Ever since Bloodborne released on PS4 in 2015, masochistic fans of the Soulslike genre have been clamoring for a sequel. With the recent arrival of the PlayStation 5 and Demon’s Souls remake along with it, gamers’ attention has once again turned to a Bloodborne 2 PS5 release. But, is that likely to happen anytime soon? Here’s the latest on FromSoftware and Sony Japan Studio’s anticipated follow-up.
Is Bloodborne 2 in development for PS5?
FromSoftware’s Dark Souls was responsible for propelling the developer’s pioneering brand of action RPG into the mainstream. Despite that, many players peg the PlayStation-exclusive Bloodborne and its scrappier brand of combat as the genre’s best example. As a result, fan demand for a sequel has been consistently high.
Bloodborne 2 could secretly be in development at FromSoftware and/or Sony Japan Studio. PlayStation manufacturer Sony owns the Bloodborne intellectual property (IP), so it is possible that From and famed game director Hidetaka Miyazaki are not involved with the project. Although that might sound unlikely, FromSoftware was not responsible for the acclaimed Demon’s Souls remake.
At the time of writing, in the absence of any official Bloodborne 2 announcement, it’s only possible to speculate. With Miyazaki and the team currently hard at work on the anticipated Elden Ring, however, it seems unlikely that FromSoftware is actively working on a Bloodborne sequel for PS5 right now. Additionally, Elden Ring recently no-showed The Game Awards 2020 as the latest in a string of missed events. While not necessarily cause for concern, it could indicate that the project still has a long way to go.
With fans knocking on Sony’s door for a sequel regardless, it is possible that PlayStation could take development duties into its own hands. This would most likely involve SIE Japan taking the reigns, based on their prior involvement with the Bloodborne franchise. Following the success of Demon’s Souls, however, Sony could commission Bluepoint Games to work on Bloodborne 2. Although the studio is best known for working on remakes — of which there could be more in the works — its stellar track record could earn Bluepoint the chance to develop an all-new title.
Did FromSoftware tease Bloodborne 2?
FromSoftware and Japan Studio’s PlayStation VR-exclusive Deracine (Déraciné) features what many have interpreted as a nod towards Bloodborne 2. Within the game, players can find a doll said to have appeared in an “unfinished tale” that helps people to escape nightmares.
"A doll of the stone girl Fiona who appears in the unfinished tale. When a person has a bad dream, Fiona appears and helps them flee."
Hint of a Bloodborne sequel in Deracine? pic.twitter.com/VjX6dC7uMF
— Limit State (@novarat) November 7, 2018
As Bloodborne fans will know, an NPC called The Doll appears in The Hunter’s Dream hub area and assists players with leveling up. It’s a clear reference, but does the mention of an “unfinished tale” hint at a Bloodborne follow-up on PS5?
Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that way. In a translated interview with the Spanish website Xataka, Miyazaki simply stated: “The easter egg in itself is not indicative that we are going to launch Bloodborne 2.”
Will Bloodborne 2 be 60 FPS?
Bloodborne 2 on PS5 would almost certainly run at 60 FPS. The PlayStation 5 version of Demon’s Souls targets and largely maintains a stable 60 frames per second at 1440p. With Bluepoint Games able to achieve that goal for a launch title, a future Bloodborne sequel may even be able to surpass it. Bloodborne 2 could potentially achieve the dream scenario of 4K resolution at 60 FPS on PS5.
