"Duskbloods" Network Test Pre-Load Unleashes Hype and Leaks for FromSoftware’s Switch 2 Exclusive
Kyoto, Japan – August 18, 2026 – The digital gates have creaked open for FromSoftware’s highly anticipated online action RPG, Duskbloods, as players selected for the exclusive network test can now pre-load the game onto their Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. While gameplay remains locked until later this week, the beta’s early availability has ignited a fervor online, with fans already dissecting its contents and particularly praising the evocative menu music.
FromSoftware, renowned for its challenging and atmospheric titles like Dark Souls and Elden Ring, began distributing download codes for the Duskbloods network test today, August 18th. Lucky recipients, chosen through the game’s official beta site, are now able to claim their codes and begin the 4GB download. The process involves logging into their Nintendo account on the official Duskbloods campaign website to retrieve their unique key.
Despite the in-game action being temporarily inaccessible, the beta’s arrival has sent ripples of excitement through the gaming community. Many players have reported spending time simply idling on the main title screen, captivated by the game’s atmospheric soundtrack. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) are abuzz with reactions, with users sharing clips and expressing their enthusiasm for the "amazing" and "vibey" menu music, setting a high bar for the game’s full auditory experience. One user, @_dir_en_grey, tweeted, "FINALLY IT’S ALMOST HERE!! The OST sounds so good 😭😭 #Duskbloods #FromSoftware," alongside a video snippet of the music.
Beyond the auditory delights, eagle-eyed data miners have already begun sifting through the beta’s files, unearthing intriguing details about the upcoming title. A significant discovery, reported by Dark-Soku, suggests the presence of 14 distinct playable classes or characters within the beta. While it remains unclear how many of these will be accessible during the actual test sessions, the leaked list offers a tantalizing glimpse into the game’s character roster, featuring names that are distinctly FromSoftware-esque in their dark and evocative nature.
The leaked character/class list includes:
- Blood-Eater | Walter A
- Guillotine | Gillian
- Foul-Rot | Veronica
- Nail-Pierced | Sebastian A
- Coffin-Bearer | Maurice
- Thread-Torn | Oscar
- Mud-Treader
- Candle-Snuffer
- Gut-Rinner
- Gazer-of-Flesh | Yuri
- Ash-Crown | Camilla
- Rust-Gospel | Baldur
- Dusk-Silt | Elsa
- First-Shard | Nameless Shadow
Fans are particularly amused by the grim and fantastical names, such as "Mud-Treader" and "Gut-Rinner," which align perfectly with FromSoftware’s established lore and character design philosophy.
The actual gameplay sessions for the Duskbloods network test are scheduled to commence shortly, offering players their first hands-on experience with the Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. The test will run across several distinct time slots over the coming days:
- Aug. 21, 2026 (Fri.) 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. PDT
- Aug. 21, 2026 (Fri.) 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. PDT
- Aug. 22, 2026 (Sat.) 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. PDT
- Aug. 23, 2026 (Sun.) 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. PDT
- Aug. 23, 2026 (Sun.) 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. PDT
With the pre-load now available and tantalizing leaks emerging, the anticipation for Duskbloods continues to build, promising a dark and captivating online RPG experience exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. The Duskbloods network test is set to be a crucial step in fine-tuning what could be another landmark title from FromSoftware.
