Back in June, Nintendo had its Nintendo Direct event, and most people were probably expecting a showing from The Duskbloods, a co-op, PvPvE experience from the developer behind Elden Ring, FromSoftware. While the title did make an appearance, giving us slightly more to chew on while we wait, the big news provided during the event was that the title would have a Closed Network Test later this year for some players to finally go hands-on and experience it for themselves.
FromSoftware has finally provided some more information concerning the times and dates that the network tests will be live. The studio has confirmed that they will take place between August 21 and August 24. Access applications will begin being accepted on July 22, with the application period lasting until July 28. It was also confirmed that a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required to play in the Network Test.
Below you can find a list of the times that the event will be accessible:
- Aug. 21, 2026 (Fri.) between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. PDT
- Aug. 21, 2026 (Fri.) between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. PDT
- Aug. 22, 2026 (Sat.) between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. PDT
- Aug. 23, 2026 (Sun.) between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. PDT
- Aug. 23, 2026 (Sun.) between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. PDT
The developer has stated that the purpose of the network test will be to let the team test the performance before any commencement of service. They stated that the team will “conduct large-scale network load tests to check different technical aspects of the game’s online systems.” Below is a more comprehensive overview released by the studio.
Overview
The primary goals of the network test for The Duskbloods are as follows:
Game server load test
We will connect large numbers of players simultaneously to verify gameplay while putting a load on the game server.
Multiplayer test
We will test for various problems that may occur when multiple people play together in different network environments, and various phenomena that may occur by having many users participate.
Game balance test
When real players test the game together, the developers can gather data about how well the game is balanced.
Gameplay
The network test for The Duskbloods allows for up to eight players to participate together in each of the multiplayer matches while the game is still in development.
We ask for your understanding that bugs may occur during gameplay.
The Duskbloods does not yet have a release date, though it is still slated for 2026, which means a date of release could be imminent following the conclusion of these tests, or even in the buildup. It is unclear if anything could change for the game’s release based on feedback or issues encountered. Currently, the title is scheduled to be a Nintendo Switch 2 platform exclusive. Players can sign up for the network test here.
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