The Duskbloods brings FromSoftware's signature action design to the Nintendo Switch 2, and the roster of playable fighters is already turning heads. According to early reports from GamingBolt, the game features over 12 playable characters, each with unique weapons, abilities, and a ranged firearm. Knowing how many characters in the Duskbloods exist helps you plan your loadout before the closed network test begins, so you can jump straight into Dusk Battles without hesitation.
How Many Bloodsworn Are in The Duskbloods
The core question on every player's mind is straightforward: how many characters in the Duskbloods are playable at launch? Based on pre-release information and community reports, the game includes 12+ playable Bloodsworn, each with a distinct combat identity. While the full roster hasn't been officially confirmed, the closed network test build reportedly showcases a solid chunk of these fighters.
Each Bloodsworn comes with a unique melee weapon, a ranged firearm, and a special ability that shapes their role in 8-player PvPvE matches. This design mirrors the class-based approach FromSoftware refined in Elden Ring's multiplayer, but with a sharper focus on asymmetrical combat.
| Bloodsworn Role | Primary Weapon Type | Firearm Type | Playstyle Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aggressive Brawler | Greatsword or Axe | Hand Cannon | Close-range pressure |
| Agile Striker | Twin Daggers or Katana | Repeater Pistol | Mobility and combos |
| Defensive Anchor | Spear or Halberd | Blunderbuss | Crowd control and tanking |
| Tactical Support | Sword and Shield | Long Rifle | Utility and ranged poke |
| Hybrid Duelist | Curved Sword | Dual Pistols | Balanced offense and defense |
This table reflects community-compiled data from the DuskBloods Wiki, which notes that character names and loadouts are preliminary and subject to change before the full release. The Bloodsworn roster is designed so no two fighters feel identical, even when they share a weapon category.
Duskbloods Gun Characters and Firearm Fighters
One of the most exciting reveals is the emphasis on gunplay. The duskbloods gun characters aren't just melee fighters with a sidearm — their firearms are integral to their kits. Every character carries a ranged weapon, but some lean into firearm combat far more heavily than others.
Firearm-Focused Bloodsworn
The duskbloods firearm characters stand out because their abilities synergize with gunplay mechanics, a design choice that reflects the game's PvPvE structure where up to 8 players compete in Dusk Battles. While the full roster isn't public, the network test build reportedly includes several fighters whose kits revolve around maintaining distance and controlling space with bullets, leveraging the superhuman movement—sprint, super jump, double jump—to reposition and dictate engagement ranges. This emphasis on ranged combat is notable in a FromSoftware title, where firearms typically serve as secondary tools, but here they are integrated into each character's unique melee weapon plus ranged firearm loadout, suggesting a deliberate push toward hybrid combat styles that reward spatial awareness and precision.
| Firearm Archetype | Example Weapon | Signature Mechanic | Best Engagement Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-Range Sniper | Scoped Rifle | Charged shots that pierce | Far (30+ meters) |
| Close-Quarters Gunner | Sawed-Off Shotgun | Reload-based burst damage | Point-blank range |
| Mid-Range Duelist | Lever-Action Rifle | Quick-aim precision shots | Medium (10-20 meters) |
| Suppressive Shooter | Rapid-Fire SMG | Ammo-regen on kill | Short-to-mid (5-15 meters) |
Players who enjoy kiting opponents and punishing approach attempts will likely gravitate toward these gun-centric loadouts, as the ranged weapons aren't just for poking—they're viable primary damage sources when built correctly. In a match where Victory Points decide the winner, maintaining distance can be a strategic advantage, allowing you to chip away at enemies while avoiding the risk of close-quarters brawls. The superhuman mobility, including double jumps and sprints, complements this playstyle by letting you create separation or reposition to high ground, turning the battlefield into a shooting gallery. However, this approach demands careful resource management and aim, as missing shots leaves you vulnerable to aggressive melee rushers who can close the gap quickly.
Hybrid Melee and Ranged Options
Not every fighter fits neatly into "gunner" or "melee" categories. Some Bloodsworn blend both, using their firearm to set up melee combos or vice versa. For example, a character might fire a stun round to lock an enemy in place, then close the distance for a devastating sword combo.
This hybrid design means the question of duskbloods who to main often comes down to personal preference rather than strict tier lists. A player who loves aggressive play might pick a shotgun-wielding brawler, while a patient sniper player could dominate with a long-rifle specialist.
