The Duskbloods How to Apply for the CNT

Before you apply

The Duskbloods Closed Network Test is a limited online trial for Nintendo Switch 2 ahead of the game’s planned 2026 release. Applications opened July 22–28, 2026 through Nintendo’s official process. You cannot join by wishlisting alone—you must meet every item on the requirements page and submit during an open application window.

This guide walks through the application flow step by step, explains what happens after August 7, 2026 selection, and lists the account mistakes that most often block access. If you already applied, skip to the post-selection section and cross-check the CNT schedule so preload and session times are on your calendar.

The Duskbloods Closed Network Test Trailer

Step 1: Confirm eligibility on hardware and accounts

Start on the console you intend to use. You need a Nintendo Switch 2, a Nintendo Account, an active Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership, a stable internet connection, and you must be 17 or older. Your account region and language settings must match the territory you apply under—Nintendo explicitly warns players to verify Country/region when linking accounts.

Run through the CNT checklist tool once before you touch the application form. If NSO lapsed or your profile country differs from your Nintendo Account storefront, fix that first; otherwise selection e-mails may arrive but downloads or matchmaking can still fail.

Step 2: Locate the official application page

During July 22–28, 2026, Nintendo published the CNT application on its official The Duskbloods pages and Nintendo Account portal. Open the link from Nintendo or FromSoftware social posts—not third-party mirrors. Sign in with the same Nintendo Account tied to your Switch 2 user profile.

Read the data-use and conduct notices carefully. The CNT is confidential test software; screenshots, streaming, and sharing may be restricted even after you are selected. Official policy always overrides fan summaries on this wiki.

Step 3: Complete the form accurately

Typical fields include age confirmation, territory, e-mail contact, and acknowledgement of session availability across August 21–23, 2026. Be honest about whether you can attend multiple four-hour windows; Nintendo often prioritises applicants who can stress-test peak concurrency.

Double-check spelling on your contact e-mail and ensure your Switch 2 primary user uses the linked Nintendo Account. Family-group minors cannot substitute for a qualifying adult profile on a 17+ test.

Step 4: Submit and watch for selection on August 7

After submission you should receive an automated confirmation from Nintendo. Selection notifications go out August 7, 2026. Not every applicant is chosen—capacity is limited and regions may differ.

If selected, instructions explain how to redeem download access ahead of preload on August 18, 2026. If you are not selected, you can still prepare through Guides and study Bloodsworn roles for the full 2026 release.

Step 5: Preload, then join a scheduled session

Preload opens from August 18, 2026. Install the CNT build before your first window to avoid queue-time downloads. Sessions run across five four-hour windows from August 21–23, 2026—see the schedule guide and convert times with the session timezone tool.

Inside the test, you will enter a hub area for character select and blood customisation, then drop into PvPvE matches where Victory Points and dynamic events decide outcomes. Rewards apply after wins or losses, so play at least one full match per session you attend.

Common errors and how to fix them

Region or language mismatch. If your console Country/region differs from your Nintendo Account, redemption codes may fail. Align settings, restart the console, and retry from the same account that applied.

NSO inactive on test day. Online play requires active NSO. Renew membership before August 21 and confirm the subscribing account matches your playing profile.

Wrong Nintendo Account on the Switch 2 user. Download rights bind to the account that applied. Transferring the user or swapping accounts after selection breaks access.

Missing age requirement. The CNT is 17+. Parent accounts cannot substitute for under-age players even within a family group.

Assuming application equals invitation. July applications do not guarantee August access. Wait for the August 7 message and follow only official links inside it.

Ignoring session timing. Each window is fixed in Pacific Daylight Time. Use the schedule page rather than guessing local conversion.

After the test: what to read next

Whether you secured a slot or not, deepen your understanding before launch. Study Gameplay for First Blood and Victory Points, review Bloodsworn for Destined Rivals and Destined Companion, and keep the Network Test hub bookmarked for any future waves Nintendo announces.