Duskbloods Switch 2 Closed Network Test Aug 21

Nintendo Switch 2 players finally have a way to get hands-on with FromSoftware’s upcoming soulslike The Duskbloods: a Closed Network Test is planned for August 21–24. The title is being positioned as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, featuring both PvP and PvE elements. If you want a shot at joining, sign-ups open on July 22.

The Duskbloods was first shown during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct in April 2025, and it’s set in a world described as the Twilight of Humanity. In this setting, a group known as the Bloodsworn competes in a contest called First Blood. Players will step into the role of these Bloodsworn and take part in multiplayer battles that can include up to eight participants—fighting other players while also battling enemy NPCs.

It will also be FromSoftware’s second consecutive co-op-focused release following Elden Ring Nightreign, though The Duskbloods is being framed as a different experience overall.

The Duskbloods Closed Network Test: August 21–24, Applications From July 22

Details for the upcoming Closed Network Test were shared by the official The Duskbloods account on X. Selected participants will be able to play a pre-release version of The Duskbloods to help evaluate performance before the game’s full launch, which remains scheduled for later this year. The test is designed for up to eight players in a single multiplayer match, with the goal of checking whether the game’s servers can handle the load.

Requirements to Join the Test

A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required.

How to Apply and When You’ll Hear Back

Application window: July 22 (Wednesday) at 7:00 a.m. PDT through July 28 (Tuesday) at 6:59 a.m. PDT.
Selection announcement: August 7 (Friday) at 6:00 a.m. PDT.

Network Test Times (PDT)

Aug. 21, 2026 (Friday): 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. PDT
Aug. 21, 2026 (Friday): 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. PDT
Aug. 22, 2026 (Saturday): 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. PDT
Aug. 23, 2026 (Sunday): 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. PDT
Aug. 23, 2026 (Sunday): 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. PDT

To sign up for the The Duskbloods Closed Network Test, you’ll need to apply via the campaign’s official website. FromSoftware has not yet specified how much of the final game will be available during the test, including which playable characters will be included. What has been confirmed is that the playtest will only cover a portion of the completed content.

Even though this Closed Network Test has been announced, The Duskbloods still doesn’t have a finalized full release date. It’s still targeted for 2026, but the timetable is tightening as the year moves toward the second half. The positive takeaway is that this Network Test is meant to stress the servers ahead of launch—something that typically signals an official release date is approaching. If you aren’t selected, it’s still worth watching the test’s end date, since an official launch announcement is likely to follow after the playtest concludes.