The initial network test for *Elden Ring Nightreign*, which was ongoing at the time of this article's publication, has been marred by severe server issues, preventing many players from accessing the game. IGN staff members who had the chance to participate in the test reported that they were unable to play for the first hour due to these problems.
The issues were so significant that FromSoftware issued an official statement on social media, acknowledging the server congestion that was causing difficulties for players trying to find a match. The developer apologized for the inconvenience and encouraged players to attempt matching again after some time.
Compounding the issue, the *Elden Ring Nightreign* network test is only accessible during five specific three-hour windows on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, scheduled from February 14 to February 17. Here is 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." This large-scale Network Stress Test aims to assess various elements of the online system's functionality and performance. The developers are looking forward to player feedback to enhance *Elden Ring Nightreign*.
While it's preferable that these server issues occur during the test phase rather than at the game's official launch in May, players who set aside time to participate have voiced their frustrations. There is hope that subsequent sessions will proceed more smoothly.
*Elden Ring Nightreign* is FromSoftware's standalone cooperative spin-off, set in a parallel universe to the 2022 *Elden Ring*. During the network test, three players can join forces to guide their chosen Nightfarers in combat against new threats, explore a dynamic map, and challenge increasingly difficult bosses, with the ultimate goal of defeating the Nightlord. The test also incorporates a three-day-and-night cycle that squads must navigate.
Last year, IGN had the opportunity to visit FromSoftware and go hands-on with an early build of *Elden Ring Nightreign*. Our impressions were highly favorable, 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 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.
