FromSoftware confirmed that its upcoming multiplayer action game The Duskbloods will receive a closed network playtest next month. The session runs from August 21 through August 24, with applications opening later this month. The title was revealed as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive in 2025.

The studio posted details on the official website this week. A pre-release build will be supplied for the test period. Anyone hoping to join must possess a Nintendo Switch 2 console together with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.

FromSoftware plans to run network load tests with large numbers of simultaneous players to examine technical performance across the online systems.

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Beyond load testing, the team will investigate issues that surface when players connect from varied network conditions. Balance data will also be gathered during the sessions.

Each online match in the test supports up to eight participants while the game remains in development. Players should expect occasional bugs throughout the preview.

Applications open July 22 and close July 28. Selected testers will receive confirmation on August 7 ahead of the August 21 start date.

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The Duskbloods debuted during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal stream in April 2025. The PvPvE action title is directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki of Elden Ring. No release date has been announced, yet the game stays exclusive to Switch 2 for a 2026 launch.

At last month's Nintendo Direct, FromSoftware unveiled a new trailer and confirmed the summer network test.