How to Access the Dark Souls Remastered Network Test on Switch

Game Rant

By Anthony Taormina

Published Sep 22, 2018

Learn how to access the Dark Souls Remastered Network Test on Nintendo Switch to see how the servers can handle the Undead Burg area with up to 6 players.

This weekend, Dark Souls fans will get their first taste of the game’s remaster in portable form via the Nintendo Switch Network Test. However, accessing the Dark Souls Network Test on Switch does require a little knowledge ahead of time and a subscription.

After downloading the Dark Souls Network Test from the eShop, players can access the Undead Burg area during select times based on their region. In the US, the test will be available from 5pm PT to 9pm PT on Saturday, September 22nd and 5pm PT to 9pm PT on Sunday, September 23rd. For those players in the UK, the dates are the same but the time period is from 5pm GMT to 9pm GMT.

Unfortunately, the network test has gone live after Nintendo decided to turn on its Online Service for the Switch, meaning any who want to check out Dark Souls online will have to subscribe to Nintendo’s service. There are three different tiers of subscription available starting with $3.99 for one month, $7.99 for three months, $19.99 for a year, or $34.99 for a family plan. It’s also worth noting that there is a free trial of the service, so it is possible to access the Dark Souls Remastered Network Test for “free.”

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As we mentioned, the Network Test only features the Undead Burg area – a wise choice considering the zone was notorious for frame rate issues back when the game originally released in 2011. Presumably, Namco Bandai wants to test how the game holds with up to 6 players in a cluttered zone.

This test also offers an opportunity for Bandai Namco to see how the new Nintendo Switch servers handle their game. With the PS4, Xbox One, and PC, BNE had plenty of experience, but this is uncharted territory.

There isn’t much longer to wait for Dark Souls Remastered on the Nintendo Switch, after a disappointing delay a few months back. The series may be known for being punishing but it also could work very well in the handheld setting. Whether farming souls or testing out boss strategies, each objective has a bite-sized feel.

Dark Souls Remastered releases October 19, 2018 for Nintendo Switch.