The Duskbloods' promised playtest is happening next month on Switch 2, and it sure looks like getting in will be hard

FromSoftware is at it again, and I couldn’t be more excited. The long-awaited playtest for The Duskbloods is finally upon us, and I think this could be a game-changer for the studio that brought us the likes of Demon’s Souls and Elden Ring. It’s not just about the hype; it’s about what this playtest means for players ready to dive into an online PvPvE experience that promises to be as challenging as it is thrilling.

The playtest is scheduled from August 21 to 24, but mark your calendars because the application window is shockingly short. Registrations open on July 22 and close just six days later. You’ll need a Nintendo Switch 2 and an active Switch Online membership to even throw your hat in the ring, which feels like a gatekeeping move that’s more frustrating than necessary. Why not open it up to everyone interested?

Let’s face it: the fact that FromSoftware is only allowing players with a Nintendo Switch 2 to participate is a bold choice. It’s a move that leaves out a significant chunk of the gaming community, and I can’t help but wonder if they’re isolating potential fans. It's 2026, and we should be embracing inclusivity in gaming, not building walls.

As for the actual playtest, it’s designed to stress-test the servers, which means you can expect a few hiccups along the way. FromSoftware has been transparent about the potential for bugs and unbalanced gameplay, which is refreshing. No one should expect a polished experience in a closed test anyway, but the fact that they’re managing expectations is a win for player trust.

“Network tests typically aim to put serious pressure on the server infrastructure, and that’s exactly what this one will do.”

Players will have specific time slots for testing, with the first round kicking off on August 21 at 11:00 BST. It’s a bit of a hassle to juggle schedules, but these time slots are crucial for ensuring that the servers can handle the load when the game launches. Expect up to eight players in each match, which is a solid number for intense PvP and PvE action. But what will those matches look like? That’s still shrouded in mystery.

Ultimately, I think the anticipation surrounding The Duskbloods is palpable, but it raises questions about consumer accessibility. For a game that could potentially be a massive hit, why limit the player base right out of the gate? It feels like a missed opportunity to engage a wider audience.

As we gear up for this playtest, I’m hoping that the experience is smooth and that FromSoftware delivers on its promise. If they can nail this down, it could set the stage for an epic launch later this year or early next. Here’s hoping they don’t delay us into 2027. After all, we’ve waited long enough.