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FromSoftware Starts Switch 2 Duskbloods Closed Test August 21

8/20/2026

Summary

FromSoftware Tests Duskbloods

FromSoftware launched a closed network test for The Duskbloods on Switch 2, starting August 21, 2026.
A two-minute Bilibili trailer showed PvPvE arena combat with AI enemies and player-vs-player matches.
Leaked data lists 14 unique starting classes, expanding beyond Elden Ring’s twelve classes.
Six Bloodsworn characters with customizable skills will fight on the Lowanro City map.
Test sessions run August 21-24 in five four-hour slots beginning at 3 am PDT Friday.

Summary

FromSoftware Develops Duskbloods

FromSoftware began developing The Duskbloods in 2021, initially for the original Switch before shifting to Switch 2.
Elden Ring’s 30 million-copy sales gave Miyazaki confidence to explore riskier concepts like The Duskbloods.
Director Hidetaka Miyazaki says the game draws inspiration from board games and pen-and-paper RPGs.
FromSoftware’s Tokyo office features black-painted hallways and a glass case displaying awards from BAFTA to Game Awards.

History

Historical Context

When Nintendo released the Switch console in March 2017 for global audiences, it revitalized handheld gaming and enabled new third-party collaborations. FromSoftware’s director Hidetaka Miyazaki leveraged the platform, selling Elden Ring 30 million copies worldwide by February 2023, surpassing the Switch’s 80 million units sold. The Duskbloods closed-network test on Switch 2 in August 2026 mirrors the 2017 launch’s strategy, offering exclusive early access to showcase new classes and PvPvE modes. If the trial succeeds, FromSoftware may cement Switch 2 as a flagship platform, influencing future console exclusives and expanding the competitive multiplayer market.

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FromSoftware Tests Duskbloods

FromSoftware launched a closed network test for The Duskbloods on Switch 2, starting August 21, 2026.
A two-minute Bilibili trailer showed PvPvE arena combat with AI enemies and player-vs-player matches.
Leaked data lists 14 unique starting classes, expanding beyond Elden Ring’s twelve classes.
Six Bloodsworn characters with customizable skills will fight on the Lowanro City map.
Test sessions run August 21-24 in five four-hour slots beginning at 3 am PDT Friday.

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