The Duskbloods is officially getting a closed network test in Summer 2026. While exact details of how to gain access to this Duskbloods closed network test haven’t been confirmed just yet, it will give some lucky fans the opportunity to be some of the first in the world to play FromSoftware’s next big game.
Announced in April 2025, The Duskbloods is an upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive developed by FromSoftware, the same studio behind Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Sekiro, and Elden Ring. Unlike anything FromSoftware has made before, The Duskbloods is set to be a multiplayer-focused action-RPG that will see up to eight players face off against one another and AI-controlled enemies at the same time. Players will choose from an assortment of Bloodsworn, each coming with their own unique abilities and weapons.
What Elden Ring Nightreign Players Should Expect From The Duskbloods
The Duskbloods will be FromSoftware’s second co-op game in a row after Elden Ring Nightreign, but make no mistake: they are quite different.
The Duskbloods Is Getting a Closed Network Test in Summer 2026
A brand-new trailer for The Duskbloods was shown during the latest Nintendo Direct. Coming in at around a minute, this most recent Duskbloods trailer was the game’s shortest yet. No gameplay footage was shown at all during the trailer. Instead, the trailer’s runtime was dedicated to showing off several characters, most if not all of which fans have already seen before. However, the trailer did conclude with the confirmation that The Duskbloods will be receiving a closed network test in Summer 2026.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)
The exact date of this closed network test was not given during this trailer, nor were any details regarding what fans can expect to find in the network test content-wise. If The Duskbloods‘ network test is similar to past FromSoftware network tests, then fans can likely expect a small vertical slice of the finished game, perhaps with some gameplay elements missing or located in a different place compared to the finished product. If past FromSoft network tests are any indication, those eager to join The Duskbloods‘ network test will likely need to sign up via Bandai Namco’s website. Successful participants will then likely be chosen at random. It’s important to note, however, that this is all purely speculation at this point.
The only thing known for certain, aside from the general Summer 2026 window, is that The Duskbloods‘ closed network test will require an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play. Currently, a 12-month membership to Nintendo Switch Online costs $19.99 on the eShop, while a 12-month subscription to Switch Online + Expansion Pack costs $49.99.
Who’s That Character?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)
While it’s great to hear that The Duskbloods will be playable in some form this summer, it’s a little odd that FromSoftware still hasn’t announced an official release date for the upcoming multiplayer Soulslike game. The Nintendo eShop still claims that The Duskbloods is coming in 2026, but we’re halfway into the year now, and the next few months are starting to look a little packed following the onslaught of recent announcements.
- Released
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2026
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer
- Number of Players
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1-8 players
