FS New Game Isn't a Traditional Soulslike! Heavy PvP and Bosses Not Central

Summary

A Reddit player who participated in the network test of Duskbloods recently shared their experience, warning that the game may not suit players who dislike PvP. According to the player, despite being developed by FromSoftware and sharing basic attack logic with Dark Souls, Duskbloods can hardly be called a traditional Soulslike. What truly disappointed them was the core gameplay: official materials describe Duskbloods as a PvPvE title, but in practice, the PvP intensity is significantly higher, with player-versus-player combat dominating the experience while PvE elements like boss fights are de-emphasized. This sparked widespread discussion in the community. Some players are excited that FromSoftware is stepping away from the Souls formula, while others worry that the heavy PvP focus may alienate longtime fans. From an industry perspective, FromSoftware's move to create a brand-new IP with a different multiplayer structure after Elden Ring signals a deliberate attempt to break free from established labels and explore innovative online interactions. Whether this experiment will succeed remains to be seen, but the feedback from the network test already provides valuable insight into the game's direction and potential impact on both players and the industry.