Network Test

Introduction

The Network Test category is the heart of The Duskbloods pre-release coverage, because the closed network test on Nintendo Switch 2 is the first real chance players get to experience FromSoftware's PvPvE action. The test runs from August 21 to August 24, 2026, with five four-hour sessions across four days, and it follows a strict schedule: applications opened on July 22, ran through July 28, results were announced on August 7, and download codes arrive on August 18. Players need a Nintendo Switch 2 system and a Nintendo Switch Online membership to participate. This category gathers every confirmed detail — how to apply on campaign.theduskbloods.jp, what to do if you are selected, how to redeem your download code, what the test aims to validate (server load, matchmaking, balance), and what you should try first once you are in a match. Because the community considers the network test the single hottest topic before launch, these articles are kept up to date as Nintendo and FromSoftware release new information, session times and regional details.

Network Test Timeline at a Glance

Test Essentials

Core Mechanics

Participating in The Duskbloods network test follows a strict phase-based flow. First, you apply during the July 22–28 window at campaign.theduskbloods.jp, which requires a linked Nintendo Account and region confirmation. Second, the selection lottery runs and results are published on August 7 on the Network Test account page — being selected is not guaranteed, and Nintendo has described it as a lottery-style closed test. Third, selected players receive a download code on August 18, redeemable on the Nintendo Store or eShop, which installs the test client on their Nintendo Switch 2. Finally, the test itself runs five 4-hour sessions from August 21 to August 24, and each session opens the matchmaking queue for Dusk Battles. The stated purpose of the test is to verify server stability under load, evaluate matchmaking quality and gather early balance data for the 8-player PvPvE combat. This means players should expect to encounter matchmaking errors, queue times and balance tweaks — all part of the intended test experience.

Advantages

The network test is the single most valuable confirmed milestone for The Duskbloods community before launch. Participating gives you first-hand access to the 8-player PvPvE loop, letting you feel how superhuman movement, Victory Points and dynamic events actually play rather than reading about them. The test also serves as a preview of the Bloodsworn customization system and gives community analysts real footage to build accurate tier lists and guides from. For players, the advantages are practical: you learn the match flow ahead of launch, meet the community in live lobbies, and develop strategies you can carry into the full game. Even the codes and preparation steps are an advantage for fans — the process of applying, checking selection and downloading builds anticipation and creates a shared community moment around the test window.

Challenges

The network test has important limitations. Access is not guaranteed — the selection is a lottery, so many players will not get in, despite having applied early. The test client is limited: Nintendo has only confirmed 8-player matchmaking and test objectives, not the full roster of Bloodsworn or the complete stage list, so the experience may feel like a vertical slice rather than the whole game. Session times are set (five 4-hour windows) and may clash with work or regional time zones, and during a closed test you should expect server issues, matchmaking errors and balance changes that will not reflect the final game. Finally, the information gathered during the test is provisional — tier lists and strategy articles written after the test should be treated as early data, not final meta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Tips