FromSoftware and Nintendo announced a closed network test for the multiplayer action game "The Duskbloods" during a June 2026 Nintendo Direct presentation [1].
The announcement marks a critical step for the developer as it transitions into the PvPvE space on Nintendo's latest hardware. This test will allow the studio to gather essential player feedback and stress-test network stability before the game's full commercial launch [1, 2].
Revealed via a new announcement trailer, the game is designed for the Nintendo Switch 2 [1]. The network test is scheduled to take place in summer 2026 [1, 3]. While the trailer provided a glimpse of the gameplay, Nintendo has not yet announced a formal release date for the full version of the title [2].
The Duskbloods is described as a multiplayer experience that blends player-versus-player and player-versus-environment combat. According to the official announcement trailer, matches in the game will support up to eight players [4].
FromSoftware is known for high-difficulty action games, and this project represents a shift toward a more structured multiplayer environment. The closed network test will be limited to a specific number of participants to ensure the developers can monitor performance closely [1, 2].
Nintendo's partnership with FromSoftware for a Switch 2 exclusive or lead title suggests a strategic push to attract a more hardcore gaming demographic to the new console. The focus on a closed test indicates that the game is in a playable state but requires refinement of its online infrastructure [1, 3].
“The network test is scheduled to take place in summer 2026.”
The move to test The Duskbloods on the Nintendo Switch 2 signals a concerted effort by Nintendo to leverage FromSoftware's prestige to establish the new console's technical capabilities. By focusing on a PvPvE model with eight-player matches, the companies are targeting a competitive multiplayer market that has traditionally been dominated by other platforms, potentially expanding the Switch 2's appeal to the 'soulslike' community.
