FromSoftware plans to use a ranked matchmaking system in The Duskbloods so new players are generally matched with others at a similar experience level, while highly skilled players are more likely to face equally strong opponents. The aim is to reduce frustrating lopsided matches as the competitive multiplayer community develops.
How it will work
- Director and FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki said the game is intended to match very skilled players with other top-level players, while newcomers should mostly be placed with newer players.
- The system is designed to prevent inexperienced players from repeatedly being matched against veterans who already know the game’s combat, characters, maps, and multiplayer systems.
- Ranked multiplayer is also expected to include leaderboards and a seasonal structure, though the studio had not finalized the exact implementation details at the time of the report.
Progression beyond winning
- The Duskbloods will not make progression depend solely on winning or completing multiplayer matches.
- Players can unlock story material and character-customization options simply by participating, which should let less competitive players engage with the game even when they are still learning its PvP systems.
- Its Virtue system also makes direct PvP only one path to earning the points used for advancement, reducing the game’s dependence on raw mechanical skill alone.
Veteran and newcomer relationships
- FromSoftware is reportedly considering ways for experienced players to provide a benefit rather than simply becoming a source of difficult matchups for new players.
- Ideas mentioned include raising the chance of rare events when veteran players are present or allowing highly ranked players to prioritize alliances with beginners. These concepts were described as tentative and were not confirmed as launch features.
