FromSoftware's exclusive game for Nintendo Switch 2 is entering the home stretch: this summer the studio will open access to online testing of The Duskbloods. Russian players are already discussing that this could be the first serious test of the new console.
- The Duskbloods comes out of the shadows: why the network test became a key signal for the industry
- A new stage in the development of FromSoftware: focusing on multiplayer and experimenting with blood mechanics
- Testing schedule: when the servers will be open
- Why is this important for the Russian market
- The industry reacts: analysts see the test as a test of the capabilities of Switch 2
- Historical context: how FromSoftware uses network tests
- Social networks are already discussing: expectations are growing
- What is known about the release
- Why you should follow the test
The Duskbloods comes out of the shadows: why the network test became a key signal for the industry
In the summer of 2026, the gaming community received an important landmark: FromSoftware confirmed network testing of The Duskbloods, a new multiplayer action game created exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. For the Russian audience, this the event has special weight: Switch 2 still remains a rarity on the local market, and every major news about its games helps to understand how promising the platform will be.
The network test will take place from August 21 to 24, 2026 , and applications for participation are accepted from July 22 , reports xrust. To access you will need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, the cost of which in Russia is usually equivalent to approximately 2,000–2,500 rubles per year (prices vary by region and method of purchase).
A new stage in the development of FromSoftware: focusing on multiplayer and experimenting with blood mechanics
The Duskbloods is not just another project from the studio known for Dark Souls, Bloodborne and Elden Ring. This is an attempt to expand on its own formula and enter the territory of dynamic multiplayer battles. Players take on the role of so-called «Blood Oaths» — fighters who use abilities based on the transformation of the body and weapons through blood.
According to the developers, the mechanics of “bloody transformations” will become central: it will allow you to change your fighting style on the fly, strengthen your character and adapt to the tactics of your opponents. Up to eight players participate in battles, making the game closer to a hybrid of arena and tactical action.
Experts note that such an approach could become a new direction for the studio. If the experiment is successful, FromSoftware will have another strong brand targeting a competitive audience.
Testing schedule: when the servers will be open
Nintendo has published an exact schedule of server activity. Times are based on British Summer Time, so Russian players will have to take into account the difference:
- August 21, 11:00–15:00 BST
- 22 August, 03:00–07:00 BST
- 22 August, 19:00–23:00 BST
- 23 August, 11:00–15:00 BST
- 24 August, 03:00–07:00 BST
For Moscow, this means a shift of 2 hours forward: for example, the first session will start at 13:00 Moscow time .
Why is this important for the Russian market
The Russian audience traditionally closely follows FromSoftware projects. Elden Ring has become one of the most popular hardcore action games of recent years, and Bloodborne is still remembered as the standard of atmospheric action.
The appearance of a new exclusive on Switch 2 may push some players to buy the console, especially if the test shows stable server operation and interesting gameplay. Given the limited official presence of Nintendo in Russia, such projects become key factors in generating demand.
In addition, multiplayer games with unique mechanics often become popular in the streaming environment. Russian streamers are already discussing the possibility of participating in the test, and the first predictions are appearing on social networks: many believe that The Duskbloods can follow the path of Elden Ring and become the “game of the year” for hardcore fans.
The industry reacts: analysts see the test as a test of the capabilities of Switch 2
Since The Duskbloods is being created exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, the online test will be the first major stress test of the online functions of the new console.
Analysts note several key points:
- Checking the network infrastructure of Switch 2. If the game will show stability, this will strengthen confidence in the platform among developers.
- Performance assessment in dynamic battles. Multiplayer action games require high frame rates and minimal latency — an important indicator for future projects.
- Forming a community before release. A successful test can create a core of active players, which is critical for multiplayer games.
Historical context: how FromSoftware uses network tests
FromSoftware has held similar events for its major releases before. For example, network tests of Dark Souls III and Elden Ring allowed the studio to collect data on balance, server load and player behavior.
According to statistics from past years, participation in such tests usually reaches hundreds of thousands of players around the world. This gives developers the opportunity to identify weaknesses in advance and improve the game before release.
Social networks are already discussing: expectations are growing
In the Russian segment of social networks, the discussion began immediately after the announcement of the dates. Players share their guesses about the online architecture, compare the visual style to Bloodborne, and argue about how deep the «blood abilities» system will be.
Some commentators have noted that if FromSoftware manages to combine the atmosphere of its classic games with the dynamics of multiplayer, The Duskbloods could become a new benchmark for the genre.
What is known about the release
The game should be released in 2026, but the exact date has not yet been announced. In February, FromSoftware owner Kadokawa confirmed that The Duskbloods and Elden Ring Tarnished Edition would be coming to Nintendo Switch 2 later this year.
The network test, according to experts, indicates that development is at the final stage, and the release may take place closer to autumn or winter.
Why you should follow the test
For Russian players, participation in the test is an opportunity:
- to be the first to evaluate the combat system;
- understand how Switch 2 copes with the load;
- decide whether to buy a console for the exclusives;
- see how FromSoftware develops its ideas in multiplayer. The Duskbloods could be one of the most talked about releases of the year, and the online test is the first step towards building a future community.
Links to authoritative sources:
- https://www.videogameschronicle.com
- https://www.nintendo.com
https://www.kadokawa.co.jp
Xrust FromSoftware is preparing a major test of The Duskbloods: the network test will be the main event of August
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