FromSoftware’s ‘The Duskbloods’ Network Test Hits Major Server Snags

What Happened This Morning?

Imagine waking up early for a special sneak peek at a brand-new game, only to find the door locked. That’s exactly what happened to players trying to join the first closed network test for The Duskbloods—the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive from FromSoftware (the creators of Elden Ring and Dark Souls).

Important Callout
The first test session was cancelled early due to server problems. FromSoftware has apologized and says they are working on fixes before the next scheduled sessions.

The Timeline: A Rocky Start

Here is how the morning unfolded:

1. Test Begins: The first session opened at 3:00 AM PT / 6:00 AM ET.
2. Immediate Issues: Thousands of players logged in but got stuck at the main menu, unable to actually enter the game.
3. Early Shutdown: Problems were so severe that FromSoftware pulled the plug hours early, ending the session well before the planned 7:00 AM PT / 10:00 AM ET finish time.
4. Official Apology: The studio posted a message on their official X (formerly Twitter) account apologizing for the "inconvenience" and promising server improvements.

What Is a "Closed Network Test" Anyway? (ELI5)

Think of it like a stress test for a bridge before cars are allowed to drive on it.

• It’s not a demo: You aren’t just playing a finished slice of the game.
• It’s a tech rehearsal: Developers invite a limited group of players to log in all at once.
• The Goal: To see if the servers (the powerful computers running the online matchmaking) can handle the traffic without crashing.
• Why it matters: The Duskbloods is a PvPvE game (Player vs Player vs Environment), meaning you fight monsters and other players online. Stable servers are make-or-break for this type of game.

What’s Next? Upcoming Session Schedule

Unless FromSoftware announces delays, the next windows are:

Heads Up: It is currently unclear if tonight’s session will proceed as planned. Keep an eye on the FromSoftware PR X account for real-time updates.

Want to Learn More About the Game?

While you wait for the servers to stabilize, you can check out what the game actually plays like:

• Read the Deep Dive: Our extensive hands-on preview covers new mechanics, classes, and the PvPvE loop.
• Watch Gameplay: See it in action on the latest episode of New Gameplay Today.

Summary

• The Game: The Duskbloods is a Switch 2 exclusive multiplayer game from FromSoftware.
• The Event: A closed network test (server stress test) began early this morning.
• The Problem: Severe server instability prevented players from logging in past the main menu.
• The Result: Session 1 was cancelled early; developers are working on fixes.
• The Future: More sessions are scheduled for tonight and the weekend, but status is TBD.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What is The Duskbloods?

It’s a new multiplayer action game from FromSoftware. It mixes PvP (fighting other players) and PvE (fighting AI monsters) in a dark, gothic setting. It is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.

Why did the test fail?

Too many people tried to log in at once, and the servers couldn’t handle the traffic. This is actually normal for network tests—finding these breaking points is the point of the test!

Can I still sign up for the test?

Registration periods for closed tests usually close before the first session starts. Check the official Nintendo or FromSoftware channels to see if registration has reopened for later sessions.

Will this delay the game’s launch?

Almost certainly not. Network tests happen months before launch specifically to fix these issues now so they don’t happen on release day.

Where do I find official updates?

The best place is the official FromSoftware PR X (Twitter) account. They post server status updates and session changes in real-time.