If you're hunting for the Duskbloods all characters breakdown before the closed network test, you're in the right place. FromSoftware's Switch 2 exclusive pits over a dozen playable Bloodsworn against each other in 8-player Dusk Battles, and every fighter brings a distinct weapon kit, ranged option, and superhuman movement style. Get the full roster breakdown, duskbloods characters from the trailer analysis, and practical pick recommendations below.
What the Duskbloods All Characters Roster Actually Looks Like
The official announcement confirmed that the Duskbloods characters roster exceeds 12 playable fighters, though the full launch lineup remains partially under wraps. According to the official Nintendo store page, each Bloodsworn carries unique weapons, a ranged firearm, and customizable abilities that shift how you approach every Dusk Battle.
What makes this roster different from traditional FromSoftware classes is the loadout structure. Rather than picking a class and upgrading stats, you select a character whose kit is already partially defined, then customize around it. The GamingBolt report confirms that every character has a distinct playstyle, meaning your choice determines your combat rhythm before you even touch customization.
Here's what we know about the roster structure so far: The Duskbloods features a playable cast of at least 12 Bloodsworn, each with a unique melee weapon and a ranged firearm, as confirmed by official materials and the closed network test. The full lineup remains partially undisclosed, but the structure emphasizes distinct combat identities rather than simple palette swaps, with each character's kit tied to their Blood Fate customization and role in Dusk Battles.
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Over 12 confirmed playable characters, with more expected before launch
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Each Bloodsworn has a signature melee weapon and a ranged firearm
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Blood Fate customization lets you tweak abilities and passives
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Superhuman movement (sprint, double jump, super jump) is universal across all characters
The key takeaway? the Duskbloods all characters list isn't just about cosmetic variety. Each fighter changes your tactical options, your damage profile, and how you contest the First Blood objective that drives every match. Since Victory Points decide the winner and First Blood often sets the early tempo, a character's reach, speed, and burst damage directly influence whether you can secure that opening advantage or are forced to adapt to a rival who does.
Confirmed Characters From Official Materials
While the full list hasn't been officially published, the duskbloods characters from the trailer and network test materials have given us a solid picture of the starting roster. Community data from the DuskBloods Wiki suggests these characters appeared in official footage, though names remain preliminary until FromSoftware confirms them.
| Character (Preliminary) | Weapon Type | Ranged Option | Playstyle Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Gauntlet Fighter | Brass Knuckles / Gauntlets | Revolver | Close-range pressure |
| The Sword Duelist | Curved Sword | Flintlock Pistol | Mobile hit-and-run |
| The Heavy Gunner | Battle Axe | Shotgun | Mid-range burst damage |
| The Twin Blade | Dual Daggers | Throwing Knives | High-speed aggression |
| The Staff Mage | Quarterstaff | Arcane Caster | Hybrid melee/ranged |
Important note: these names come from community observation of the gameplay trailer and network test footage. the Duskbloods characters official names and full abilities will likely differ from this preliminary data at launch. FromSoftware has not yet confirmed the final roster, so treat these as working labels derived from visual cues and player reports, not definitive canon.
How Characters Differ From Elden Ring Classes
Players coming from Elden Ring or Dark Souls often expect stat-based class systems. the Duskbloods all characters approach flips that expectation. Instead of allocating points into Strength or Dexterity, you commit to a Bloodsworn with pre-built combat DNA and then layer Blood Fate customization on top.
That design choice matters for several reasons: First, it ensures each match feels distinct, as the 8-player PvPvE format rewards adaptability over rote memorization. Second, it aligns with the game's Twilight of Humanity setting, where Bloodsworn are summoned across different times and places, so varied kits reflect their disparate origins. Finally, it prevents any single dominant strategy, since dynamic events and boss encounters can shift the value of specific abilities mid-match.
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Match identity is immediate — you know your role from the first second
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Counter-picking becomes strategic — reading the lobby before locking in matters
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Customization depth shifts — you refine a kit rather than build from zero
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Team composition thinking — which characters pair well in the 8-player format?
Because Dusk Battles blend PvE farming and PvP elimination, every character needs to handle both. According to community reports from the network test, characters with strong PvE tools (like wide-area attacks) often struggle in 1v1 duels, while duelist-types can get overwhelmed by multiple PvE enemies. This creates a fascinating tension when evaluating the Duskbloods characters — there's no single "best" pick, only the best pick for your match context.
Duskbloods Characters From the Trailer: Detailed Breakdown
The June 2025 Nintendo Direct trailer showcased several duskbloods characters from the trailer in action, giving us our clearest look at how combat flows. The footage revealed that characters don't just differ in weapons — their movement animations, attack rhythms, and special abilities create genuinely distinct combat identities.
