FromSoftware, the studio behind critically acclaimed titles such as Elden Ring and Dark Souls, has announced a Closed Network Test for its upcoming multiplayer-only game, tentatively titled The Duskbloods. This marks the first opportunity for players to experience the new title before its official release.
The application period for the Closed Network Test will run from July 22, 10 a.m. EDT, to July 28, 9:59 a.m. EDT. Participation requires a Nintendo Switch 2 system and an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. The network test itself is scheduled to take place from August 21 to August 23.
The Duskbloods was initially revealed during a 2025 Nintendo Direct presentation and was recently teased further in a livestream that announced the upcoming network test. The game is described as a PvPvE title with a strong emphasis on online multiplayer, allowing up to eight players to compete against each other while also facing challenging in-game foes. While the game centers around a gothic-horror, vampire-inspired aesthetic, its announcement trailer showcased a diverse cast of characters, including a Victorian noble, a dinosaur, a person in pajamas, and a steampunk figure with a jetpack.
The development of another multiplayer-focused game from FromSoftware, a studio renowned for its single-player RPGs, has been met with some skepticism from the gaming community. The upcoming network test will provide an early look at The Duskbloods and may offer insights into whether the studio can replicate its success in a different genre.