Nintendo Switch 2 owners will be able to play The Duskbloods, the new game from Elden Ring creators FromSoftware, early.
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The Duskbloods is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive PvPvE title with “online multiplayer at its core”. It was announced last April during a bumper Nintendo Switch 2 Direct and is due to launch at some point this year, though a firm release date has yet to be confirmed.
However, some gamers will be able to play The Duskbloods early, with FromSoftware hosting a network test next month. “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. We ask for your understanding that bugs may occur during gameplay,” explains a press release.
Taking place between August 21 and 24, players will be able to register here to take part in The Duskbloods’ network test from July 22.
According to FromSoftware, the purpose of the network test is to check server load and how the game is balanced. “We will [also] 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,” they explained.
The Duskbloods Closed Network Test will take place at the dates and times shown below. From July 22nd, you can apply via the official network test website: https://t.co/M3a4ADrBWT pic.twitter.com/6vFSsSRXsq
— Nintendo of Europe (@NintendoEurope) July 15, 2026
According to game creator Hidetaka Miyazaki, The Duskbloods has a “so-called ‘hub’ area, where players can choose their character, customise them and enter online multiplayer. Online multiplayer supports up to eight players. Upon concluding an online match, players then return to the hub, at which point they receive some sort of reward whether they win or lose. Using these rewards, players can further customise their character, and so the cycle continues.
“Online matches are generally last player standing, however there are certain cases where victory conditions differ,” he continued. “For example, players may be tasked with teaming up to take down a powerful boss enemy, or find themselves in other special circumstances.”
In other news, some Marathon fans are planning a “revival” week of activities to try and boost the profile of the floundering shooter.
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