In a bit of news I’m shocked to read, it appears as if this weekend’s closed network test for The Duskbloods had more applicants than the network test for Elden Ring: Nightreign last year. Despite being on a new console with a lower install base than the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, it seems Nintendo players were eager to see what developer FromSoftware was cooking up for its Switch 2 exclusive outing. I know I tried it out, as well as most of the writers at Nintendo Wire.
The information comes from a livestream event hosted by Famitsu. Yasuhiro Kitao, a producer at FromSoftware, said, “We were actually very surprised that the number of applicants for the network test for The Duskbloods was greater than those for Elden Ring: Nightreign,” during the stream. “Nintendo Switch 2 is of course new hardware and speaking in terms of number of users… well… for the Nightreign playtest I feel that many people overlooked it initially because it was multiplayer, but went on to play it after launch and really enjoyed it.”
That’s an interesting theory. It could be that people were initially skeptical of Nightreign and, having now accepted what it is, were more inclined to try out The Duskbloods. Personally, I think the idea of Duskbloods is more appealing overall. Nightreign is an awkward combination of roguelike and battle royale whereas Duskbloods feels more like a traditional multiplayer game. In some ways, it resembles Kirby Air Riders’ “City Trial” mode, where players amass power over a set number of rounds before squaring off at the end. It also has a distinct look to it, evoking Bloodborne but adding some steampunk elements mixed with gothic horror.
The Duskbloods is planned for a 2026 release, though FromSoftware hasn’t confirmed when it will be out.
Check out more Duskbloods content
The Duskbloods’ network test is now available for selected participants to download
FromSoftware parent company Kadokawa states The Duskbloods is still coming to Switch 2 in 2026
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Written by Peter Glagowski
Peter has been a freelance gaming and film critic for over seven years. His passion for Nintendo is only matched by the size of his collection.