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Melee-focused characters favor aggressive closing tactics and high-pressure offense
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Ranged specialists control space and punish over-extension
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Hybrid fighters balance both approaches with switching mechanics
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Heavy hitters trade speed for devastating single-hit damage
The trailer also revealed that superhuman movement isn't just traversal — it's combat. Characters can sprint, double jump, and super jump into engagements, which means verticality plays a huge role in how each fighter approaches fights. A double jump can reposition you for a plunging attack, while a super jump lets you bypass ground-level chokepoints or escape a losing duel, making map knowledge and spatial awareness as important as raw damage output.
Weapon Kits and Ranged Loadouts
Every character in the Duskbloods all characters roster carries a melee weapon plus a ranged firearm. This dual-arsenal design is a first for a FromSoftware PvP-focused title, and it fundamentally changes engagement patterns. Players reported during the network test that weapon switching is nearly instant, allowing for fluid combos that transition from melee pressure to ranged finishers.
| Combat Range | Character Type | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Close (0-5m) | Gauntlet fighters | High DPS, stagger pressure | Vulnerable to kiting |
| Mid (5-15m) | Sword/pistol hybrids | Flexible, forgiving | Lower peak damage |
| Long (15m+) | Ranged specialists | Safe poke damage | Struggles in melee |
| Mixed | Staff/mage types | High skill ceiling | Steep learning curve |
the Duskbloods characters each excel in specific ranges, and understanding those ranges is critical for match success. If you're interested in how weapon variety shapes combat further, our unique weapons guide breaks down the confirmed arsenal in more detail. For instance, a character with a long-reaching melee weapon might dominate mid-range duels, while another with a fast firearm can harass from distance, forcing opponents to close the gap on your terms.
Movement and Combat Identity
One of the most striking elements of the trailer was how differently each character moves. The double jump is universal, but animation timing, dodge properties, and sprint acceleration appear character-specific. Community reports from the network test suggest that heavier characters trade some mobility for higher poise and damage resistance, while lighter fighters can chain double jumps more aggressively.
Here's how movement profiles seem to break down: Some Bloodsworn appear built for raw speed, with sprint and double jump animations that suggest quick repositioning, while others lean into heavier, more deliberate strides that trade mobility for poise or damage. The super jump mechanic appears universal, but its cooldown or height may vary by character, based on network test footage showing different aerial arcs across the playable cast.
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Agile characters: faster sprint, higher jump, quicker dodge recovery
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Balanced characters: average stats across all movement categories
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Heavy characters: slower base speed but better resistance to stagger
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Technical characters: unique movement quirks (e.g., air dash, wall kick)
This movement differentiation matters because First Blood control often comes down to who reaches the objective first. A fast character can contest early, while a heavy character might prefer to farm PvE and arrive with more resources. Since Victory Points accumulate from multiple sources, a slower start isn't fatal, but it forces you to rely on boss kills or dynamic events to catch up, which is a viable but riskier path to victory.
Blood Fate Customization: Building Your Own Bloodsworn
While the Duskbloods characters each start with a defined kit, the Blood Fate system adds meaningful customization layers. Based on official descriptions and network test data, players can modify their character's abilities, passives, and loadout options between matches. This means your chosen Bloodsworn isn't a fixed template; you can tune it to suit your playstyle, whether that means doubling down on mobility or shoring up defensive weaknesses.
The customization system works on multiple levels: First, you can adjust active abilities, such as swapping a gap-closer for a defensive counter. Second, passive perks might alter resource generation or status resistance, affecting how you handle PvE threats. Third, loadout options could include different firearms or consumables, letting you adapt to the match's dynamic events. All of this is tied to your Blood History and Blood Fate, which also influence your hub's appearance.
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Active ability selection — choose which special moves to bring
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Passive modifiers — adjust stats like health, stamina, or movement speed
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Weapon modifications — tweak damage profiles and attack properties
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Visual customization — make your Bloodsworn distinct in the 8-player chaos
This system means that even within the Duskbloods all characters roster, two players picking the same fighter can end up with very different combat identities. That depth is a big reason why the game's meta is expected to evolve significantly after launch.
How Blood Fate Changes Character Evaluation
Because customization exists, evaluating the Duskbloods characters isn't as simple as ranking their base kits. Instead, you need to consider: how well a character's core weapon synergizes with potential Blood Fate builds, whether their movement profile benefits from certain passive upgrades, and how their starting stats respond to different loadout choices. A character that seems weak on paper might become a powerhouse with the right customization, and vice versa.
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Customization ceiling — how much can this character's weaknesses be patched?
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Synergy potential — which abilities complement this character's core identity?
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Matchup flexibility — can you adapt this character to different lobby compositions?
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Skill expression — how much does player skill amplify this character's value?
According to community reports from the network test, some characters that seemed weak in base form became surprisingly strong with the right Blood Fate setup. This suggests that the true tier list will only emerge after players have time to experiment with the full customization suite.
