The hotly anticipated Switch 2 exclusive The Duskbloods will have a network test take place in August, FromSoftware has revealed, and applications to take part will be opening next week.
The network test will run from 21st to 24th August (depending on region), but to be eligible to take part you need to have applied between 22nd July and 28th July – head to the sign up page here. You will also need to have a Switch 2 (of course), a Nintendo Account and an active Nintendo Switch Online membership to take part. Invites will then go to successful applicants on 7th August.
The test times will be focussed on different 4 hour periods, accommodating peak play in different regions. I’ve converted these to UK times.
- Aug. 21, 2026 (Fri.) 11:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m. BST
- Aug. 22, 2026 (Sat.) 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. BST
- Aug. 22, 2026 (Sat.) 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. BST
- Aug. 23, 2026 (Sun.) 11:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m. BST
- Aug. 24, 2026 (Mon.) 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. BST
The team writes, “A network test involves using a pre-release version of the game to test performance prior to the commencement of service. We plan to conduct large-scale network load tests to check different technical aspects of the game’s online systems. We look forward to you taking part and helping us make The Duskbloods as good as it can be!”
The network test will allow FromSoftware to test the game server load, check that multiplayer is running as expected, and also gather data on balance and gameplay.
The Duskbloods is a PvPvE title with online multiplayer at its core, where up to 8 players will vie for supremacy, while the setting looks to be exploring various vampiric myths to the extent that you might think this was some kind of Castlevania tie in, but it is instead an original property once more. There’s a definite gothic Britain appearance to the game as well, which is sure to lure in Bloodborne fans.
It’s not a traditional FromSoftware Soulslike – you can soon get Elden Ring on Switch 2 if that’s what you’re after – but is instead another of the studio’s explorations of multiplayer, perhaps similar in vein to Elden Ring Nightreign. Still, as soon as FromSoftware is mentioned, ears prick up in interest, and we’re certainly keen to discover more.
