The Nintendo Direct trailer landed like a cold slap, and I heard the room go quiet. For a studio that reveals slowly, FromSoftware just tossed a baited hook into the water. You should be watching this closely.
The TV stayed on while my neighbor texted: FromSoftware finally showed The Duskbloods
I watched the Direct with that particular mix of hope and suspicion only fans get. The trailer gives us a hard look at the game’s tone: grim-dark, blood-soaked, and designed for teams of up to eight players. FromSoft made one thing clear — this is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, and it’s multiplayer-first: PvP and PvE modes, seasonal events, and ongoing awards to keep matches meaningful.
The console box sat on the table when the Closed Network Test line appeared: A surprise summer test is coming
This was the moment the reveal turned from tease to opportunity. At the tail end of the trailer, FromSoftware confirmed a Closed Network Test will run sometime this summer. That means a select group of players will play weeks — possibly months — before public release.
How can I join The Duskbloods Closed Network Test?
If you want a shot, follow the official channels: X and Instagram. FromSoft has used this pattern before; Elden Ring: Nightfall ran a similar Closed Network Test months ahead of launch. Sign-ups usually appear as short windows, and the spots vanish fast. I recommend setting alerts on X and toggling Instagram notifications for the official account.
The kitchen light flickered while I scrolled: What the Closed Network Test implies for release timing
A CNT this summer suggests FromSoft is confident in core systems. Tests like this are about stress, balance, and data — not final polish. Historically, when FromSoft opens a few doors early, the gap between public test and release can be shorter than you expect. The test could be a signalling device: they want feedback, but they also want players invested early.
When will The Duskbloods release?
There’s no official date yet. But if past timing holds — and if the Closed Network Test mirrors Nightfall — expect narrower windows between test and launch. I’d hedge on an announcement of a release quarter after the test completes rather than a distant release year.
The street outside smelled of rain: What you’ll actually play as a Duskblood
You’re a vampire-like combatant, a Duskblood, and progression comes through matches: weapons, spells, and gear tell the story of the world as much as cutscenes do. FromSoft’s design has always let you reconstruct history from play — your equipment is a history book. The game rewards reading items, experimenting, and trading strategies with other players.
Is The Duskbloods exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes. Announced with the Switch 2 in April 2025, FromSoft tied The Duskbloods to Nintendo’s next-gen hardware. If you’re on the hunt for ports or cross-play, that’s the detail to watch in post-test updates.
If you follow me, I’ll be tracking test sign-up windows, patch notes, and impressions from the first wave of players. Treat the Closed Network Test like a key turned in a lock — it either opens a door to quick release or gives you a peek at what needs more work.
Information on The Duskbloods has been scarce since its reveal, but this test is a clear signal that the project is active and near an important phase. You don’t have to guess who to follow: FromSoft, Nintendo, and the official social accounts are your best bet for real-time alerts. I’ll be watching their posts and the chatter on developer feeds and industry accounts.
From the trailer to the test announcement, the momentum feels intentional. If you’ve enjoyed Elden Ring: Nightfall or live for asymmetric multiplayer, this could be the next match you care about. Will early access change how the community forms around the game, or will it harden the divide between testers and the rest of us?
Are you going to try to get into the Closed Network Test and report back, or will you wait for the full release and let the testers sort the chaos?