The Duskbloods Trailer Reveals Closed Network Test for Summer 2026
FromSoftware made a surprise return during the June 2026 Nintendo Direct, offering a brief glimpse into its upcoming multiplayer title, The Duskbloods. The trailer confirmed that a closed network test will be available this summer, giving fans an early chance to experience the game before its official release. The wait for this new project has been long — it's been several years since the studio last unveiled a new title — and the closed test is a welcomed opportunity for players to engage with the game firsthand.
The gameplay preview showcased a world that feels both familiar and entirely new. Fans of the developer's signature style — intense combat, dark aesthetics, and complex enemy mechanics — will likely recognize the DNA of a FromSoftware title. However, The Duskbloods appears to be a departure in terms of gameplay structure, blending PvPvE elements in a way that hasn’t been seen before from the studio. The trailer emphasized a world where players can fight against each other and against AI-controlled enemies, offering a dynamic and unpredictable experience.
A New Era of Multiplayer for FromSoftware
According to the official description, The Duskbloods will place players in the role of the Bloodsworn, a group of warriors with the ability to harness blood-based powers. These abilities will not only transform the characters but also alter their combat styles, allowing for a wide variety of strategies and play types. The goal is to secure the coveted First Blood, a mechanic that suggests a focus on competitive, high-stakes gameplay.
The closed network test, set to begin in summer 2026, will be the first chance for players to experience these mechanics in action. While the final release is scheduled for Nintendo Switch 2, the test will likely be exclusive to that platform as well. This exclusivity is expected to be a major draw for fans of the franchise who are eager to see how FromSoftware applies its signature design to a multiplayer setting.
What to Expect from the Closed Network Test
The closed test will likely serve multiple purposes: it will allow the developers to gather player feedback, refine the game's mechanics, and build hype for the eventual release. Given the complexity of the game's systems, including the Bloodsworn abilities and the First Blood objective, this testing phase is crucial for ensuring a polished and enjoyable experience.
Fans of FromSoftware’s previous titles — such as Bloodborne, Dark Souls, and Sekiro — are sure to be excited by the prospect of a new multiplayer experience from the studio. The closed network test will give them a chance to explore the game’s world, experiment with different playstyles, and get a sense of the competitive landscape before the full release.
As the summer of 2026 approaches, the closed network test for The Duskbloods will be a key event for fans of the studio. With the trailer now available, players can start preparing for what promises to be a bold new direction for FromSoftware’s multiplayer offerings.
