FromSoftware has recently unveiled more details about their upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, The Duskbloods. This collaboration with Nintendo has not only influenced the game's style but also led to a unique design for the keeper of the hub area, introducing a character that's surprisingly... cute.

During the Switch 2 Direct, the trailer ended with a captivating shot of a winged rat adorned with glowing glyphs, staring directly at the camera. This character, as it turns out, serves as the hub companion for The Duskbloods. Director Hidetaka Miyazaki, in an interview with Nintendo, explained that this character fulfills a role akin to the fire keepers in the Dark Souls series, staying in the hub area to offer players advice and guidance.

"We tried doing something a little Nintendo-esque in the spirit of the partnership," Miyazaki noted, hinting at the influence of Nintendo's style on the game's design. When pressed on what he meant by "Nintendo-esque," he added with a laugh, "We tried something cute for a change. Although I will say this character is actually an elderly gentleman."

FromSoftware's shrine keepers have traditionally been pivotal to players' journeys, offering not just guidance but also the power to progress. Characters like Melina, the Maiden in Black, and the Doll have become iconic figures that players frequently return to. In The Duskbloods, a PvPvE game, the winged rat's role and the type of guidance it provides are yet to be fully revealed. Miyazaki mentioned that the team is experimenting with "a lot of new and interesting ideas," suggesting that players should brace themselves for surprises when The Duskbloods launches on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.

For more insights on The Duskbloods, including reactions from Bloodborne fans and Miyazaki's thoughts on the future of single-player games at FromSoft, stay tuned. Additionally, for more on the Nintendo Switch 2, don't miss our hands-on preview, details on the big launch title Mario Kart World, and information about the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza.