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The Duskbloods
The Duskbloods is a PvPvE multiplayer action game for Nintendo Switch 2, scheduled for release in 2026. A closed network test runs from August 21 to August 24, 2026, with winners announced on August 7 and download access starting August 18.
Synthesized from 5
Yomimono stories · updated
2d ago
FromSoftware announced The Duskbloods during the June 9 Nintendo Direct broadcast, confirming a closed network test for summer 2026. The game, first revealed in April 2025, is a PvPvE multiplayer action title for up to eight players. Players take on the role of Twilight Bloodlines, superhuman beings empowered by special blood abilities, competing over the First Blood. Over ten unique characters are available, and players can select and customize them at a base before entering online matches. Victory conditions can shift depending on the match situation.
The network test was detailed across several announcements. Applications opened on July 22 at 23:00 JST and closed on July 28 at 22:59 JST. The test runs from August 21 to August 24 across five sessions, with times spanning evening, morning, and late-night slots. Winners were announced on August 7 at 22:00 JST, and selected players can download the test client starting August 18 at 22:00. The test is designed to evaluate server load, verify multiplayer functionality, and test game balance.
Participation requires a Nintendo Switch 2 console and an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Selection is by lottery, not first-come-first-served. The game is set in a Gothic Victorian world, and victory is determined by points earned during combat, with additional missions and events available. The full game is scheduled for release on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.
Key facts
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch 2 ↗
- Genre
- PvPvE multiplayer action game for up to eight players ↗
- Network test dates
- August 21 to August 24, 2026 ↗
- Application period
- July 22 to July 28, 2026 ↗
- Winner announcement
- August 7, 2026 ↗
- Download start
- August 18, 2026 ↗
- Requirements
- Nintendo Switch 2 console and Nintendo Switch Online subscription ↗
- Character count
- Over ten unique characters ↗
Timeline
Synthesized by Yomimono from the cited Yomimono stories below, each itself
sourced, then editorially reviewed. Every
fact links the story it came from.
Facts
- Release
- game · 2026 · Nintendo Switch 2 · 2026-08-20
- Release
- game · 2026 · 2026-07-22
- Announced
- network test on Nintendo Switch 2, running from August 21 to 24, 2026 · 2026-08-20
- Announced
- network test winners · 2026-08-07
- Announced
- closed network test for summer 2026 (Nintendo Direct broadcast on June 9) · 2026-06-09
- Noted
- The game is a PvPvE action title where up to eight players compete in matches called Twilight Battles. · 2026-08-20
- Noted
- Matches are divided into four phases, with players earning victory points called Virtue through various actions, including defeating enemies, lighting lanterns, and completing objectives. · 2026-08-20
- Noted
- Players with the lowest Virtue are eliminated after each phase, and the final three players duel in a direct confrontation. · 2026-08-20
- Noted
- The network test version includes six playable characters, each with unique melee and ranged weapons, and the full version will feature over ten characters with customization options. · 2026-08-20
Connections
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All coverage
2d ago
FromSoftware's new Nintendo Switch 2 action game The Duskbloods, directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, holds a network test from August 21 to 24, 2026. Ahead of that, media hands-on sessions and a group interview with Miyazaki revealed the game's core loop. In The Duskbloods, up to 8 players compete across four phases, earning victory points called Virtue to survive elimination. Virtue comes from defeating enemies, looting items, completing events, and, within designated Ritual Grounds, defeating other players. Outside those areas, PvP yields little benefit, so the game emphasizes strategy over direct combat skill. Players choose from six fixed characters in the network test, each with unique melee and ranged weapons, bloodline arts, and mobility options including air jumps and dashes. The full version will add customization and over 10 character bases. Miyazaki confirmed the game is not an extraction shooter and that PvPvE was a loose label. He also said the final battle can be PvE against a boss, and that ranked matches and seasons are planned.
Aug 7
FromSoftware has announced the winners of the network test for its upcoming PvPvE action game The Duskbloods for Nintendo Switch 2. The results were released today, August 7, at 22:00 JST, and can be checked on the My Page of the official application site or via email. The game pits up to eight players against each other as Duskbloods, beings empowered by special blood abilities, competing over the First Blood. Applications for the test closed in July. Selected players will receive a download number published on My Page from August 18 at 22:00, allowing them to download the game client. The test runs across five sessions from August 21 to August 24, with times spanning evening, morning, and late-night slots. The Duskbloods is scheduled for release in 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2.
Jul 28
FromSoftware is closing applications for the network test of its upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 title The Duskbloods today, July 28, at 22:59 JST. The network test is scheduled to run from August 21 to August 24, with multiple sessions across those days. Winners will be announced on August 7. The game is a PvPvE multiplayer action title for up to eight players, set for release in 2026. Players take on the role of blood clans or twilight bloodlines, competing over a resource called the blood grant or first blood. The test will allow selected participants to experience multiplayer gameplay before the official launch. Applicants need a Nintendo Account and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. The selection is by lottery, not first-come-first-served. Winners will receive a download code to access the test version starting August 18 at 22:00. The test sessions are scheduled at specific times on each day, covering a range of hours to accommodate different regions.
Jul 22
FromSoftware began accepting applications for the network test of its upcoming multiplayer action game The Duskbloods on July 22 at 23:00 JST. The test, scheduled to run from August 21 to August 24, allows up to eight players to experience the PvPvE gameplay. Players take on the role of Twilight Bloodlines, superhuman beings who battle over the First Blood. Victory is determined by points earned during combat, with additional missions and events available. The test is designed to evaluate server load, verify multiplayer functionality, and test game balance. Applicants must have a Nintendo Switch 2 console and an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. The application period ends on July 28 at 22:59 JST. Selected testers will be notified by email and can download the test version from August 18 at 22:00 JST. The full game is scheduled for release on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.
Jul 15
FromSoftware announced a closed network test for its upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 title The Duskbloods, to be held from August 21 to August 24, 2026. Tester applications will be accepted from July 22 to July 28. The test supports up to eight players and is designed to verify server load, multiplayer functionality, and game balance. The Duskbloods is a PvPvE multiplayer action game set in a Gothic Victorian world. Players take on the role of Twilight Bloodlines, beings granted superhuman abilities through special blood, and compete in a battle for the First Blood. Victory conditions shift depending on the situation, and more than ten unique characters are available for customization at the base. Participation requires a Nintendo Switch 2 console and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. The test marks the first opportunity for the public to play the game, which is scheduled for release on Switch 2 later in 2026.
Jun 9
FromSoftware announced during the June 9 Nintendo Direct broadcast that a closed network test for its new title The Duskbloods will take place in summer 2026. The game, first revealed in April 2025, is a PvPvE multiplayer action title for up to eight players. Players take on the role of Twilight Bloodlines, characters with superhuman powers gained through special blood abilities, who compete in battles over the First Blood. Over ten unique characters are available, and players can select and customize them at a base before entering online matches. While the last survivor typically wins, victory conditions may shift depending on the match situation. The supported platform is Nintendo Switch 2. Specific test dates, participation methods, and further platform details have not yet been announced. The announcement was accompanied by a new trailer offering a glimpse of the game's world.