The highly anticipated Switch 2 exclusive The Duskbloods will undergo a network test in August, FromSoftware has revealed, with applications to participate opening next week.
The network test will run from August 21-24 (depending on region), but to be eligible to participate you must have applied between July 22-28 – go to the registration page here. You’ll also need to have a Switch 2 (of course), a Nintendo Account, and an active Nintendo Switch Online membership to participate. Invitations will then be sent to successful applicants on August 7.
Test durations will be concentrated into different 4-hour periods, adapting to peak gameplay in different regions. I converted them to UK time.
- 21 August 2026 (Friday) 11:00 – 17:00 BST
- 22 August 2026 (Saturday) 3:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. BST
- August 22, 2026 (Saturday) 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. BST
- 23 August 2026 (Sun) 11:00 – 17:00 BST
- 24 August 2026 (Monday) 3:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. BST
The team writes: “A network test involves using a pre-release version of the game to test performance before service begins. We plan to run large-scale network load tests to check various technical aspects of the game’s online systems. We look forward to having you participate and help us make The Duskbloods as good as possible!”
The network test will allow FromSoftware to load test the game server, verify that multiplayer is working as expected and also collect data on balance and gameplay.
The Duskbloods is a PvPvE title with online multiplayer at its core, where up to 8 players will compete for supremacy, while the setting seems to explore various vampiric myths to the extent that you might think this is some sort of Castlevania tie-in, but this is again an original property. There’s also a British Gothic look to the game, which is sure to appeal to Bloodborne fans.
This isn’t a traditional FromSoftware Soulslike – you’ll soon be able to get Elden Ring on Switch 2 if that’s what you’re looking for – but rather it’s another of the studio’s multiplayer explorations, perhaps similar in vein to Elden Ring Nightreign. Still, as soon as FromSoftware is mentioned, ears perk up with interest and we certainly can’t wait to find out more.
