FromSoftware’s mysterious new title The Duskbloods was supposed to take its first public bow with a network test on the Nintendo Switch 2, but day one didn’t go according to plan. Persistent server problems forced the developers to shut down the session entirely, leaving eager players locked out. On the bright side, the game’s instruction manual has surfaced online, giving fans plenty of new details to dissect while they wait for another chance to play.
Server Issues Derail the Opening Session
The first day of The Duskbloods network test was ultimately closed after technical difficulties with the game’s servers made it impossible for participants to connect properly. Network tests are designed specifically to stress-test online infrastructure, so hiccups aren’t unusual — but a full shutdown on day one signals that the servers buckled under pressure far more severely than FromSoftware anticipated.
For the lucky players who received invitations, the frustration was real. Many had carved out time specifically for the limited test window, only to find themselves staring at error screens. FromSoftware has not left players completely in the dark, though, and the expectation is that the company will share updates regarding future sessions or potential make-up opportunities for affected testers.
The Instruction Manual: A Silver Lining for Fans
While the servers were down, the conversation online shifted to something else entirely: The Duskbloods’ instruction manual, which is now available to view online. In an era where most games ship without any printed documentation at all, a traditional manual feels like a nostalgic throwback — and more importantly, it’s a goldmine of information.
What the Manual Reveals
The documentation lays out core details about how The Duskbloods actually plays, offering the clearest picture yet of FromSoftware’s ambitious PvPvE design. The game pits multiple players against one another in Gothic, time-bending arenas where objectives shift mid-match, blending the studio’s signature combat DNA with asymmetric multiplayer chaos. With a stylish vampire theme and roles that can change as the battle unfolds, The Duskbloods is shaping up to be one of the most experimental projects FromSoftware has released in years.
Why It Matters for a Switch 2 Exclusive
The Duskbloods is a major exclusive for Nintendo’s next-generation hardware, and its network test represents one of the first real-world stress tests of the Switch 2’s online ecosystem for a high-profile third-party multiplayer title. FromSoftware building a dedicated online experience for a Nintendo platform is a big deal in itself, and the rocky first day is a reminder of how demanding modern multiplayer infrastructure can be — even for a studio with FromSoftware’s resources.
What Happens Next?
Despite the rough start, there’s little reason for alarm. Network tests exist precisely to uncover these problems before launch, and a day-one shutdown is far better discovered now than on release day. The bigger question is whether FromSoftware will reschedule the lost session or fold the learnings into subsequent test windows.
For fans, the instruction manual provides plenty of homework in the meantime. Studying the systems ahead of future test phases — or the full launch — could give players a genuine edge when they finally step into the blood-soaked arenas themselves.
Want to be ready when The Duskbloods finally launches? You can pick up Nintendo eShop gift cards and game codes at TURGAME.com at competitive prices, so your library and wallet are topped up the moment FromSoftware’s dark new world goes live.
Source: Siliconera