The Duskbloods’ promised playtest is happening next month on Switch 2, and it sure looks like getting in will be hard

FromSoftware’s upcoming game The Duskbloods will host a closed network playtest on Nintendo Switch 2 from August 21-23, marking the first playable opportunity for the highly anticipated title. Players can apply for access between July 22-28, though participation requires ownership of a Switch 2 console and an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription—requirements that may limit available spots.

The network test will support eight-player multiplayer sessions and focus on three key development areas: server stability and load testing, multiplayer problem-solving, and overall game balance. This emphasis on multiplayer testing indicates The Duskbloods represents a significant departure from FromSoftware’s previous solo-focused releases like Dark Souls and Elden Ring.

The playtest announcement comes following the game’s reveal during Nintendo’s June Direct presentation. While the presentation generated excitement, FromSoftware declined to announce an official release date, instead promising summer testing. The narrow one-week application window and console ownership requirements suggest spots may be competitive, making entry into the playtest challenging for many fans.

Sources