Elden Ring Nightreign's first network test, which was ongoing at the time of this article's publication, encountered significant server issues that have hindered many players from participating. IGN staff members with access to the test reported severe server problems that prevented them from accessing the game during the initial hour of the test.
The severity of these issues prompted FromSoftware to issue a statement on social media, acknowledging that players were struggling to find matches due to server congestion. The developer apologized for the inconvenience and encouraged players to attempt matching again after some time.
The problem is further complicated 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 from February 14 to February 17. Below is the current 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 is a "preliminary verification test in which the selected testers play a portion of the game prior to the full game launch." They added, "This large-scale Network Stress Test is designed to evaluate various aspects of the online system's functionality and performance. We are looking forward to your cooperation to make Elden Ring Nightreign even better."
While it's preferable for Elden Ring Nightreign to experience these server issues now rather than at its launch in May, players who had set aside time to try the game are understandably frustrated. There's hope that subsequent play sessions will operate more smoothly.
Elden Ring Nightreign is FromSoftware's standalone cooperative spin-off, set in a world parallel to that of the 2022 Elden Ring. The network test allows three players to team up and take their chosen Nightfarers to battle against new terrors, explore an ever-changing map, defeat 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 try to outlast.
Last year, IGN had the opportunity to visit FromSoftware and go hands-on with an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign. Our team came away impressed, noting that Elden Ring Nightreign "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 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.
