The Duskbloods Network Test Set for August 21 to 24, Tester Applications Open July 22
This network test offers the first public hands-on with FromSoftware's experimental PvPvE title, a significant departure from the studio's signature single-player action RPGs.
Key Facts
- The network test for The Duskbloods will run from August 21, 2026 to August 24, 2026.
- Tester applications are open from July 22, 2026 to July 28, 2026.
- The test supports up to eight players in PvPvE matches.
- Participation requires a Nintendo Switch 2 console and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
- The game features more than ten unique playable characters called Twilight Bloodlines.
Reporting from 5 sources: 4Gamer.net, Automaton, Denfaminicogamer, Game Spark, and 1 more.
FromSoftware announced a closed network test for its upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 title The Duskbloods, to be held from August 21 to August 24, 2026. Tester applications will be accepted from July 22 to July 28. The test supports up to eight players and is designed to verify server load, multiplayer functionality, and game balance. The Duskbloods is a PvPvE multiplayer action game set in a Gothic Victorian world. Players take on the role of Twilight Bloodlines, beings granted superhuman abilities through special blood, and compete in a battle for the First Blood. Victory conditions shift depending on the situation, and more than ten unique characters are available for customization at the base. Participation requires a Nintendo Switch 2 console and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. The test marks the first opportunity for the public to play the game, which is scheduled for release on Switch 2 later in 2026.
The network test will primarily stress-test the game servers, verify matchmaking for up to eight players, and check overall balance. FromSoftware aims to gather data on online system performance ahead of the full launch. The Duskbloods was first revealed during a June 2026 Nintendo Direct, and the studio has since described it as a more superhuman and bold action experience compared to previous titles. Players can select from over ten named characters, each with distinct abilities, and customize them at a base hub before entering multiplayer matches. The test schedule runs from August 21 (Friday) through August 24 (Monday), and applications open on July 22 at 23:00 JST, closing on July 28 at 22:59 JST. An application page will be posted on the official website. The game is exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 and is slated for a 2026 worldwide release.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 5 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.
Sources
- 4Gamer.net フロム・ソフトウェアの最新作「The Duskbloods」，2026年8月21日から24日にかけてネットワークテストを実施
- Automaton フロム・ソフトウェア新作『ダスクブラッド』クローズドネットワークテスト、8月21日から開催へ、来週テスター応募受付開始。フロムの最大8人PvPvEをついに遊べる
- Denfaminicogamer フロム新作『The Duskbloods』ネットワークテストを8月21日から開催決定！！ テスター応募は7月22日より受付開始
- Game Spark フロム・ソフトウェア新作『The Duskbloods』ネットワークテストが8月21日～24日に実施！最大8人のマルチプレイを体験可能
- Inside フロム・ソフトウェア新作『The Duskbloods』ネットワークテストが8月21日～24日に実施！最大8人のマルチプレイを体験可能