The Duskbloods closed network test set for August 21–24 on Nintendo Switch 2

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FromSoftware just remembered it's got a new game scheduled for release this year, as it's now confirmed that The Duskbloods ' closed network test will take place next month.

During last month's Nintendo Direct, FromSoftware mercifully acknowledged the existence of its elusive Switch 2-exclusive multiplayer game. Things have been very quiet about The Duskbloods since its announcement last year, but we were assured we'd be able to try it out at some point "soon," and now we know exactly how soon that is.

FromSoftware confirms the network test will kick off on August 21 and run until August 24. Each day boasts at least one four-hour time slot, with some clearly more in mind for specific time zones than others. For example, the first slot on August 21 starts at 03:00am PDT (equivalent to 12:00pm CEST), but a second test later in the day begins at 19:00pm PDT (04:00am CEST the following morning). With that in mind, hopefully everyone will be able to join in at a time that isn't meant to be spent asleep at some point during the test days.

The Duskbloods Closed Network Test will take place at the dates and times shown in the image below. Starting on July 22 (Wed.), please register using the official network test website: https://t.co/unWxOdkAzX pic.twitter.com/cOczTqlCq2 July 15, 2026

If you're interested in taking part, you'll have to register on the official site – you can do so from next Wednesday, July 22, with those selected set to be notified on August 7.

"We plan to conduct large-scale network load tests to check different technical aspects of the game's online systems," FromSoftware writes. "We look forward to you taking part and helping us make The Duskbloods as good as it can be!"

The devs note that the test is planned to trial the game's servers, multiplayer experience, as well as game balance, so if you encounter a particularly broken weapon, there's no promise that the devs won't go in to tweak it. "The Duskbloods Network Test allows for up to eight players to participate together in each of the multiplayer matches while the game is still in development," FromSoft adds. "We ask for your understanding that bugs may occur during gameplay."

We still don't know exactly when The Duskbloods is meant to release beyond the vague promise of sometime this year – hopefully, the imminent network test is a good sign of an announcement to come. At the very least, fans being able to get their hands on it is going to provide plenty of news about what we can expect from the full launch whenever that does arrive.

The Duskbloods' winged rat "elderly gentleman" was actually FromSoftware's rare attempt at something "Nintendo-esque" and "cute."