When the Nintendo Switch 2 was first announced, one of the major new exclusives revealed from the console was The Duskbloods, developed by From Software. The game has been delayed since then, but we are finally starting to see some real progress, with From Software announcing plans for the first public play test.

Starting today, Nintendo Switch 2 owners can apply to participate in the Network Test for The Duskbloods, From Software has announced. The application window is small, so you'll need to send one in by the 28th of July in order to be in the running to participate. This is not an open playtest, so you'll also need a little luck on your side to be selected. As is often the case with these sort of tests, no streaming or gameplay recording will be permitted and From Software is likely to issue DMCA takedowns for any footage shared online.

It is unclear how many invites will be sent out but From Software describes this as a “large-scale network load test”, so there is a good chance you will get in. Do be warned though, you will need an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription in order to participate.

The test will give players access to a small, incomplete slice of the game. From Software has said that the content included is still in development and may not be representative of what appears in the final game. Speaking of the final game, The Duskbloods doesn't have a release date yet, but it is expected to launch in 2026. Assuming the network test goes well in late August, the game could drop sometime in Q4.

KitGuru Says: Are you going to apply to participate in The Duskbloods' network test?

FromSoftware has announced the official network test dates for its upcoming Switch 2 exclusive title, The Duskbloods. The closed playtest will run from August 21st to August 24th.

Applications for the playtest open on July 22nd directly through the game's official website. If you're looking to participate, you'll need a Nintendo Switch 2 console alongside an active Nintendo Switch Online membership to apply. FromSoftware is using the event to verify core gameplay systems while putting a heavy load on the game servers.

The developer also wants to evaluate how the multiplayer components hold up with global participants online, as well as test general game balance. Each match will support up to eight players. These network tests typically arrive a few months before a full release, following a similar timeline to last year's Elden Ring: Nightreign playtest.

KitGuru says: FromSoftware's upcoming network test will give us our first real look at how The Duskbloods plays and performs on Nintendo's hardware. Will you be signing up for the playtest or waiting it out for its full release before trying the game?

Although FromSoftware is known for keeping a very tight lid on its projects, the silence surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive The Duskbloods is getting deafening. After resurfacing during last month's Nintendo Direct, we have learned that a closed network test is scheduled for this Summer, and today we have finally learned when the Japanese development studio, will lift the veil from the game it reportedly spent the most time on to date. "We will be hosting a network test for The Duskbloods on Nintendo Switch 2 from Aug. 21 (Fri.) - Aug. 24 (Mon.). Participant registration will begin on […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/fromsoftware-lifts-veil-the-duskbloods-august-21-network-test/

FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods has been missing in action since its announcement during last year's Nintendo Switch 2 event. Although publisher Kadokawa has reiterated multiple times that the game will not miss its 2026 release window, many feared it would. Although we do not know when the next game from the celebrated developer of Elden Ring and the Dark Souls series is hitting the Nintendo Switch 2, the first taste of the experience is coming before the end of the year. With a new trailer shown during today's Nintendo Direct, it's confirmed that The Duskbloods closed beta test will be held this […]

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Read full article at https://wccftech.com/kadokawa-reaffirms-elden-ring-tarnished-edition-the-duskbloods-launching-in-2026/

The Nintendo community is currently starving for news and looking ahead to the next proper Nintendo Direct. Known insider Nate the Hate suggested in a new podcast that while a new presentation could still be a few months away, the remainder of 2026 is going to be packed with notable releases, including a new Star Fox game. Unfortunately, the next Super Mario 3D game won't be among them and will supposedly only launch in 2027. "From what I have been hearing, it doesn't sound as though there is going to be a general direct in the immediate future… it doesn't […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/nintendo-switch-2-super-mario-3d-2027/