FromSoftware Announces Closed Network Test for Switch 2 Exclusive *The Duskbloods*

FromSoftware confirmed that the upcoming Switch 2-exclusive action title *The Duskbloods* will undergo a closed network test in August 2026. The test is scheduled for 21 – 24 August, with server windows on each day for up to eight players per match. The studio warned that bugs and unfinished balance are expected, emphasizing the trial’s role in stress-testing server infrastructure.

You Might Be Able To Play From Software's The Duskbloods During A Network Test Next Month

Players must own a Nintendo Switch 2 console and maintain an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. Registrations open on 22 July 2026 at 15:00 BST (7 a.m. PT) and close on 28 July 2026 at 14:59 BST (6:59 a.m. PT). Applicants will learn of their selection on 7 August 2026 at 14:00 BST (6 a.m. PT). Only those accepted can join the designated server windows; no open-beta or public sign-up is offered.

The Duskbloods' promised playtest is happening next month on Switch 2, and it sure looks like getting in will be hard

The studio outlined three primary objectives:

You Might Be Able To Play From Software's The Duskbloods During A Network Test Next Month

• Server load verification – connecting large numbers of players simultaneously to confirm gameplay stability under heavy load.

You Might Be Able To Play From Software's The Duskbloods During A Network Test Next Month

• Multiplayer connectivity – identifying issues that arise across varied network environments when many users play together.

You Might Be Able To Play From Software's The Duskbloods During A Network Test Next Month

• Gameplay balance assessment – gathering data from real players to evaluate and refine in-game balance.

You Might Be Able To Play From Software's The Duskbloods During A Network Test Next Month

Eurogamer lists the test windows in British Summer Time (BST), e.g., 21 August 11:00-15:00 BST, while GameInformer provides the same dates in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), e.g., 21 August 3:00-7:00 a.m. PDT. Both sources agree on the four-day span but present differing local times, reflecting the timezone conversion rather than a substantive schedule conflict.

You Might Be Able To Play From Software's The Duskbloods During A Network Test Next Month

• “From Software says the primary goals of this network test are as follows: Game server load test: We will connect large numbers of players simultaneously to verify gameplay while putting a load on the game server.” — FromSoftware statement

You Might Be Able To Play From Software's The Duskbloods During A Network Test Next Month

• “Multiplayer test: We will test for various problems that may occur when multiple people play together in different network environments, and various phenomena that may occur by having many users participate.” — FromSoftware statement

You Might Be Able To Play From Software's The Duskbloods During A Network Test Next Month

• “Game balance test: When real players test the game together, the developers can gather data about how well the game is balanced.” — FromSoftware statement

You Might Be Able To Play From Software's The Duskbloods During A Network Test Next Month

• “While it's unclear what the final game modes and player counts will be like, The Duskbloods' playtest will allow "up to eight players" to participate in online matches.” — FromSoftware announcement

The Duskbloods' promised playtest is happening next month on Switch 2, and it sure looks like getting in will be hard

• “Perhaps less surprising is the fact that 'the lucky ones' will need to mark specific times and dates on their calendars.” — FromSoftware communication regarding selected participants.

The Duskbloods' promised playtest is happening next month on Switch 2, and it sure looks like getting in will be hard