The Duskbloods FAQ
What has been confirmed so far, including details from the August 2026 Network Test.
When does The Duskbloods release?
The Duskbloods is scheduled for 2026, but FromSoftware and Nintendo have not announced an exact release date. The August Network Test was a limited development test, not the full release.
What platforms will The Duskbloods be on?
The game has been announced for Nintendo Switch 2. No PC, PlayStation, or Xbox version has been announced.
Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to play?
Nintendo lists an active Nintendo Switch Online membership and a Nintendo Account as requirements for online play. The game supports one to eight players online.
Is The Duskbloods a single-player game?
Its main Dusk Battle mode is built around online PvPvE matches, where players face both enemies and other players. The Network Test included a solo tutorial, but an offline story campaign has not been confirmed.
Can I play with friends?
The retail game is planned to include a way to play with friends. Direct friend invitations were not available during the Network Test, so the test should not be treated as the final multiplayer feature set.
Is there a demo or Network Test available now?
The August 2026 Network Test has ended. It used an in-development build with limited content, and its save data does not carry over to the retail game. Nintendo has not announced another public test or a demo.
How does a Dusk Battle work?
In the Network Test, eight Bloodsworn entered a four-phase match. Players gathered Virtue through combat, events, and other actions; the leading three players then advanced to the final Blood Moon Rite. Details may change before release.
What is Virtue?
Virtue is the progression value used during a Dusk Battle. It helps determine who reaches the final stage, so fighting is not the only priority: events, exploration, alliances, and survival can all matter.
How many characters are there?
The Network Test offered six playable Bloodsworn. Director Hidetaka Miyazaki has said the finished game is planned to have more than ten base characters, with customization options beyond their fixed weapons.
What are Vassals?
Vassals are recruitable companions found at magic circles in the Network Test. They can fight alongside you, gain experience, and develop their own skills; different Vassals fill close-range, ranged, or support roles.
Will the final game be the same as the Network Test?
Not necessarily. The test was explicitly an in-development, limited-content build, and the developers are collecting feedback from it. Use Network Test information as a helpful snapshot, not a final rulebook.