcomes, The Duskbloods will reward general participation. Miyazaki explained that players can unlock story content and character cosmetics simply by playing, offering enjoyment outside of direct combat success. This design is intended to let players explore the game's world and lore at their own pace before deciding whether to focus on improving their competitive performance.
Beyond standard competitive separation, FromSoftware is exploring ways to foster positive interactions between experienced and inexperienced players. Although these features may arrive post-launch, ideas include triggering rare in-match events when playing alongside long-term veterans. Additionally, an Alliance system could allow beginners to explicitly request high-ranked teammates, while experienced players could adjust settings to prioritize helping newcomers, echoing the summon sign mechanic found in the studio's action-RPGs.
None of these matchmaking mechanics are finalized in the current build. FromSoftware is actively gathering feedback during a closed Network Test running daily from August 21 to August 24. This testing phase allows the developers to monitor how players interact with experimental systems, such as the Sigil and Virtue point mechanics, before locking in long-term matchmaking structures.
The Duskbloods marks a notable shift toward competitive online gameplay for FromSoftware, alongside another upcoming project, Elden Ring: Nightreign. However, Miyazaki clarified that this dual focus on multiplayer projects is merely a coincidence, reassuring fans that the studio intends to return to its traditional single-player experiences once work on both titles concludes.
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