Quick Answer
The Duskbloods Closed Network Test (CNT) is an exclusive early-access demo hosted by FromSoftware for their upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 title. It runs from August 21st to August 23rd, 2026. During this test, up to eight players will engage in intense PvPvE multiplayer combat, playing as the superhuman “Bloodsworn” to claim “First Blood”. Preloads are already live (a 3.8 GB download) for selected participants.
What is The Duskbloods Closed Network Test?
Announced during the Nintendo Direct showcase in June 2026, The Duskbloods marks FromSoftware’s highly anticipated return to Nintendo hardware. Developed exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, the game is stepping boldly into a dark, end-of-days PvPvE multiplayer format. The Closed Network Test allows developers to stress-test the servers, refine game balance, and gather technical data from real players before the official 2026 launch.
CNT Dates, Preload, and Schedule
If you were lucky enough to register between July 22 and July 28 and got selected on August 7, you can now download the 3.8 GB preload file from the Nintendo eShop. Make sure you have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. The test is divided into specific time blocks:
| Test Session Date | Start Time (PDT) | End Time (PDT) |
|---|---|---|
| August 21, 2026 (Friday) | 3:00 a.m. | 7:00 a.m. |
| August 21, 2026 (Friday) | 7:00 p.m. | 11:00 p.m. |
| August 22, 2026 (Saturday) | 11:00 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. |
| August 23, 2026 (Sunday) | 3:00 a.m. | 7:00 a.m. |
| August 23, 2026 (Sunday) | 7:00 p.m. | 11:00 p.m. |
Gameplay: What to Expect from the Bloodsworn
Unlike FromSoftware’s traditional solo campaigns with layered invasions, The Duskbloods treats multiplayer as the entire core experience. Here is what testers will experience:
- The Goal: Earn Victory Points to claim “First Blood” and the coveted “moontears”.
- PvPvE Mechanics: 8 players spawn on the map. Every other player is an enemy, but you must also survive deadly PvE environmental threats and bosses.
- Roles and Customization: Testers will likely have access to pre-set characters. In the full game, customizing your “blood history and fate” will change your in-match role, such as hunting a specific rival or finding an ally.
Related Topics
1. “the duskbloods cnt dates 2026”
Keyword: the duskbloods cnt dates
Answer: The Closed Network Test officially runs in segmented sessions from August 21st to August 23rd, 2026, across the globe.
2. “is the duskbloods only on nintendo switch 2”
Keyword: the duskbloods nintendo switch 2
Answer: Yes. FromSoftware shifted development entirely to the Switch 2, making this highly anticipated multiplayer title a platform exclusive designed specifically for the new hardware.
3. “how to play the duskbloods closed network test”
Keyword: sign up duskbloods network test
Answer: Registration occurred in late July 2026. Selected players received a download code to redeem on the Nintendo eShop. If you missed out, you will have to wait for the official release.
4. “what is bloodsworn in the duskbloods”
Keyword: bloodsworn duskbloods
Answer: The Bloodsworn are the superhuman, vampire-like characters players control. Empowered by special blood, they battle in the “Twilight of Humanity” using unique firearms and melee weapons.
5. “the duskbloods fromsoftware gameplay”
Keyword: fromsoftware duskbloods pvpve
Answer: It is an 8-player PvPvE action game. Unlike Dark Souls or Elden Ring, the entire game centers around competitive online arena matches where players fight both each other and environment bosses.
For the full official patch notes and rules, visit the Official Duskbloods Network Test Page. If you want to see what other games are launching with Nintendo’s new console, check out our hub on upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 games.
TL;DR: Ready for First Blood?
- Dates: Active from August 21 to August 23, 2026.
- Preload: The 3.8 GB client is live now for selected users on the Nintendo eShop.
- Platform: Exclusively playable on the Nintendo Switch 2.
- Format: 8-player PvPvE action; it is not cooperative, everyone is a rival.
- The Goal: Farm Victory Points, survive PvE monsters, hunt rival players, and claim the moontears.
