Unlock Unique Gameplay: Discover The Surprising TTRPG Mechanic in The Duskbloods!

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Summary

  • The Duskbloods draws inspiration from various sources beyond video games to create interesting new mechanics, including tabletop RPGs.
  • The game introduces a Role system influenced by TTRPG party mechanics.
  • Players can choose roles, incentivizing unconventional gameplay and increasing replayability.

While there are numerous comparisons between it and Bloodborne, The Duskbloods derives inspiration from diverse and wide-ranging resources. The PVPVE gameplay style has enabled FromSoftware to delve into a multitude of concepts that their more linear single-player games might not have, including an array of potent characters and setting its maps in different time periods.

FromSoftware has been pushing the boundaries not only by reflecting on past games, but also by drawing inspiration from various video game genres and beyond. For instance, director Hidetaka Miyazaki likened a new mechanism in The Duskbloods to a well-known feature of tabletop role-playing games.

The Duskbloods’ Role System Puts a Twist on Familiar TTRPG Party Mechanics

In terms of gameplay, “The Duskbloods” resembles “Elden Ring” and “Nightreign,” but offers a significant shift in design from FromSoftware’s usual style. Instead of the traditional solo play, players select characters known as Bloodsworn to engage in battles, with the ultimate goal being to secure First Blood, or the final victory. However, Miyazaki has hinted at various elements that may alter the course of a match, providing an exciting and unpredictable experience for gamers.

Many contemporary games developed by FromSoftware incorporate some aspect of Player-versus-Player (PVP) combat. Occasionally, these PVP encounters yield unexpected results, such as invaders teaming up with the host instead of fighting against them. The game The Duskbloods adds depth to this peculiar player interaction by presenting multiple strategies to win battles against other players, one of which involves choosing roles within the conflict.

During customization, any player can assign roles, each with a unique goal. For instance, they could select the “Destined Rivals” role, marking a specific opponent as their target for elimination. Conversely, they might opt for the “Destined Companion,” taking up the task of protecting their assigned ally. Upon achieving the goal of a role, the player receives an extra reward beyond the standard winning conditions.

In this game, each character’s role is connected to personalized customization, allowing players to create a Bloodsworn that mirrors their desired character type. This setup recalls the party roles in traditional tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, where players can choose a specific role and excel at it. Miyazaki has a knack for blending unique and unconventional mechanics from other games into his creations, and this is one of his most innovative adaptions so far.

The Duskbloods’ Roles May Incentivize Players to Do More Than Just Kill Each Other

The specific roles haven’t been defined yet, but it proposes an intriguing concept for the future development of PVP games. There are numerous possibilities in video games outside FromSoftware’s collection where opponents could collaborate on a shared objective or simply have fun together, as demonstrated by Mordhau‘s lute players who entertain both allies and adversaries.

In a nod to tabletop role-playing games (TTRPG), The Duskbloods enhances the motivation for unconventional play, providing tangible rewards for deviating from traditional approaches and boosting the game’s replay value. While there was some resistance when Elden Ring Nightreign showcased its pre-set characters, both games appear to have innovated in ways that amplify role-playing opportunities by making choices heavily dependent on the player.

There might still be comparisons needed with unidentified systems, but that’s the charm of FromSoftware’s approach – they equip players with tools and let them create their own unique experiences together. It appears that The Duskbloods intends to attract a diverse range of gamers, from those seeking immersive role-playing opportunities, to casual players looking for an enjoyable pastime in the evening.

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2025-04-08 02:04