FromSoftware's Switch 2 exclusive The Duskbloods will have a closed network test soon
You'll fight with and against up to seven other players in this action game. FromSoftware's Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, The Duskbloods , is still slated to arrive this year. We don't have a release…
You'll fight with and against up to seven other players in this action game. FromSoftware's Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, The Duskbloods , is still sl
Read Full Story at Engadget →Why This Matters
FromSoftware’s decision to hold a closed network test for *The Duskbloods* signals a critical pivot in its approach to multiplayer design, particularly as it navigates the constraints of the Switch 2’s hardware. The game’s emphasis on up to eight-player interactions could redefine expectations for action RPGs on hybrid platforms, where performance and connectivity often clash. If successful, this test may set a new benchmark for how FromSoftware balances its signature difficulty with accessible multiplayer experiences.
Background Context
FromSoftware’s history with multiplayer is dominated by its *Souls* series, where cooperative and competitive play was secondary to single-player mastery. The *Elden Ring* expansion’s pivot toward more structured multiplayer interactions suggests a deliberate shift, but *The Duskbloods* represents a bolder experiment—one that could either bridge the gap between FromSoftware’s hardcore roots and broader appeal or risk alienating its core audience. Nintendo’s Switch 2 exclusivity adds another layer, tying the game’s success to the console’s performance in a competitive market.
What Happens Next
The closed test will likely reveal whether FromSoftware can deliver a seamless eight-player experience without sacrificing the tight controls and latency that define its combat. If the test uncovers significant technical hurdles, delays or adjustments may follow—especially given the Switch 2’s unproven hardware. Meanwhile, players and investors will scrutinize the results for clues about FromSoftware’s long-term multiplayer strategy, particularly as it explores new IPs and franchises.
Bigger Picture
This move reflects a broader industry trend where AAA developers are experimenting with hybrid multiplayer models to capture audiences across platforms. FromSoftware’s foray into structured eight-player action games could influence how other developers approach multiplayer on handhelds, where technical limitations often stifle innovation. It also underscores Nintendo’s strategy to leverage exclusives to drive hardware adoption, a playbook it has refined with franchises like *Zelda* and *Metroid*.
