How to Apply for The Duskbloods Network Test
Selection, Nintendo Account setup, and what happens after you are chosen
The Duskbloods Closed Network Test (CNT) is Nintendo and FromSoftware’s first large-scale online trial for Hidetaka Miyazaki’s upcoming Switch 2 exclusive. Registration windows, exact applicant caps, and survey wording can change, but the core application path is consistent across Nintendo play tests: create or verify a Nintendo Account, opt in through the official channel, wait for selection email, then preload before the August 21–23, 2026 session block. This guide walks through that pipeline without inventing policy details Nintendo has not announced.
Confirm you meet baseline requirements
Before you apply, align hardware and subscription reality with Nintendo’s public Network Test messaging:
- Nintendo Switch 2 — The Duskbloods is not planned for the original Switch family.
- Nintendo Switch Online membership — Online play during the CNT requires an active NSO subscription linked to the same Nintendo Account you use to apply.
- Stable internet — PvPvE sessions with up to eight Bloodsworn players depend on consistent connectivity; wired LAN adapters help docked setups when available.
- Region eligibility — Nintendo lists supported countries per test wave. If your eShop region is unsupported, do not expect a code transfer from another territory.
Full requirement tables live on the Network Test requirements page and the Network Test hub.
Create or audit your Nintendo Account
If you already play Switch titles online, you likely have an account. Still verify:
- Email address is current (selection notices arrive by email).
- Two-step verification is enabled to reduce hijack risk before a rare test code arrives.
- The account country matches where you physically play; mismatches can block redemption.
- Child accounts follow Nintendo’s family-group rules—parents must approve online play and NSO.
Link the account to your Switch 2 user profile before applying so redemption is one step later.
Find the official registration page
Applications open only on Nintendo-controlled URLs tied to The Duskbloods store listing or dedicated CNT banners—never through third-party “code generators.” Bookmark the Official Nintendo product page and watch Nintendo Direct recaps for registration start and end timestamps.
When the form opens:
- Sign in with the Nintendo Account you will use on Switch 2.
- Accept confidentiality and non-disclosure language if presented; sharing embargoed footage may disqualify future tests.
- Complete survey questions honestly—platform play time, genre preferences, and availability during August 21–23 sessions help match server load.
- Submit once; duplicate entries rarely help and may invalidate responses.
After you apply: selection and communication
Selection is not guaranteed. Nintendo typically randomizes among eligible applicants while balancing regions and session times. Outcomes include:
- Selected — Email contains redemption instructions or eShop download steps plus the test agreement PDF.
- Waitlist or not selected — You may receive a polite rejection or no email until after the test ends. Future waves are possible but unconfirmed.
Check spam folders and Nintendo email domains. If you change Switch hardware before August 2026, de-register the old console to avoid license conflicts.
Redeeming and preloading your download
When selected:
- Open the email on a trusted device and follow its link on Switch 2 eShop.
- Download the test client during the preload window—often days before session one—to avoid queue spikes.
- Install any mandatory Day-One patch before the first August 21 window.
- Launch once offline if permitted to cache assets; some tests require an online terms acceptance gate.
If redemption fails, verify NSO status, storage space, and parental controls before contacting Nintendo support with your selection ID.
If you are not selected
You can still prepare for the 2026 release:
- Read how to prepare for the Network Test to be ready if a friend shares couch co-op observation sessions legally.
- Study how to play PvPvE and Bloodsworn expectations so launch day is smoother.
- Follow official channels for future stress tests or open betas—none are guaranteed.
Safety and scam avoidance
Never pay for CNT codes, share account passwords, or sideload unofficial APK-style packages. The only legitimate client distributes through Nintendo eShop tied to your Nintendo Account.
Related resources
Session times: CNT schedule. Calendar tools: session timezone converter. Application checklist: CNT checklist tool. Overview: Guides hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers drawn from official Network Test and Creator’s Voice details.
Is the Closed Network Test application free?
Nintendo has not charged for similar first-party play tests, but you need an active Nintendo Switch Online membership to play once selected—not to submit the application form itself.
Can I apply with multiple Nintendo Accounts?
Avoid duplicate household entries that violate Nintendo terms. One eligible account per player is the safe approach unless official FAQ says otherwise.
When will I know if I am selected?
Timing varies by wave. Expect email notice before the August 21, 2026 session block with enough time to preload if chosen.
Does selection guarantee access to all five CNT sessions?
Official documents usually grant access throughout the test period, but server maintenance or agreement violations can revoke access—read your acceptance email carefully.