From Software’s The Duskbloods to Get a Closed Network Test in August

From Software has confirmed a closed network test for its upcoming action game The Duskbloods, scheduled for August 21–23. With applications opening next week, the test is the studio’s next step toward validating online performance and multiplayer stability before launch later this year.

What happened

From Software revealed in a June Nintendo Direct that The Duskbloods—described as a Switch 2 exclusive—would be receiving a closed network test during the summer. The studio has now pinned down the dates: the test runs from August 21 through August 23.

The registration window opens on July 22 at 7:00 a.m. PT and closes on July 28 at 6:59 a.m. PT. From Software says the selection results will be announced on Friday, August 7 at 6:00 a.m. PT.

The test is structured around multiple time slots across the three days, offering separate sessions on Aug. 21, Aug. 22, and Aug. 23. Eligibility for participation requires applying during the registration period, being accepted, owning a Nintendo Switch, and having an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.

While From Software has not provided a specific release date for The Duskbloods, it has stated the game is planned to launch sometime this year. The network test, like similar efforts the studio has run for Elden Ring, is intended to stress and validate online play while the game remains in development.

Why it matters

From Software is positioning the closed test as a practical, data-driven check for how The Duskbloods handles online multiplayer. The game is described as a PvPvE experience, and the studio’s stated objectives reflect that focus.

First, the test includes a server load component, with the goal of connecting large numbers of players simultaneously to verify gameplay while stressing the game servers. Second, the studio plans to evaluate multiplayer behavior across different network environments and to observe issues that may appear when multiple players participate at once. Third, From Software aims to gather balancing data from real player sessions, using the results to understand how the game’s balance holds up when tested by actual users rather than internal builds.

The studio also emphasizes expectations: because the game is still under development, bugs may occur during the test. It also notes that each multiplayer match supports up to eight players together during the test period.

What to watch next

With applications opening July 22, the immediate thing to watch is how the acceptance process plays out—From Software will announce selections on August 7. After that, players who are chosen will get a limited window to experience The Duskbloods online across the scheduled sessions.

Beyond the test itself, the next major milestone will be what From Software does with the data: server performance, multiplayer reliability, and balance adjustments are all listed as goals. Even without a release date yet, this closed network test should offer a clearer direction on the game’s readiness for broader launch later this year.

Practical takeaways for players and fans

• Apply between July 22 (7:00 a.m. PT) and July 28 (6:59 a.m. PT) to be considered for the closed test.
• Acceptance is required—being eligible to apply does not guarantee a spot in the August sessions.
• You’ll need a Nintendo Switch and an active Nintendo Switch Online membership to participate.
• Expect the build to be in development; bugs are explicitly possible during the test.
• The test supports up to eight players per multiplayer match, so online balance and stability are key areas the studio will be evaluating.

Expert View

For players, this is one of the clearest signals yet that From Software is treating The Duskbloods’ PvPvE online layer as a first-class problem, not an afterthought. For the studio, running a closed test with server load, multiplayer stability, and balance data all in scope is the kind of groundwork that can prevent launch-day friction—especially for a match-based experience capped at eight players. And for the Switch ecosystem, it’s another reminder that platform exclusivity and online readiness are moving in lockstep as the industry heads deeper into network-first launches.