FromSoftware, the acclaimed developer behind Elden Ring and Dark Souls, will hold a closed network test for its upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, The Duskbloods, from August 21 to August 24, 2026. Registration opens on Wednesday, July 22 at 3pm BST and closes on Tuesday, July 28 at 2.59pm BST. Interested players must own a Switch 2 console and an active Nintendo Switch Online membership to apply.
Network Test Details and Schedule
The network test spans four days with multiple sessions in the UK. On Friday, August 21, the test runs from 11am to 2.59pm BST. Saturday, August 22 features two sessions: 3am to 6.59am BST and 7pm to 10.59pm BST. Sunday, August 23 has a single session from 11am to 2.59pm BST, and Monday, August 24 offers a session from 3am to 6.59am BST. Successful applicants will be notified by Friday, August 7 at 2pm BST.
What is The Duskbloods?
Announced last year, The Duskbloods is a multiplayer action game directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki. It supports up to eight players and combines competitive and player versus environment (PvE) elements. According to the official website, the network test is designed to 'check different technical aspects of the game’s online systems.' A description adds: 'The Duskbloods Network Test allows for up to eight players to participate together in each of the multiplayer matches while the game is still in development. We ask for your understanding that bugs may occur during gameplay.'
Potential Reveal at Gamescom
The network test concludes a day before Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25, 2026, leading to speculation that a concrete release date may be announced at the convention. If The Duskbloods remains on track for a 2026 launch, it will join a crowded slate that includes a rumored Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, Nintendo Switch Sports: Resort (locked for October), and Grand Theft Auto VI in November. Analysts have noted Nintendo's unusually sparse information about its upcoming titles, with even less shown of the Zelda remake despite it being a remake of a 28-year-old game.