Recommended Loadout Priorities
If you're planning your build before launch, here's a practical priority order for customization: First, identify your preferred engagement range and pick a character whose base weapon matches it. Second, choose Blood Fate upgrades that amplify your movement or survivability, since those are hardest to compensate for with skill alone. Third, allocate loadout slots to tools that address your character's weaknesses, such as a ranged option for a melee-focused fighter. Finally, test variations in the network test or at launch to refine your setup.
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First, address your character's biggest weakness — if you play a slow character, prioritize mobility passives
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Second, amplify your core strength — double down on what your character already does well
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Third, consider the match context — adjust based on whether you're playing with friends or solo
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Fourth, experiment aggressively — the network test proved that unexpected builds can work
Blood Fate customization isn't just about making your character stronger — it's about making your character yours. That's a key part of what makes the Duskbloods all characters so exciting for repeat play. Because rewards are earned win or lose, you can experiment with different builds without penalty, and the hub's visual evolution based on your Blood History gives a tangible sense of progression that encourages trying new combinations across multiple matches.
Choosing Your Starting Bloodsworn by Preferred Playstyle
With over a dozen characters confirmed, picking where to start can feel overwhelming. The good news is that the Duskbloods characters seem designed to accommodate a wide range of player preferences. Here's a breakdown of which character types might suit different playstyles:
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Aggressive players who love constant pressure should try close-range brawlers like the gauntlet fighter
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Tactical players who prefer controlling engagement distance will enjoy ranged specialists
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Adaptive players who like to switch strategies mid-fight should pick hybrid characters
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Support-minded players can explore area-control fighters that shape team fights
Your character choice should also consider your familiarity with FromSoftware combat. Veterans comfortable with stamina management and punish windows might gravitate toward more technical characters, while newcomers might prefer straightforward kits. The Duskbloods retains the studio's signature emphasis on timing and positioning, but the PvPvE format adds unpredictability, so even experienced players will need to adapt to the chaos of 8-player matches and dynamic objectives.
Starter Character Recommendations
Based on community data and the network test experience, here are some early recommendations: For aggressive players who like to control space, a character with a fast melee weapon and a reliable firearm seems strong for contesting First Blood. For defensive players, a heavier character with high poise might excel at holding objectives or surviving boss encounters. For opportunistic players, a mobile character with strong vertical options can exploit dynamic events and third-party fights effectively.
| Player Profile | Recommended Character Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Souls veteran | Technical/hybrid | Rewards system knowledge |
| FPS player | Ranged specialist | Familiar engagement style |
| Fighting game fan | Close-range brawler | Emphasis on reads and spacing |
| Casual player | Balanced sword user | Forgiving and flexible |
the Duskbloods all characters list doesn't have a single "beginner-friendly" pick because the game's PvPvE structure rewards different skills. If you're new to the genre entirely, starting with a balanced character and learning movement fundamentals is the best entry point for new players.
Match Composition Considerations
Since Dusk Battles feature 8 players, you can't control who's in your lobby. However, if you're playing with friends, team composition becomes a real strategic layer. Community reports from the network test suggest that balanced teams with a mix of close-range and long-range characters performed best.
Here's a suggested team structure: In a coordinated group, you might want one fast character to secure First Blood, one heavy character to anchor PvE farming, and one flexible character to respond to dynamic events. Since matches support up to 8 players, larger teams can also include a dedicated support role, though the game's free-for-all nature means you'll still need to watch your back. The Destined Rivals and Destined Companion systems add personal objectives that can align or conflict with team goals.
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One aggressive initiator to contest First Blood early
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One mid-range support to clean up and protect objectives
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One ranged specialist to control space and punish retreats
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One flexible player to adapt based on match flow
That said, solo players shouldn't worry too much — the Duskbloods characters are designed to be viable in free-for-all contexts. The game's dynamic events and random modifiers create enough variance that no single character dominates every scenario. Even if you pick a character that seems niche, the Victory Points system rewards multiple playstyles, so you can win by outlasting opponents, securing boss kills, or completing personal objectives without relying on direct confrontation.
Which Bloodsworn Are Still Missing From the Roster
Despite the confirmed information, major questions remain about the Duskbloods all characters roster. FromSoftware has been characteristically secretive about the full lineup, and the network test only revealed a portion of the playable cast. The game is not yet released as of August 2026, with a launch window set for 2026 but no exact date, so the community is still piecing together details from trailers and test footage.
Key unknowns include: the exact number of playable characters beyond the confirmed 12-plus, the full ability kits for each Bloodsworn, how Blood Fate customization will interact with specific characters, and whether any characters will be locked behind progression or DLC. Additionally, the relationship between Destined Rivals and Destined Companion objectives and character choice remains unclear, as does the potential for future balance patches to shift the meta.
