The highly anticipated closed network test for Duskbloods has officially kicked off, giving eager players their first hands-on experience with FromSoftware’s upcoming PvPvE action title before its scheduled release later this year. However, the excitement has been somewhat dampened by widespread reports of connectivity issues, prompting the Japanese developer to offer what many are calling surprisingly old-school troubleshooting advice: move closer to your wireless router or switch to a wired ethernet connection.

The recommendation has sparked a mixture of amusement and frustration among the gaming community, with many players pointing out that such basic networking tips feel out of place in 2025. Nevertheless, the advice does reflect a genuine reality of online gaming, where wireless connections can introduce latency, packet loss, and instability that wired connections typically avoid. For competitive multiplayer experiences, especially those with real-time PvP elements, even minor connection hiccups can significantly impact gameplay quality.

What Is Duskbloods and Why Is It Generating So Much Hype?

Duskbloods represents FromSoftware’s ambitious foray into the PvPvE genre, blending the studio’s signature challenging combat with competitive multiplayer elements. The game pits players against both AI-controlled enemies and other human opponents in what promises to be a tense, strategic experience. Given FromSoftware’s legendary track record with titles like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and the critically acclaimed Elden Ring, expectations for Duskbloods are extraordinarily high. The studio has built a reputation for delivering punishing yet rewarding gameplay experiences that have cultivated a devoted global fanbase.

Network tests like this one serve multiple purposes for game developers. Beyond generating marketing buzz and rewarding dedicated fans with early access, these tests provide invaluable data about server infrastructure, matchmaking systems, and network code performance under real-world conditions. Issues discovered during closed tests can be addressed before the wider public encounters them at launch, potentially preventing the kind of disastrous release-day server meltdowns that have plagued numerous high-profile online games in recent years.

The Persistent Challenge of Online Gaming Infrastructure

FromSoftware has historically faced criticism for the netcode and online functionality in its games. The Dark Souls series, while beloved for its innovative asynchronous multiplayer features, frequently suffered from connection stability issues, laggy PvP encounters, and invasion mechanics that sometimes felt more frustrating than fun due to technical limitations. Elden Ring experienced similar growing pains at launch, with players reporting difficulties connecting with friends for cooperative play. The company’s move into a more multiplayer-focused title with Duskbloods means these underlying network challenges become even more critical to resolve.

Industry analysts note that the PvPvE genre has become increasingly competitive, with games like Hunt: Showdown, Escape from Tarkov, and The Finals demonstrating strong player demand for experiences that blend player-versus-player and player-versus-environment gameplay. For FromSoftware to succeed in this space, delivering stable, responsive online performance will be just as important as crafting engaging combat mechanics and atmospheric world design. The closed network test results will likely influence significant development decisions in the months leading up to launch.

Moving Forward: What Players Can Expect

Despite the current connectivity hiccups, FromSoftware has demonstrated a commitment to post-launch support and improvement across its titles. Elden Ring received substantial patches addressing performance issues and balance concerns, and the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion showed the studio’s ability to respond to player feedback. Players participating in the Duskbloods network test are encouraged to submit detailed reports about their experiences, as this feedback directly informs the development team’s priorities. While the suggestion to use ethernet cables may seem simplistic, it underscores the importance of optimal connection quality for enjoying online experiences as intended. As the test continues, both FromSoftware and players will gain crucial insights into what needs refinement before the game’s official launch.