It has been over four years since the last entry in a SoulsBorne title was released, but that isn't to say that From Software hasn't been busy. It's latest game, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, was a huge success, and fans are waiting patiently for information about Elden Ring. That said, there's a sense of nostalgia with the SoulsBorne titles that needs to be answered, and with next-gen consoles coming this holiday season, fans want to know what's going on with Bloodborne 2 and the future of the Souls series more than anything at this point.
Bloodborne released back in 2015 and was followed a year later by Dark Souls 3. Though it marked a stylistic departure from Dark Souls, its mechanical similarities and common developer eventually led to it being lumped together with the series. Since then, From Software has diversified its portfolio quite a bit, but these two games still share a common bond within the minds of fans. In the last five years, there's been only rumors about the potential existence of a Bloodborne 2, but fans are hoping that some more concrete answers will surface in the coming months alongside the next generation of consoles.
Dark Souls Games and Dark Souls 4
Regarding the possibility of a Dark Souls 4 being released, it can almost be entirely ruled out. Series creator Hidetaka Miyazaki has gone on record in the past stating that Dark Souls 3 would be the series' final hurrah, and recent history has shown that seems to be true. From Software has moved on from the Souls series, instead focusing its efforts on Sekiro and Elden Ring. With that in mind, a Dark Souls sequel continuing the saga seems highly unlikely, and fans shouldn't expect the trilogy to become anything more than it is.
That said, there has been speculation that From Software might make a Dark Souls trilogy remake for PS5 and Xbox Series X once those systems release, but this is purely speculation and rumors. If that were to happen, fans would likely see a complete remake of Dark Souls 1 from the ground up similar to the upcoming Demon's Souls remake, and solid remastering of Dark Souls 2 and a next gen port of Dark Souls 3 all bundled together in one neat package. This is likely the most that fans can hope for from the Dark Souls franchise on next gen consoles, and some even find this to be unlikely.
Bloodborne 2
But what could all of this mean for Bloodborne 2? Despite the fact that it is often considered an entry in the Souls series, it truly is its own separate title. Because of this, there is hope for a potential sequel on next generation consoles. Unlike Dark Souls, Miyazaki has made no statements which would indicate that the series is done, and given its popularity, it would seem unwise not to produce a sequel at this point. By all accounts, it seems that a Bloodborne sequel is inevitable, it's just a matter of when it comes.
Since there's been no announcement or even confirmation of its existence, odds are Bloodborne 2 won't be making its way to the PS4. Barring some kind of surprise release which is not typical of From Software, the game is either still in development or hasn't even been started on yet. It seems there are some key things stopping From Software from releasing the sequel, and there's no end in sight to those troubles.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Elden Ring
Perhaps the biggest mitigating factor is that the studio has already moved on to new titles and styles. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice was incredibly well received, and despite the lack of news, fan excitement for Elden Ring doesn't seem to be declining in the slightest. Though From Software isn't a small studio by any means, it is estimated to have just under 300 employees. This is more than sufficient to develop a solid, AAA title like Elden Ring, but not quite large enough to accomplish development of more than one major title at a time.
Because of this, From Software essentially needs to decide to halt progress on other projects in order to put Bloodborne 2 out. This means that it likely won't arrive until after Elden Ring, which is having trademark issues, and may also be prioritized over a potential sequel to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Given the momentum that both of those games have, it seems unlikely that Bloodborne 2 is a priority unfortunately. It's worth restating that this is all speculation, and the team at From Software could have completely different or unexpected plans, but fans should be prepared for a wait nonetheless.
Demon's Souls Remake
Perhaps the shining beacon of light for Bloodborne 2 enthusiasts is actually the Demon's Souls remake. This game actually came before Dark Souls, and is now being remade by Bluepoint Games, the same studio which remade Shadow of the Colossus. Though From Software is letting Bluepoint Games take the reigns on this one, it is almost certain that it is watching with a close eye. If the Demon's Souls remake does well, it could open up a whole new set of doors for From Software and the future of its older games.
Though Bluepoint Games may not be inclined to work on further Souls games beyond Demon's Souls, a successful remake of that game could spur From Software to focus more resources into those games, potentially even outsourcing development to other companies. Though From Software doesn't have a ton of time on its hands, there are likely few companies that would turn down the chance to develop Bloodborne 2 and if From Software were to publish the game it would require fewer resources and it would still be able to make money off of the endeavor. Unfortunately, the future of Bloodborne and Dark Souls is shrouded in mystery at the moment, but hopefully more information comes to light soon.
Bloodborne 2 is still unannounced.