FromSoftware's The Duskbloods Network Test Opens on Switch 2
FromSoftware has opened sign-ups for The Duskbloods’ closed network test, and the venue alone makes it a landmark moment: Switch 2 exclusive. For a studio that built its modern reputation on punishing single-player challenges, pivoting to an eight-player PvEvP extraction game on a handheld console is a gamble worth watching — and one that has already spawned AI-generated misinformation players should be aware of. The test runs August 21 through August 24, with registration live now and selected participants notified by August 7.
Eight Players, One Handheld Chip: The Performance Questions That Matter
The Duskbloods pits groups of ‘Bloodsworn of Dusk’ against each other and PvE enemies in a last-man-standing format closer to an extraction shooter than traditional Souls invasions. Managing eight concurrent players with AI enemies on the Switch 2’s custom NVIDIA chip is an open question. FromSoftware’s track record with stable framerates — even on PS5 and Xbox Series X — means expectations should be measured. A 30 FPS target with dynamic resolution scaling is the most likely scenario for handheld mode. Battery life during these sessions is another variable — high-draw scenarios like this test the Switch 2’s power management — eight-player real-time combat with active ability usage will draw more power than the studio’s usual single-player campaigns. Players selected for the test will get the clearest signal yet on whether the Switch 2 can sustain online multiplayer at FromSoftware’s scale without sacrificing the responsiveness the genre demands.
What a Handheld-Exclusive FromSoftware Title Means Going Forward
This is the first FromSoftware title designed expressly for a portable platform since the pre-Souls era, joining the ranks of handheld-first exclusives like Splatoon Raiders. The network test won’t just stress-test servers — it will validate whether the studio’s combat architecture translates to smaller screens and shorter sessions. If the test reveals stable performance and healthy player engagement, it could open the door to more handheld-first design from the studio. For now, the test itself is the proof point: a FromSoftware online exclusive that fits in your hands, available nowhere else.