Elden Ring Nightreign's initial network test, currently underway, is experiencing significant server difficulties, hindering many players' participation.

IGN staff involved in the test reported severe server problems, rendering the game inaccessible for the first hour. The issues were so widespread that FromSoftware acknowledged the server congestion impacting matchmaking in a social media statement. While apologizing for the inconvenience, they encouraged players to retry after some time.

Adding to the frustration, the limited availability of the Elden Ring Nightreign network test—five three-hour sessions between February 14th and 17th on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S—compounds the problem. The current schedule is:

Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test Session Times:

• 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 describes the test as a "preliminary verification test," aiming to assess the online system's performance. They expressed anticipation for player feedback to improve Elden Ring Nightreign.

Although preferable to encountering these issues at launch (May 30th, 2025), the server problems have understandably frustrated players who had allocated time for the test. Hopefully, future sessions will proceed more smoothly.

Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone cooperative spin-off from FromSoftware, is set in a world parallel to the original Elden Ring. The network test allows three-player teams to battle "new terrors," explore a dynamic map, overcome challenging bosses, and ultimately confront the Nightlord. The test features a three-day-and-night cycle.

IGN previously previewed an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign, describing it as a "turbocharged" version of Elden Ring's dungeon crawling, emphasizing its faster-paced, action-oriented gameplay.

[Link to IGN's hands-on preview of Elden Ring Nightreign]

[Link to IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki]

Elden Ring Nightreign will release on May 30th, 2025, priced at $40 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC (Steam).