The first network test for Elden Ring Nightreign, currently underway, has encountered significant server issues that have hindered many players from accessing the game. IGN staff members with access to the test reported that server problems were so severe that they couldn't play for the first hour of the test. FromSoftware, the developer, acknowledged the issue on social media, citing server congestion as the reason players were struggling to find matches. They apologized for the inconvenience and advised players to attempt matchmaking again later.
The situation is exacerbated by 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, spanning from February 14 to February 17. The schedule for these sessions is as follows:
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 seeking player cooperation to enhance Elden Ring Nightreign.
While it's preferable for Elden Ring Nightreign to face server issues during the network test rather than at its full launch in May, players who had set aside time to participate in the test have expressed their frustration. There's hope that subsequent sessions will proceed more smoothly.
Elden Ring Nightreign is a standalone cooperative spin-off from FromSoftware, set in a world parallel to that of 2022's Elden Ring. The network test enables three players to team up as Nightfarers to battle new terrors, explore an ever-changing map, confront increasingly challenging bosses, and ultimately face the Nightlord. Bandai Namco confirmed that the network test features a three-day-and-night cycle that squads must endure.
Last year, IGN visited FromSoftware and had the chance to go hands-on with an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign. They 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.
Elden Ring Nightreign is set to launch on May 30, 2025, priced at $40, and will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam.
