FromSoftware Reveals Closed Test Dates for The Duskbloods: The 'Bloodborne-Style' Multiplayer Epic for Nintendo Switch 2

A New Nightmare Emerges from FromSoftware

FromSoftware has spent the last few years dominating the gaming landscape. Between the seismic impact of Elden Ring in early 2022, the critically acclaimed Shadow of the Erdtree expansion in June 2024, and the upcoming spin-off Nightreign slated for May 2025, the studio has been operating at an unprecedented pace. However, the industry's attention is now shifting toward a bold new venture: The Duskbloods.

Positioned as a spiritual sibling to the gothic horror of Bloodborne, The Duskbloods is designed as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. After building anticipation with a visceral and blood-soaked trailer during the June 9 Nintendo Direct, FromSoftware has finally broken its silence regarding the highly anticipated playtest phase.

Mark Your Calendars: Closed Test Dates Announced

The wait for fans eager to experience the 'Hemalige' battles is almost over. FromSoftware has officially confirmed that a limited number of players will be granted access to a closed test session this August. The testing window is scheduled to run from August 21 to August 24.

While the excitement is high, the studio is maintaining an air of mystery regarding exactly which parts of the game will be playable. There is currently no information on the specific levels, bosses, or mechanics that will be featured in the demo. For those hoping to participate, the registration process begins on July 22, when the official application form will be deployed.

Structured Sessions and Multiplayer Ambitions

Unlike traditional open betas, the The Duskbloods test will be conducted in strictly timed windows. This approach suggests a highly controlled environment to test server stability and combat balancing. The available slots are distributed as follows:

• August 21: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• August 22: 4:00 AM – 8:00 AM / 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• August 23: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• August 24: 4:00 AM – 8:00 AM

These specific timeframes are crucial because The Duskbloods is not a solitary journey. The game is designed as a PvPvE multiplayer experience, supporting up to eight players in a single session. By scheduling these blocks, FromSoftware ensures a dense population of players to stress-test the interaction between cooperative play and competitive conflict.

What to Expect from The Duskbloods

Though the game is a new IP, the community has already dubbed it the "Bloodborne of the Switch 2" due to its oppressive atmosphere and aggressive combat style. With the power of the next-generation Nintendo hardware, FromSoftware aims to bring its signature level of detail and challenging gameplay to a portable format, blending the thrill of hunting monsters with the unpredictability of other human players.

While the total number of slots for the closed test remains undisclosed, the stakes are high for the "Aspiring Hemaliges" who hope to be selected for this exclusive first look.