The first network test for *Elden Ring Nightreign*, which was ongoing at the time of this article's publication, has been plagued by significant server issues, leaving many players unable to participate. IGN staff who had access to the test reported being unable to play for the first hour due to these severe server problems.
The issues were so pronounced that FromSoftware took to social media to acknowledge the server congestion, which was preventing players from finding matches. They apologized for the inconvenience and urged players to attempt matching again after some time.
Compounding the frustration 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, spanning from February 14 to February 17. Here’s the detailed schedule:
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
According to Bandai Namco, the network test serves 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 aims to evaluate the online system's functionality and performance, stating, "We are looking forward to your cooperation to make *Elden Ring Nightreign* even better."
While it's preferable that these server issues occur during the test phase rather than at the game's full launch in May, players who had set aside time to try the game have voiced their disappointment. There's hope that future sessions will be smoother.
*Elden Ring Nightreign* is FromSoftware’s standalone cooperative spin-off, set in a parallel world to the 2022 *Elden Ring*. The network test allows three players to team up, select their Nightfarers, and battle against new terrors. They will explore an ever-changing map, defeat increasingly challenging bosses, and ultimately face the Nightlord. Bandai Namco also confirmed that the network test features a three-day-and-night cycle that squads must survive.
Last year, IGN had the privilege of visiting FromSoftware and getting hands-on experience with an early build of *Elden Ring Nightreign*. They were impressed, noting that it “takes the cautious dungeon crawls of *Elden Ring* and turbocharges them into propulsive, slash ‘n’ dash speedruns.”
For further insights, check out IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki about *Elden Ring Nightreign*.
*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.
