You Might Be Able to Play FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods During a Network Test Next Month

Prepare for The Duskbloods: Network Test Dates Announced

Following their initial reveal at the June Nintendo Direct, FromSoftware has provided an update on their highly anticipated Switch 2 exclusive, The Duskbloods. The developers have confirmed that a closed network stress test is officially scheduled for next month, running from August 21 through August 23.

If you are hoping to get an early look at this title, mark your calendar: the application window opens on July 22 and closes on July 28.

This initiative mirrors the pre-launch strategy FromSoftware employed for Elden Ring. As The Duskbloods focuses heavily on a competitive PvPvE experience, the team is prioritizing this period to evaluate server stability and networking performance ahead of the game’s official release later this year.

Objectives of the Network Test

FromSoftware has outlined three primary goals for this testing phase:

• Server Infrastructure: Assessing server load by stress-testing connectivity with a large influx of concurrent players.
• Network Optimization: Identifying potential synchronization or latency issues across varying connection environments.
• Combat Balancing: Gathering player performance data to refine gameplay mechanics and character balance.

The studio notes that participants will be grouped into eight-player matches. They have also requested patience, as the game remains in active development and may feature technical anomalies or bugs.

How to Participate

To qualify, you must possess a Nintendo Switch and an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Applications open on Wednesday, July 22, at 7:00 a.m. PT and conclude on Tuesday, July 28, at 6:59 a.m. PT. Successful applicants will be notified on August 7 at 6:00 a.m. PT.

Scheduled Test Windows (PDT):

• Friday, Aug. 21: 3:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.
• Friday, Aug. 21: 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 22: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 23: 3:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 23: 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

For more details, you can view the latest trailer here or revisit the initial announcement reveal.

Good luck to all applicants!