From Software's upcoming action title The Duskbloods will open its doors to selected players next month. The studio announced a closed network test scheduled for August 21-23, marking the first public opportunity to experience the game ahead of its official launch.
The test supports eight-player multiplayer sessions, signaling a shift toward cooperative or competitive play compared to From Software's recent single-player focused releases like Elden Ring and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Registration opens soon, with Bandai Namco handling player selection for the limited trial period.
This closed network test serves multiple purposes for From Software. It allows the developer to stress-test backend infrastructure, validate multiplayer netcode stability, and gather feedback on game balance before the full launch. For players, it's a rare chance to experience a major studio's work-in-progress months before release, a practice that's become increasingly common in the industry as multiplayer games require extensive testing.
The Duskbloods represents a notable strategic pivot for From Software. While the company built its reputation on challenging single-player experiences and pvp-focused multiplayer modes, this title embraces cooperative gameplay at its core. The eight-player session size suggests large-scale group content, potentially appealing to players seeking squad-based experiences similar to Monster Hunter or deeper online RPGs.
From Software hasn't confirmed platform availability for the closed network test. The game targets PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S for its full release, though test participation could vary by platform.
Players interested in accessing the network test should watch for registration details on The Duskbloods official website and From Software's social channels. Closed tests like this typically fill quickly, particularly for high-profile releases from established studios. The August window gives the team several months to implement feedback before a broader launch window, likely aimed at late 2024 or