How to Register for The Duskbloods Closed Network Test: Start Date Revealed

FromSoftware has finally locked in the schedule for its next big Switch 2 exclusive. Players hoping to get an early look at The Duskbloods now have a firm registration window to work with, along with a set of eligibility requirements to sort out before applying.

Here’s when the sign-ups open, and how the test itself will run.

When Does The Duskbloods Network Test Registration Open?

The Duskbloods | Credits: FromSoftware

The application window runs for six days, starting July 22, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. PT/ 10:00 a.m. ET and cutting off July 28, 2026, at 6:59 a/m/ PT/ 9:59 a.m. ET. You’ll apply directly on the official network test site here, logging in with whichever Nintendo Account is tied to your Switch 2 console.

You’ll need two things to be eligible: a Switch 2 and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription that’s currently active. Also, slots are capped, and selection is most likely to happen on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s worth applying as soon as the window opens.

What Happens During the Closed Network Test?

The Duskbloods closed network test schedule. | Credits: FromSoftware

Rather than one long window, the August 21-24, 2026 test is broken into five shorter sessions, each timed differently so players across regions get a reasonable shot at joining one. The sessions are as follows:

• August 21, 2026
  • 03:00 – 06:59, 19:00 – 22:59 PDT
  • 12:00 – 15:59 CEST
  • 19:00 – 22:59 JST
• August 22, 2026
  • 11:00 – 14:59 PDT
  • 04:00 – 07:59, 20:00 – 23:59 CEST
  • 11:00 – 14:59 JST
• August 23, 2026
  • 03:00 – 06:59, 19:00 – 22:59 PDT
  • 12:00 – 15:59 CEST
  • 03:00 – 06:59, 19:00 – 22:59 JST
• August 24, 2026
  • 04:00 – 07:59 CEST
  • 11:00 – 14:59 JST

Matches will support groups of up to eight players. FromSoftware has framed this round as a behind-the-scenes check rather than a polished preview build. Issues like server capacity and how connections hold up under real network conditions, and more is what will be observed the most.

Additionally, only a part of the game will be accessible during the test, so it’s better thought of as an early multiplayer stress test than a demo.

Get ready to register yourself on July 22 and clear some time the weekend of August 21 if you’re hoping to get hands-on with The Duskbloods before launch.