The Duskbloods Closed Network Test Set for Aug 21–24 on Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 players looking to get an early taste of FromSoftware’s upcoming soulslike The Duskbloods have a new window to watch: the game is set to run a Closed Network Test on August 21–24, with sign-ups opening July 22. Selected participants will be able to play a pre-release build to help verify server performance ahead of the game’s full release later this year.
Closed Network Test details for Switch 2
- Test dates: August 21–24
- How the test works: participants will play a pre-release version designed to stress test the game’s servers under expected player load
- Match size: up to eight players in a single multiplayer match
- Platform requirement: a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required
- Sign-up period: starts July 22 and runs until July 28
- Selection announcement: scheduled for August 7
Sign-up and schedule timings (PDT)
- Application window: July 22 (7:00 a.m.) to July 28 (6:59 a.m.) PDT
- Notification: August 7 (6:00 a.m.) PDT
- August 21: 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. PDT; 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. PDT
- August 22: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. PDT
- August 23: 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. PDT; 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. PDT
What The Duskbloods is and what players can expect
- Platform status: confirmed as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive
- Genre elements: soulslike with both PvP and PvE
- FromSoftware context: it will be the studio’s second co-op-focused game in a row, following Elden Ring Nightreign
- World and premise: set during the Twilight of Humanity, featuring characters known as the Bloodsworn
- Competition theme: Bloodsworn compete for “First Blood”
- How multiplayer plays out: players take on the role of Bloodsworn and fight both other players and NPC enemies
- Scope of the test: the Closed Network Test will only include a portion of the final game’s content
Release timing still open, but the test suggests momentum
The Duskbloods does not yet have a finalized release date. The game is still expected to land in 2026, but the window is narrowing toward the second half of the year. Because this test is explicitly intended to evaluate server stability before launch, the timing is being treated as a sign that an official release date announcement could follow after the August network test concludes.
Players who want a shot at the Closed Network Test can apply through the campaign’s official website once sign-ups open on July 22.
