Image: FromSoftware / Nintendo
Update #2 [Fri 7th Aug 2026, 5:45pm]:
Just a heads-up that you can now check to see if your application was successful by heading to the Duskbloods Network Test campaign page and logging in with your Nintendo Account.
If you were successful, the message should look something like this:
Image: Nintendo Life
As per the details provided, codes will be distributed on Tuesday 18th August at the following times:
- North America: 6am PDT / 7am MDT / 8am CDT / 9am EDT
- UK/Ire: 2pm BST
- Europe: 3pm CEST / 4pm EEST
- Asia/Oceania: 10pm JST / 9pm AWST / 11pm AEST
Network Test software will be distributed on August 18th (Tue) at 15:00 CEST. Those selected may download it from either the official Nintendo website or Nintendo eShop. Note: in some regions, downloading the software via means other than Nintendo eShop is not supported.
Check out below for more details on the Network Test times.
Update #1 [Mon 27th Jul 2026, 3:45pm]: Just a reminder that the sign-up period closes soon!
You’ll be notified on Friday 7th August if your application is successful.
Original Story: The Duskbloods Network Test is your chance to play FromSoftware’s Switch 2 exclusive ahead of release.
It’ll take place in late August, and due to the closed nature of the test, interested participants must first apply in a sign up period during July.
Developer FromSoftware – who also created the likes of Dark Souls and Bloodborne – has a busy summer on Switch 2, with Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition also arriving in August.
On this page: The Duskbloods Network Test Sign Up Dates, Times & How To Join
How to sign up to the The Duskbloods Network Test
To access The Duskbloods Network Test, you must sign up first. The registration period runs between Wednesday, 22nd July at 3pm BST (UK) and Tuesday, 28th July at 2:59pm BST (UK).
Image: FromSoftware / Nintendo
Sign ups will be available on the official website. Note: to sign up to The Duskbloods Network Test, you must have a Nintendo Switch 2 console and an active Switch Online membership.
As part of the process, you must link your Nintendo account. If you come across an error message, make sure you open the dropdown menu on Nintendo’s website and tick the ‘Country/region setting’ along the way.
Image: Nintendo Life / Nintendo
Once done, successful applicants will be notified on Friday, 7th August at 2pm UK time. This means there’s no guarantee you’ll get access by signing up. Either way, you must first apply during those above July dates to be contention.
The Duskbloods Network Test start dates and times in BST, CEST, EDT and PDT
The Duskbloods Network Test will operate across five sessions, each one running for four hours each. The dates and times are as follows:
Session date
BST (UK)
CEST (Western Europe)
EDT (East Coast Americas)
PDT (West Coast Americas)
Friday, 21st August
11am to 3pm
12pm to 4pm
6am to 10am
3am to 7am
Saturday, 22nd August
3am to 7am
4am to 8am
10pm (21st) to 2am
7pm to 11pm (21st)
Saturday, 22nd August
7pm to 11pm
8pm to midnight
2pm to 6pm
11am to 3pm
Sunday, 23rd August
11am to 3pm
12pm to 4pm
6am to 10am
3am to 7am
Monday, 24th August
3am to 7am
4am to 8am
10pm (23rd) to 2am
7pm to 11pm (23rd)
What will be included in The Duskbloods’ Network Test?
The exact nature of The Duskbloods Network Test is under wraps, but the official website – and a look at past FromSoftware Network Tests – gives us some idea of what to expect.
Here’s how the official site describes the Network Test:
A network test involves using a pre-release version of the game to test performance prior to the commencement of service. We plan to conduct large-scale network load tests to check different technical aspects of the game’s online systems. We look forward to you taking part and helping us make The Duskbloods as good as it can be!
So far, so vague. But the site also mentions:
- It will support up to eight players “to participate together in each of the multiplayer matches”
- The test will support “a large number of players simultaneously”, suggesting sign ups will be fairly accessible
- It’s designed to test various network environments on the backend, but also assess data on game balancing for the designers
- That elements of the game may change ahead of release
- Posting and streaming of screenshots and video is prohibited, and that the Switch 2 Capture button will be disabled
Image: FromSoftware / Nintendo
The Duskbloods’ structure – where players enter a hub area before playing online muliplayer matches to defeat a boss and other scenarios – doesn’t sound too far removed from Elden Ring Nightreign, which also saw a Network Test prior to release; that was a fairly limited slice of the game – four classes, and a small handful of bosses to encounter on each run – and it wouldn’t surprise us if The Duskbloods’ own test will be similar in scope.
Matthew – an award-winning UK-based writer and editor specialising in guides and service articles – joined the Nintendo Life team in May 2026.