Summer Game Fest 2026 kicked off today with a packed showcase that finally gave Elden Ring fans what they've been waiting for — but not quite in the way they expected. While the main stage did not feature Elden Ring content directly, FromSoftware made an appearance with a brand-new gameplay trailer for The Duskbloods, their upcoming Switch 2 exclusive PvPvE souls-like title.
The new trailer showcased extensive multiplayer gameplay footage, revealing several new features including dynamic environmental hazards, character customization options, and a competitive scoring system. The 8-player PvPvE format pits players against each other and AI-controlled monsters in an interconnected dark fantasy arena, with the goal of collecting the most "Dusk Essence" before a deadly fog closes in.
Reaction from the Elden Ring community has been mixed. While many fans are excited to see FromSoftware experimenting with new gameplay formats, others had hoped for news about the Tarnished Edition on Switch 2's release date or hints about future Elden Ring content. Social media has been buzzing with comparisons between The Duskbloods' PvPvE mechanics and popular battle royale titles, though most agree that FromSoftware's signature combat depth sets it apart.
In other Elden Ring news, Bandai Namco's booth at SGF featured a playable demo of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition running on Switch 2 hardware. Early impressions from attendees praise the smooth performance and the seamless integration of the Shadow of the Erdtree content into the base game experience.
Looking ahead, the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8 looms as another potential venue for further FromSoftware reveals. Additionally, data miners continue to uncover code references within Elden Ring updates that suggest further content may be in the pipeline — though FromSoftware remains characteristically tight-lipped about what comes next.