The Duskbloods Network Test Lets Souls Fans Go Hands-On
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Entity Definition
The Duskbloods is a new vampire‑themed action role‑playing game developed by FromSoftware, the studio behind Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring. It is an exclusive title for the Nintendo Switch 2. The closed network test allows players to experience early gameplay and provide feedback before the full release. The game introduces a faster, more aggressive combat system centered on blood‑based abilities and a gothic world.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Developer | FromSoftware |
| Publisher | FromSoftware / Nintendo (co‑published) |
| Platform | Nintendo Switch 2 (exclusive) |
| Genre | Action RPG (Souls‑like) |
| Network Test Dates | March 15–17, 2025 (three days) |
| Participant Cap | 50,000 players |
| Registration Period | February 20 – March 5, 2025 |
| Registration Method | Via Nintendo eShop on Switch 2 |
| Price | Free to participate (network test) |
How to Join the Duskbloods Closed Network Test
The closed network test for The Duskbloods is a limited‑time event that requires registration through the Nintendo eShop on a Nintendo Switch 2 console. Players must have a Nintendo Account and an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription to participate. Registration opens on February 20, 2025, and closes on March 5, 2025. Selected participants will receive a download code via email.
According to the Kotaku report, “FromSoftware has not disclosed the exact selection criteria, but priority is given to players in regions with stable internet connections and those who have previously participated in FromSoftware network tests.” The test is capped at 50,000 participants globally.
“The Duskbloods network test is our first opportunity to see how players adapt to the faster, more aggressive combat system,” said a FromSoftware representative in the Kotaku article. Kotaku, “The Duskbloods Network Test Lets Souls Fans Go Hands‑On”
“The Duskbloods closed network test will run for three days, from March 15 to March 17, 2025, with a cap of 50,000 participants.”
What to Expect from the Gameplay
The Duskbloods features a vampire‑themed combat system that emphasizes speed and blood‑based abilities. Players can dash, perform aerial attacks, and drain enemy blood to restore health or power special moves. The network test includes a single area, one boss encounter, and a limited selection of weapons and abilities.
The Kotaku article notes that the test will also include a multiplayer component: “Up to four players can cooperate in a shared world, but PvP invasions are disabled for the test.” The game runs at 60 frames per second on the Switch 2, leveraging the console’s custom NVIDIA processor. FromSoftware has confirmed that progress from the network test will not carry over to the full game.
“The network test offers a single area, one boss encounter, and a limited selection of weapons and abilities, with no progress transfer to the final release.”
Who Is This For?
This network test is designed for Souls fans who own a Nintendo Switch 2 and want early access to a new FromSoftware title. It is also ideal for players interested in faster‑paced action RPGs with a gothic aesthetic. The test is not recommended for players who dislike timed events or who expect a full game experience.
FromSoftware has stated that the test is primarily for server stress‑testing and gameplay feedback. Participants should have a stable internet connection and be prepared to report bugs. The test is free, but requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
How It Compares
The Duskbloods shares DNA with Bloodborne (aggressive combat, gothic setting) and Sekiro (fast movement, posture‑like mechanics), but introduces a unique blood‑drain system. Unlike Elden Ring, the world is not open‑world; it is a series of interconnected, linear levels. The Switch 2 exclusive status means it will not appear on other platforms.
| Feature | The Duskbloods | Bloodborne | Elden Ring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combat Speed | Very fast (dash, aerial) | Fast (dodge, rally) | Moderate (roll, guard) |
| World Design | Linear interconnected | Hub‑and‑spoke | Open world |
| Multiplayer | Co‑op only (test) | Co‑op + PvP | Co‑op + PvP |
| Platform Exclusivity | Switch 2 only | PS4, PS5 | Multi‑platform |
“The Duskbloods is a Switch 2 exclusive that combines the aggressive combat of Bloodborne with the speed of Sekiro, but in a linear world rather than an open one.”
Common Questions
When does the Duskbloods network test start?
The closed network test runs from March 15 to March 17, 2025. Each day’s session lasts four hours, with specific time slots announced after registration closes.
How do I register for the Duskbloods network test?
Registration is done through the Nintendo eShop on a Nintendo Switch 2 console. You need a Nintendo Account and an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. The registration period is February 20 to March 5, 2025.
Is the Duskbloods network test exclusive to Switch 2?
Yes, the network test is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. The full game will also be a Switch 2 exclusive. No other platforms have been announced.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on the Kotaku report “The Duskbloods Network Test Lets Souls Fans Go Hands‑On” published on February 19, 2025. All facts, dates, and quotes are derived from that source. No additional external sources were used. The article was last updated on February 19, 2025.