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Total launch roster size — "over 12" is confirmed, but the exact number is unclear
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Secret/unlockable characters — FromSoftware loves hidden content, so expect surprises
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Post-launch additions — whether new Bloodsworn will arrive via updates or DLC
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Character-specific story implications — how the Twilight of Humanity narrative ties to each fighter
The character reveal coverage on this site tracks every official announcement, so check back regularly for updates. As FromSoftware releases new trailers or developer interviews, we'll update that page with confirmed names, abilities, and any changes to the roster. Until then, treat community-sourced information as provisional and focus on mastering the core mechanics that will likely remain consistent.
What the Network Test Revealed
The August closed network test gave players their first hands-on experience with the Duskbloods characters. According to community reports from the test sessions, the build featured a limited character selection but still demonstrated the core design principles: distinct melee and ranged loadouts, superhuman movement as a combat tool, and the importance of Blood Fate customization. The test ran from August 21-24, 2026, across five 4-hour sessions, and players noted that even the restricted roster showed significant tactical variety.
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Character kits felt genuinely distinct — not just stat variations
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Movement differences were noticeable — playing multiple characters highlighted how much the feel changes
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Blood Fate customization was partially available — enough to hint at the full system's depth
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Balance seemed reasonable — no single character dominated the test sessions
The new characters breakdown covers what the network test specifically revealed about upcoming additions. That page compiles player observations about which characters appeared in the test build, their approximate movesets, and how they performed in Dusk Battles. Since the test only included a portion of the final roster, it also highlights gaps that might be filled by unrevealed characters at launch.
Speculation on Unrevealed Fighters
Based on the game's Gothic Victorian setting and vampire-inspired lore, players have theorized about additional character types that might appear. While this remains speculation, the setting supports possibilities like: a heavy-hitting bruiser with a greatsword or war hammer, a nimble duelist with a rapier and pistol, a support-oriented character with healing abilities, or a ranged specialist with a long-barreled firearm. The train level and Twilight of Humanity backdrop also suggest characters tied to industrial or occult themes.
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A heavy weapon specialist using a greatsword or greathammer
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A beast-themed fighter drawing on lycanthropic imagery
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A gadget-focused character using alchemical tools
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A blood-magic caster focusing on self-buffing and area denial
None of these are confirmed, but they represent plausible directions for the unrevealed portion of the Duskbloods all characters roster. The every Bloodsworn guide will be updated as more characters are officially revealed. Until then, these theories can help you speculate about potential playstyles and prepare for the variety the final game might offer.
Final Thoughts Before Launch
The Duskbloods all characters roster represents one of the most exciting aspects of FromSoftware's Switch 2 exclusive. The combination of pre-built character identities and deep customization creates a system that rewards both quick adaptation and long-term mastery. Whether you're planning your main before launch or waiting to experiment with multiple fighters, the roster's diversity ensures replayability and keeps the meta fresh.
If you haven't yet, watch the official gameplay trailer on Nintendo's store page and try to spot clues about unrevealed characters. The duskbloods characters from the trailer interpretation is still evolving as the community analyzes every frame. Pay attention to silhouettes, weapon animations, and any unique movement quirks that might hint at a character's abilities or role in the roster.
What character archetype are you most excited to try when the game launches? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media — we'd love to hear which Duskbloods fighter you're planning to main. Whether you favor a fast, aggressive playstyle or a more methodical, defensive approach, the game's emphasis on customization and dynamic objectives means there's likely a character that fits your preferences. As more information emerges, we'll keep this guide updated with confirmed details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many characters are in the Duskbloods all characters roster?
The official confirmation states there are over 12 playable characters in the Duskbloods all characters roster, though the exact launch number hasn't been confirmed. The closed network test featured a limited selection, with the full lineup expected to be revealed closer to launch.
Are all the Duskbloods characters from the trailer playable?
Yes, the characters shown in the duskbloods characters from the trailer appear to be playable Bloodsworn in the game. The trailer showcased combat footage of multiple fighters, and community data suggests these are representative of the playable roster, though names and abilities may change before release.
Do the Duskbloods characters have different abilities?
Each character in the Duskbloods characters roster has a unique weapon kit, ranged firearm, and movement profile. Additionally, the Blood Fate customization system allows players to modify abilities and passives, creating further differentiation even between players using the same character.
Can you customize your character in The Duskbloods?
Yes, the Blood Fate system allows for meaningful customization of the Duskbloods characters. You can adjust active abilities, passive modifiers, weapon modifications, and visual appearance. This system adds significant replay value and allows players to adapt their chosen character to different match contexts.
What is the best starting character in The Duskbloods?
There's no universally "best" starting character because the Duskbloods all characters roster is designed around different playstyles. Beginners might find balanced sword-type characters more forgiving, while experienced players may prefer technical characters with higher skill ceilings. Your choice should reflect your preferred engagement style.