FromSoftware was forced to prematurely end the first closed network test for its upcoming vampire-themed game, The Duskbloods, due to widespread server connectivity problems. The test, intended to evaluate the game's online functionality on the Nintendo Switch 2, was scheduled to begin early on August 21, 2026. However, participants across multiple time zones reported being unable to log in for several hours.
Players attempting to join the test were consistently met with a "Failed to log in to The Duskbloods game server" error message. Repeated attempts to reconnect only resulted in the same error after extended loading times. After nearly two hours of these persistent issues, FromSoftware announced via its official X account that the session was being closed.
"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to those who were waiting for the first The Duskbloods network test due to game server issues," the developer stated. "We regret to inform you that today's session is now closed. We will continue to work on improving the servers and will announce future schedules at a later date."
The announcement raised questions about the status of subsequent scheduled network test sessions, including one planned for later the same evening and additional sessions over the weekend. The developer has not yet clarified whether these future tests will proceed as planned or be rescheduled. The Duskbloods is slated for release later this year.
FromSoftware's foray into a complex online PvPvE experience like The Duskbloods is a departure from its previous titles, though the studio did face its own server challenges with Elden Ring: Nightreign upon its release. The reliability of its online infrastructure for this new title remains a point of interest, particularly given Nintendo's varied history with online services across its first-party games. Despite the server setbacks, the developer has committed to further server improvements ahead of the game's launch.