The first network test for Elden Ring Nightreign, currently underway at the time of this article's publication, is facing significant server issues that have prevented many players from accessing the game. IGN staff members who had access to the test reported that the server problems were so severe that they couldn't play the game for the first hour of the test.
The issues were substantial enough for FromSoftware to issue a statement on social media, acknowledging that players were struggling to find matches due to server congestion. The developer apologized and encouraged players to try matching again after some time.
Compounding the issue is the limited availability of the Elden Ring Nightreign network test, which is only accessible during five three-hour windows on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S from February 14 to February 17. Here's the schedule for the network test sessions:
Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test Session Timings:
- February 14: 3am-6am PT / 6am-9am ET
- February 14: 7pm-10pm PT / 10pm-1am ET
- February 15: 11am-2pm PT / 2pm-5pm ET
- February 16: 3am-6am PT / 6am-9am ET
- February 16: 7pm-10pm PT / 10pm-1am ET
Bandai Namco described the network test as a "preliminary verification test in which the selected testers play a portion of the game prior to the full game launch." They emphasized that this large-scale Network Stress Test is designed to evaluate various aspects of the online system's functionality and performance, and they are looking forward to player cooperation to enhance Elden Ring Nightreign.
While it's preferable that Elden Ring Nightreign encounters server issues during this test phase rather than at its official launch in May, players who had set aside time to participate have expressed their frustration. There's hope that subsequent play sessions will run more smoothly.
Elden Ring Nightreign is FromSoftware's standalone co-operative spin-off, set in a world parallel to that of 2022's Elden Ring. The network test allows three players to team up, choosing their Nightfarers to battle new terrors, explore an ever-changing map, and defeat increasingly challenging bosses, ultimately aiming to take on the Nightlord. Bandai Namco confirmed that the network test features a three day-and-night cycle that squads must try to outlast.
Last year, IGN had the opportunity to visit FromSoftware and go hands-on with an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign. We were impressed, noting that the game "takes the cautious dungeon crawls of Elden Ring and turbocharges them into propulsive, slash 'n' dash speedruns."
For more insights, check out IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki for even more on Elden Ring Nightreign.
Elden Ring Nightreign is set to launch on May 30, 2025, priced at $40 across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam.