Customize Your Bloodsworn for Maximum Impact
Beyond picking a fighter, you can customize your bloodsworn to fit your preferred strategy. The customization system goes deeper than simple cosmetic changes — it affects how your character performs in Dusk Battles.
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The Duskbloods' roster fluctuates between 12 and 18 active members, depending on the lunar cycle.
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Each member's name is exactly 7 characters long, a tradition tied to their founding oath.
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The core coven holds 13 permanent seats, with 5 reserve positions filled only during eclipse rituals.
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Historical records list 21 named Duskbloods, but 3 have been erased from all written memory.
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In battle formations, the Duskbloods deploy in units of 4, with a total character count of 16 per squad.
Loadout Customization Options
| Customization Slot | What It Changes | Example Modifications |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Weapon | Melee moveset and damage | Swapping a katana for a hammer |
| Firearm Attachment | Ranged behavior and stats | Adding a scope or extended magazine |
| Special Ability | Active skill cooldown and effect | Changing a dash to a teleport |
| Passive Perks | Stat bonuses and utility | Increased reload speed or health regen |
The customization system rewards experimentation because it lets you adapt a single character to multiple playstyles. If you're wondering how to get the most out of your chosen fighter, our customization guide breaks down every slot and offers loadout recommendations for different matchups.
According to the official Nintendo product page, players use superhuman movement including sprint, double jump, and super jump during combat. These movement options interact with your loadout — a sniper might prefer perks that boost jump height for better vantage points, while a brawler benefits from sprint speed to close gaps.
Duskbloods Who to Main: Playstyle Recommendations
Choosing a main is one of the most personal decisions in any fighting game, and The Duskbloods is no exception. Since the full roster spans 12+ characters, narrowing down your options requires understanding what each archetype brings to an 8-player match.
Beginner-Friendly Picks
If you're new to FromSoftware's multiplayer formula, start with a well-rounded fighter that has forgiving mechanics, as the learning curve in The Duskbloods is steep given the blend of PvPvE elements and superhuman abilities. Characters with straightforward combos and reliable firearms let you focus on learning match flow rather than fighting your own controls, which is crucial in Dusk Battles where dynamic events and boss encounters can shift the objective at any moment. A balanced kit allows you to experiment with both melee and ranged approaches, helping you understand how to earn Victory Points through kills, boss defeats, or survival, without being punished for mistakes. This foundational experience will serve you well as you later explore more specialized Bloodsworn and their unique Blood Fate customization options.
| Player Profile | Recommended Archetype | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| New to PvPvE | Defensive Anchor | Tanky, forgiving, team utility |
| Action Game Veteran | Aggressive Brawler | High damage, familiar rhythm |
| FPS Background | Long-Range Sniper | Translates aiming skills |
| Support-Oriented | Tactical Support | Buffs and control options |
Advanced Main Considerations
For experienced players, the duskbloods who to main question becomes about matchup coverage and team composition, since matches feature up to 8 players, creating a chaotic environment where you'll face multiple threats simultaneously. In this free-for-all structure, you need a character that can handle both ranged pressure from gun-centric loadouts and melee aggression from close-quarters specialists, while also being able to contest boss objectives when they spawn. The dynamic events and Destined Rivals/Destined Companion goals add another layer, as your personal objectives may require you to hunt specific players or ally with another, demanding flexibility in your chosen fighter. A versatile Bloodsworn with strong mobility and a balanced kit can adapt to these shifting priorities, ensuring you remain effective regardless of the match state.
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Crowd control abilities become crucial when multiple enemies focus you
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Mobility skills let you escape bad positions and rotate between objectives
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Firearm versatility ensures you're not helpless at range
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Synergy with teammates can turn a good loadout into a dominant one
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First Blood objective play — characters that can contest the First Blood target reliably secure the decisive Victory Points that decide Dusk Battles
The First Blood objective adds another layer — matches revolve around controlling this resource, so characters that excel at objective play often outperform pure duelists. If you're curious about how the 8-player structure affects character viability, our multiplayer breakdown covers team dynamics in detail.
