Elden Ring Nightreign, the highly anticipated standalone co-operative spin-off from FromSoftware, is set to launch on May 30, 2025, priced at $40. The game will be available across multiple platforms including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam, as confirmed by publisher Bandai Namco.

Ahead of the official release, a network test for Elden Ring Nightreign will be conducted exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The test is scheduled to run from February 14 to February 17, 2025, but will not be available continuously throughout these dates. Instead, it will be accessible during five specific three-hour windows:

• 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

This network test is described by Bandai Namco as a "preliminary verification test" aimed at evaluating the online system's functionality and performance. Participants will have the opportunity to play a portion of the game, helping to refine the experience before the full launch.

Elden Ring Nightreign is set in a universe parallel to the events of the original Elden Ring, starting at the Roundtable Hold. Players can choose from eight unique characters, each with distinct abilities and powerful Ultimates. The game takes place in Limveld, an ever-changing environment where players must navigate combat and exploration amidst a night cycle that progressively shrinks the map with the encroaching Night’s Tide.

At the end of each night, players will confront a formidable boss, with the ultimate challenge being the third night's battle against the Nightlord. While players can tackle the night solo, the game emphasizes cooperative play, encouraging Nightfarers to combine their unique abilities to overcome challenges. Even in defeat, players can earn relics to customize and upgrade their characters according to their preferred play styles.

Elden Ring Nightreign promises a dynamic experience where enemies, rewards, and the environment of Limveld evolve with each session. Players can discover powerful weapons and Rune rewards by defeating tougher enemies and exploring more dangerous areas. Sites of Grace offer opportunities to level up and gain essential power boosts. Each session-based adventure is likened to navigating an open-air dungeon, with every journey offering chances to earn lasting stat bonuses and progress towards defeating the Nightlord and uncovering the story behind each Nightfarer.

Last year, IGN had the chance to go hands-on with an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign at FromSoftware. The experience was described as taking the cautious dungeon crawls of Elden Ring and transforming them into fast-paced, thrilling speedruns. For more insights, check out IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki.