FromSoftware has announced a closed online test for its new multiplayer action game, The Duskbloods. The test will run on the Nintendo Switch 2 from August 21st to 24th, 2026. Applications will open on July 22nd, and selected players will be notified on August 7th. An active Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required for access.
The Duskbloods is a PvPvE action game in which up to eight players simultaneously battle each other and AI-controlled enemies. The developers have three key objectives: server load testing, testing multiplayer performance in various network conditions, and collecting balance data. Players are asked to be patient with any potential bugs—this is a pre-release version of the game.
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Game session schedule (Moscow time)
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August 21st — 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
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August 22nd — 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM (night of August 23rd)
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August 23rd — 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
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August 24th — 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM
How to apply?
Registration opens on July 22nd at 5:00 PM Moscow time on the official The Duskbloods website. You will need to provide your region, language, and Nintendo Account information. Important: Participation is limited, and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is strictly limited, so don’t delay.
Important: to participate, you need not only a Nintendo Switch 2 but also an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Without one, your application will not even be accepted. However, there are some circumstances: during the test, the Capture button will be disabled, meaning you won’t be able to record or screenshot gameplay.
The Duskbloods, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring Nightreign: Similarities and Key Differences
The gothic aesthetic of The Duskbloods inevitably evokes associations with Bloodborne. Gloomy streets, vampiric motifs, and blood as a central element—fans have already dubbed the project a “spiritual successor.” However, Hidetaka Miyazaki, acting as game director for The Duskbloods, made it clear: this is not Bloodborne 2.
The main difference lies in the core gameplay. Bloodborne is a single-player RPG with optional co-op. The Duskbloods, on the other hand, is built around online multiplayer: PvPvE battles where you simultaneously fight other players and powerful AI bosses.
With Elden Ring Nightreign, the situation is more interesting. Nightreign is a three-player co-op PvE spin-off in the roguelite style. The Duskbloods is a PvPvE game with matches for up to eight players. Nightreign continues the high fantasy aesthetic of the Betweenlands, while The Duskbloods delves into gothic themes and vampirism. But they share something in common: both projects depart from FromSoftware’s classic single-player formula in favor of online experimentation.
In The Duskbloods, players control Bloodsworn—creatures imbued with superpowers through the power of blood. Over a dozen characters are available, each with unique weapons and abilities. They gather in an event called “Twilight of Mankind” to fight for First Blood. And yes, the winged rat in the trailer isn’t a glitch—that’s the intention.
How The Duskbloods Runs on the Nintendo Switch 2: Performance and Technical Details
According to technical analysis, The Duskbloods runs at 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second on the Switch 2, with a correct frame rate. For comparison, Donkey Kong Bananza runs at 1080p at 60 FPS, and Mario Kart World runs at 1440p at 60 FPS. Thirty frames isn’t a record, but for a project the size of The Duskbloods, where up to eight players with unique abilities and special effects can play onscreen simultaneously, it’s understandable.
An important detail: the game is being developed specifically for the Switch 2 and is not a port from other platforms. The project was originally conceived for the original Switch, but when Nintendo announced new hardware, the team had to revise its plans. The console’s emphasis on online features allowed FromSoftware to stay true to its original vision—and this, according to Miyazaki, made them very happy. The Duskbloods is expected to release in 2026 exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2. A specific date has not yet been announced.
Brief checklist for participating in the test
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Nintendo Switch 2
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Active Nintendo Switch Online subscription
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Nintendo Account
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Application on the official website from July 22 to 28
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Expect a confirmation email on August 7
