TL;DR: The Duskbloods network test (August 21-24, 2026) drew more applicants than Elden Ring Nightreign, but the first session crashed within hours due to server overload. PvP suffered from noticeable lag and latency issues throughout all sessions. PvE and the core Virtue system were well-received. FromSoftware patched mid-test and stabilized servers for later sessions. The game is still on track for a 2026 release on Nintendo Switch 2.
The Duskbloods network test is over. After five sessions across four days (August 21-24, 2026), players got their first hands-on with FromSoftware's PvPvE multiplayer action RPG. The verdict: server disasters, promising gameplay, and a community obsessed with a winged rat named Zork.
The Duskbloods Network Test Schedule Recap
Before diving into the results, here's a quick recap of the test schedule:
- Application Period: July 22-28, 2026 (Nintendo Switch Online required)
- Selection Announcement: August 7, 2026
- Client Download: August 18, 2026
- Test Sessions:
- Session 1: August 21, 3:00-7:00 AM PDT
- Session 2: August 21, 7:00-11:00 PM PDT
- Session 3: August 22, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM PDT
- Session 4: August 23, 3:00-7:00 AM PDT
- Session 5: August 23, 7:00-11:00 PM PDT
The test required a Nintendo Switch 2 console and a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Players were selected on a first-come, first-served basis during the application window.
Record-Breaking Registration: More Applicants Than Elden Ring Nightreign
Despite being a Switch 2 exclusive — a much smaller install base than PC or PlayStation — The Duskbloods network test attracted more registrations than the Elden Ring Nightreign beta. This reportedly surprised even FromSoftware, especially given it's their first console-exclusive in over 20 years and a major departure from the Souls-like formula.
Server Crash: The First Session Was a Disaster
The excitement of the first session was short-lived. Within hours of going live on August 21, The Duskbloods servers crashed under the weight of player demand. The first session (3:00-7:00 AM PDT) was effectively cut short as players were disconnected en masse.
Reports from players across social media painted a consistent picture:
- Connection timeouts during matchmaking
- Sudden disconnections mid-match
- Error codes preventing login entirely
- Queue times stretching beyond reasonable limits
FromSoftware acknowledged the issue and took the servers offline for emergency maintenance before the second session. By Session 2 (7:00-11:00 PM PDT), stability had improved significantly, though some players still reported intermittent issues.
The server crash during The Duskbloods network test was reminiscent of Elden Ring's launch-day server problems — a pattern that suggests FromSoftware may need to invest more heavily in server infrastructure before the full release.
PvP Performance: Lag, Latency, and Mixed Impressions
The most divisive aspect was the PvP experience. For an 8-player PvPvE game, smooth online performance is critical — and the network test revealed significant issues.
What Players Reported
- Input lag: Actions felt delayed, especially during fast-paced melee exchanges
- Hit registration inconsistency: Some attacks appeared to connect on screen but didn't register damage
- Rubber-banding: Players occasionally snapped back to previous positions
- Stuttering during large fights: When all 8 players were in close proximity, frame drops became noticeable
The Reviewer Consensus
Several outlets that participated in The Duskbloods network test published hands-on impressions, and the PvP feedback was notably negative. One prominent reviewer described the experience as plagued by "lag, stuttering, and bad PvP," calling into question whether the game could deliver on its competitive promise.
However, context matters here:
- This was a network test, not a finished product — the entire point was to stress-test servers and identify issues
- The Switch 2's wireless networking may have contributed to latency for players on Wi-Fi
- Peer-to-peer vs. dedicated servers: The exact networking architecture hasn't been fully detailed, which could explain some of the inconsistency
Is The Duskbloods PvP Bad?
Too early to say. FromSoftware improved Elden Ring's online significantly between its network test and launch. The core PvP mechanics — staggering, drinking blood, howling — felt sound when latency cooperated. The foundation is solid, but the netcode needs work.
PvE and Core Gameplay: The Bright Spot
While PvP stole the headlines for the wrong reasons, the PvE side of The Duskbloods was much better received during the network test.
The Virtue System Works
The Virtue system — the core scoring mechanic that determines match outcomes — proved to be intuitive and engaging in practice. Players appreciated the five different Virtue types (Repulsion, Flame, Sword, Pledge, and Commendation), which allowed for multiple playstyles:
- Aggressive players could focus on Sword Virtue (defeating other Bloodsworn at ritual sites)
- Explorers could earn Flame Virtue by lighting flames in corpses' skulls
- Strategic players could invest in Pledge Virtue through blood pledge pillars
One interesting detail: Miyazaki revealed that the Virtue system was inspired by the board game Catan, which explains its emphasis on resource management and territorial control.
The 4-Phase Match Structure
The match structure — divided into Exploration, Ritual Sites, Events, and the Final Showdown — created natural tension escalation. Players consistently reported that the final three-player showdown was the most exciting part of each match, with the Grail granting two lives and forcing dramatic last-stand moments.
Combat Felt Good (When Latency Cooperated)
The core combat mechanics — staggering enemies, drinking blood for HP recovery, using Howling to interrupt attacks — felt responsive in PvE encounters. The super jump and double jump mechanics were particularly praised, offering a level of mobility that's a significant departure from FromSoftware's traditionally grounded movement systems.
The Zork Phenomenon: Community Highlights
Zork — the winged rat in a diving suit, described as an "elderly gentleman" — became the undisputed star of the test. Miyazaki admitted to developing a "powerful, almost maternal affection" for the character, calling it a rare "Nintendo-esque" cute design attempt.
During the network test, Zork was the most-picked character in many lobbies, with players drawn to his unique abilities:
- Missile: Fires a cannon from his diving suit backpack
- Human Rocket: A propulsion-based charge attack
- Law of the Deep Sea: Defeating Bloodsworn steals their max HP
The Zork hype is real, and FromSoftware has likely taken note for the full release.
What The Duskbloods Network Test Results Mean for Launch
Based on everything we saw during the network test, here are the key takeaways for the full 2026 launch:
What Needs to Improve
- Server stability — The infrastructure must handle launch-day demand without crashing
- Netcode optimization — PvP lag and latency are deal-breakers for a competitive multiplayer game
- Matchmaking balance — Skill-based matchmaking is confirmed, but needs tuning
What's Looking Good
- Core gameplay loop — The Virtue system and match structure are engaging
- Character design — Diverse Bloodsworn with unique abilities create replayability
- Player demand — Record registration numbers prove strong market interest
- PvE combat — The mechanics are fun when latency isn't an issue
The Miyazaki Factor
In post-test interviews, Miyazaki reiterated that The Duskbloods is designed to be enjoyable even for players who don't favor intense PvP. He also confirmed that FromSoftware owns the IP (not Nintendo), which leaves the door open for eventual PC and other platform releases.
What's Next for The Duskbloods
The Duskbloods is still targeting a 2026 release on Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo has denied a rumored September 24, 2026 release date, stating there is "no information on a launch date" at this time.
Based on the network test feedback, expect FromSoftware to focus on:
- Server infrastructure upgrades
- Netcode optimization for PvP
- Potential additional network test sessions before launch
- More character reveals (14 character classes were leaked prior to the test)
For the latest updates on The Duskbloods release date, gameplay news, and character reveals, bookmark this page and check back regularly.
Last updated: August 26, 2026