If you're interested in playing The Duskbloods early, now is your chance! And your window of opportunity might be smaller than we originally thought, so act fast if you don't want to miss out! Applications for The Duskbloods' closed network test are officially open now until July 28th, and participants are being selected in order of application.
FromSoftware hasn't revealed how many applicants will be selected, but since they're being chosen in order, time is of the essence! The early bird gets the first blood, so there's no time to waste.
Key Takeaways
- Apps open until July 28 for The Duskbloods closed network test—selections made in application order, apply ASAP.
- Eligibility: 17+, Nintendo Switch 2, active Switch Online, Nintendo Account, agree to TOS, able to report issues.
- Winners notified Aug 7; test runs Aug 21–24 (PDT slots) to evaluate servers, multiplayer and game balance.
How to Sign Up for The Duskbloods Closed Network Test
Before you sign up for The Duskbloods closed network test, there are a few criteria you have to meet. Firstly, you must have a Nintendo Switch 2 console. The Duskbloods is not coming out on the original Switch or the OLED model, so you do need the Nintendo Switch 2 console to apply.
Secondly, you need a valid Nintendo Switch Online membership and a working internet connection. Nintendo Switch Online can be pricey, but you can always sign up for a monthly subscription and back out whenever you want. That way, you're not committing to a year-long membership straight away.
There are a few other criteria you have to meet. Here's everything you need to be or have to be eligible for The Duskbloods' closed network test:
- You must be 17 years of age or older
- You must have a Nintendo Switch 2 console
- You must have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership and an internet connection
- A Nintendo Account is necessary to complete this application
- Must be available to participate and report issues
- Must review and agree to Terms of Use for The Duskbloods Network Test Ver.
- Must be available to complete a survey post-play
If you meet those requirements, head to The Duskbloods' closed network application site. Select your region and language, accept the terms and conditions of the agreement, and link your Nintendo Account. Make sure the region and language you chose at the beginning of your application match your Nintendo account. If these details don't match, it will halt your progress.
The Duskbloods might not be easy. Check out our full The Duskbloods Wiki for guidance!
Once your account and email address are linked, you'll be ready to review and complete your application! Keep an eye on your email inbox, as if you're chosen, you'll be notified by email on August 7th.
When Is The Duskbloods Closed Network Test?
The lucky winners will be announced on August 7th, a few weeks before the closed network test officially begins. The closed network test itself will run from August 21st to the 24th PDT. We've listed the time slots for you below:
- Aug. 21, 2026 (Fri.) 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. PDT
- Aug. 21, 2026 (Fri.) 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. PDT
- Aug. 22, 2026 (Sat.) 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. PDT
- Aug. 23, 2026 (Sun.) 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. PDT
- Aug. 23, 2026 (Sun.) 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. PDT
The primary goal of the test is to see how the game server performs under pressure, how smooth the multiplayer experience will be, and how well the game is balanced.
It's still unclear how much of the game will be available during the test or how much (if any) story content we'll be able to see. The closed network test might just be the first x hours of the game, or we might only be able to access lobbies and test runs rather than the actual game itself. These questions will have to go unanswered until August 21st when the first tests run, but our fingers are crossed for a meaty network test that really lets us sink our teeth into The Duskbloods.
The Duskbloods
- Released
- 2026
- Developer(s)
- FromSoftware
- Publisher(s)
- FromSoftware
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Number of Players
- 1-8 players
- Genre(s)
- Action
