FromSoftware to Host Network Test for Switch 2 Exclusive 'The Duskbloods'
The studio behind Elden Ring will test its first multiplayer-only PvPvE title this August.
FromSoftware is preparing to launch a closed network load test for its upcoming action title, The Duskbloods, in August 2026. The event marks a critical technical milestone for the studio as it ventures into a multiplayer-only experience.
The test is scheduled to begin on August 21, 2026, with reports on the end date varying between August 23 and August 24. According to FromSoftware, the primary objective is to "conduct large-scale network load tests to check different technical aspects of the game’s online systems." The session will focus on evaluating technical performance and overall game balance before the full release.
A Shift in Strategy
Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, The Duskbloods represents a significant departure for the developer of Dark Souls and Elden Ring. Unlike previous titles that blended single-player exploration with optional online elements, this project is a dedicated PvPvE (player-versus-player-versus-environment) experience. The game features "Bloodsworn" vampire-like characters and supports matches of up to eight players. In a surprising stylistic turn, the game also incorporates dinosaurs and jetpacks into its world.
Development of the title was originally intended for the first Nintendo Switch, but the project was moved to the Nintendo Switch 2 to meet the game's specific technical requirements. This move ensures the hardware can support the scale and complexity of the multiplayer combat Miyazaki has envisioned.
Hardware and Infrastructure Stakes
As a high-profile exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2, The Duskbloods is positioned as a flagship title to showcase the capabilities of Nintendo's new hardware. For FromSoftware, the project is a test of its ability to manage large-scale multiplayer infrastructure, a different challenge than the asynchronous or small-scale co-op systems used in its previous "Soulsborne" titles.
What to Watch
The success of the August test will likely dictate the final polish phase of the game's online architecture. While the core gameplay loop and platform exclusivity are confirmed, the industry is watching to see how FromSoftware adapts its signature difficulty and precision to a competitive, eight-player environment. Further details on participant selection for the closed test are expected as the August window approaches.