We’ve known since last month’s Nintendo Direct that The Duskbloods would get a closed network test this summer, and FromSoftware has finally made it all official. Applications open on July 22 at 7:00 AM Pacific (10:00 AM Eastern) and close on July 28 at 6:59 AM Pacific (9:59 AM Eastern), with the test itself running across five sessions from August 21 to 23. It’s the first chance for the public to actually play the Switch 2 exclusive since its reveal back in April 2025.
Applying requires a Nintendo Account, a Switch 2, and an active Nintendo Switch Online membership, with signups handled through the official network test website during that window. FromSoftware says applications will be accepted in the order they’re received and that the number of participants is limited, with the selection announcement coming on August 7 at 6:00 AM Pacific (9:00 AM Eastern). Anyone who makes the cut gets a download code to grab The Duskbloods Network Test Ver. from the Nintendo eShop starting August 18 at 6:00 AM Pacific (9:00 AM Eastern).
As for what you’ll actually be doing, FromSoftware plans to run large-scale load tests on the game’s servers, check for problems when players connect across different network environments, and gather balance data from real matches. Each match supports up to eight players, and the studio is upfront that this is a pre-release build rather than a demo, so expect bugs, limited content, and specifications that may differ from the final release. Streaming and screenshots are not allowed either, and the Switch 2’s Capture Button will be disabled for the test.
Each of the five test sessions runs four hours, and two of them kick off at 3:00 AM Pacific:
- August 21: 3:00 AM to 7:00 AM Pacific (6:00 AM to 10:00 AM Eastern)
- August 21: 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM Pacific (10:00 PM to 2:00 AM Eastern)
- August 22: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Pacific (2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Eastern)
- August 23: 3:00 AM to 7:00 AM Pacific (6:00 AM to 10:00 AM Eastern)
- August 23: 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM Pacific (10:00 PM to 2:00 AM Eastern)
FromSoftware notes that session dates and times may change or be canceled without notice.
FromSoftware followed a similar playbook with Elden Ring Nightreign, which held its own network test in February 2025 a few months ahead of its May launch. The Duskbloods is still slated for 2026 on Switch 2, joining Elden Ring Tarnished Edition on FromSoftware’s Switch 2 calendar this year. There’s still no release date, though. If you’re planning to apply, mark down July 22, since slots are limited and applications are first come, first served.