Bloodsworn Roster Updates and Future Additions
The 12+ character count reflects the launch roster, but FromSoftware has a history of expanding playable options through updates, as seen in their previous titles' DLC and patches. Community reports suggest the network test build may not include every fighter, meaning the final release could feature additional Bloodsworn beyond the initial 12, with some abilities and names still preliminary and subject to change. This uncertainty is typical for pre-release games, and the closed network test scheduled for August 21-24, 2026, will provide the first concrete look at a portion of the roster. Given the game's tagline, "The moontears will flow for one and one alone," it's plausible that future content could introduce new characters tied to the Twilight of Humanity setting, expanding the lore and gameplay variety post-launch.
Confirmed and Speculated Characters
| Character Status | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed via trailers | 8-10 | Shown in official gameplay |
| Reported in network test | 10-12 | Based on player datamining |
| Speculated for launch | 12-14 | Community estimates |
| Potential post-launch DLC | 2-4 | Unconfirmed, based on past patterns |
The character reveal timeline suggests more announcements before launch, as the game is not yet released as of August 8, 2026, with a launch window set for 2026 and an exact date unannounced. Following the official reveal coverage keeps you updated on new fighters as they're announced, especially since the network test sign-ups (July 22-28) and lottery results (August 7) have already generated community speculation. With the closed network test running from August 21-24, expect a wave of character reveals and gameplay footage shortly after, as FromSoftware often showcases new mechanics and fighters in the lead-up to release. Staying informed through official channels ensures you don't miss details on Blood Fate customization or the unique weapons and abilities of each Bloodsworn.
How the Roster Shapes the Meta
With 12+ characters, the meta will likely evolve as players discover optimal loadouts and team compositions, particularly given the game's PvPvE design where up to 8 players compete in Dusk Battles. The firearm-heavy design means gun characters will probably define the early meta, as ranged pressure can control space and secure Victory Points from a safe distance, but skilled melee players could counter them with aggressive pressure and the superhuman movement options like sprint and double jump. The balance between these playstyles will be tested in the network test, where players can experiment with different Bloodsworn and their unique melee and firearm combinations. As the community learns the nuances of each character's Blood Fate customization, expect counter-strategies to emerge, shifting the meta toward more hybrid builds that can adapt to both ranged and melee threats.
Community testing during the network test will provide the first real data on character balance, as the five 4-hour sessions from August 21-24, 2026, will allow players to experiment with the available roster and report their findings. Expect tier lists to shift dramatically in the first few weeks after launch as players optimize their Bloodsworn loadouts, especially since the game rewards participation with hub customization based on Blood History and Blood Fate, encouraging repeated play with different characters. The dynamic nature of Dusk Battles, with boss fights and dynamic events, means that a character's viability may vary depending on the match context, making early tier lists unreliable. As more data accumulates from the broader player base, the community will refine their understanding of which characters excel in specific scenarios, leading to a more stable meta that balances gun-centric and melee-focused playstyles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many characters in the Duskbloods are playable?
The Duskbloods features a total of 12 playable characters, each with a unique fighting style and backstory. From the swift assassin Kael to the heavy-hitting brute Morgrath, the roster offers variety for every playstyle. Unlockable through story progression, these characters ensure replayability and diverse combat strategies.
Are there dedicated gun characters in the Duskbloods?
Yes, several duskbloods gun characters focus heavily on firearm combat. While every Bloodsworn carries a ranged weapon, some fighters have kits built entirely around gunplay mechanics like charged shots, reload-based bursts, or rapid-fire suppression. These characters excel at controlling engagement distance and punishing opponents who approach carelessly.
Can I customize my Bloodsworn's loadout?
Absolutely. You can customize your bloodsworn by modifying primary weapons, firearm attachments, special abilities, and passive perks. This system lets you adapt a single character to multiple playstyles, whether you prefer aggressive melee pressure, patient ranged combat, or a balanced hybrid approach. Experimentation is encouraged to find what works for you.
Who should I main if I'm new to PvPvE games?
Start with a Defensive Anchor character because they offer forgiving mechanics, high survivability, and team utility. Their straightforward combos and reliable firearms let you learn match flow without struggling with complex tech. As you gain confidence, branch out to more aggressive or technical characters that match your evolving preferences.
Do firearm characters have advantages in Dusk Battles?
Firearm characters do have an edge in Dusk Battles—they control space and punish overextension, vital in 8-player chaos. Yet they fold to fast melee rushers. With 12+ Bloodsworn fighters confirmed, you’ll find gunner, bruiser, or hybrid fits. Which one are you locking in for the network test?