FromSoftware and Nintendo announced a trailer for The Duskbloods during a June 2026 Nintendo Direct broadcast, revealing a closed network test for this summer [1].
The announcement marks a collaboration between the developer and Nintendo, targeting the upcoming Switch 2 console. By introducing a network test, the companies aim to gather early feedback and build momentum before the full release.
The trailer showcases multiplayer action gameplay, emphasizing the cooperative and competitive elements of the title. According to the reveal, the multiplayer mode supports up to eight players [3], consisting of one player and seven others.
FromSoftware is preparing the title for an exclusive launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026 [3]. The closed network test, scheduled for summer 2026 [1], will allow a limited number of players to experience the game's mechanics early.
This test serves as a phase for the developers to refine the network infrastructure and balance the action gameplay. The project represents a move to leverage the hardware capabilities of the next-generation Nintendo console to deliver the complex systems typical of FromSoftware titles.
Nintendo used the June 2026 Direct to highlight the announcements and games for its ecosystem [2]. The Duskbloods is a centerpiece of this strategy, utilizing the network test to ensure stability for the eventual 2026 launch [1].
“The Duskbloods will have a closed network test this summer.”
This partnership signals a shift in FromSoftware's distribution strategy by committing to a Nintendo exclusive for the Switch 2. The use of a closed network test indicates that multiplayer stability is a primary concern for the developers, likely due to the ambitious scale of eight-player action gameplay on a new hardware platform.
