Everything You Need to Know About The Duskbloods Playtest

Ever since it was first announced, FromSoftware has consistently surprised the industry with The Duskbloods. That’s because the game has generated immense hype for two primary reasons: first, it appears to be a spiritual successor to the critically acclaimed Bloodborne, sharing its dark, gothic DNA. And second, and perhaps most shockingly, it is a Soulsborne title developed exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 – marking a historic first for Nintendo in its long publishing history.

During the Nintendo Direct on June 9, fans finally received long-awaited updates regarding this upcoming title. While the presentation unfortunately did not include a definitive release date, there is a silver lining for those eager to face its horrors, since it turns out that we will actually be able to play the game much sooner than expected!

A Mysterious Glimpse and The Call For Testers

FromSoftware took advantage of the global spotlight during today's live broadcast to debut a brand-new trailer for The Duskbloods. True to the studio's reputation, the footage was as mysterious and enigmatic as previous teasers, offering haunting visuals without giving away explicit details about the narrative or the decaying world players will inhabit. You can take a look right below:

However, the most significant news arrived at the very end of the trailer. As the screen faded to black, a message confirmed that a "Closed Network Test" is officially on the way! This announcement means that players will finally have a shot at testing the game’s mechanics and combat loops before the full launch.

In case you aren’t aware, these network tests have basically become a staple for FromSoftware, since the Japanese studio has utilized this format for nearly all of its recent major releases, including Elden Ring and its spin-off title, Elden Ring Nightreign. Essentially, these events serve as a technical stress test, allowing developers to ensure that the game’s online connectivity, multiplayer summons, and server stability are functioning correctly under pressure, while also giving the community a hands-on preview of the gameplay.

There is, however, a catch for those hoping to jump in immediately. If this follows the pattern of previous FromSoftware tests, participation will not be open to everyone. Historically, users must register through an official portal for a chance to be randomly selected. Once chosen, players are typically granted access only during specific, limited windows of time. While the exact selection criteria and the specific content included in the demo remain a mystery for now, we do know that the test is scheduled for the Summer of 2026. This means the action will take place between the upcoming months of June and August, way closer than anyone would expect!

In the official trailer description on YouTube, FromSoftware simply stated that “details regarding the network test will be disclosed at a later date on the game’s official website.” For now, it seems the community will have to keep a very close eye on official channels to secure a spot in what is arguably the most anticipated test of the year. Whether this proves to be the true successor to the Bloodborne legacy or something entirely new, The Duskbloods is officially the must-watch title for the Switch 2 era.