The initial network test for *Elden Ring Nightreign*, ongoing at the time of this article's publication, has been marred by significant server issues, preventing many players from experiencing the game. Reports from IGN staff who accessed the test indicated severe server problems, making it impossible to play for the first hour of the test.
The issues were so severe that FromSoftware took to social media to acknowledge the server congestion, which was causing difficulties in finding matches. The developer issued an apology and encouraged players to attempt matching again after some time.
Adding to the frustration, the *Elden Ring Nightreign* network test is only available during five designated three-hour periods on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S 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 is designed to evaluate various aspects of the online system's functionality and performance," and they are seeking player cooperation to enhance *Elden Ring Nightreign*.
While it's preferable for *Elden Ring Nightreign* to face these server issues during the test rather than at its official launch in May, players who had set aside time to participate have voiced their disappointment. There's hope that subsequent play sessions will be smoother.
*Elden Ring Nightreign* is FromSoftware's standalone co-operative spin-off, set in a world parallel to the 2022 *Elden Ring*. The network test enables three players to join forces as Nightfarers, battling new threats and navigating an ever-changing map to confront increasingly challenging bosses, culminating in a showdown with the Nightlord. The test incorporates a three-day-and-night cycle that squads must endure.
Last year, IGN had the chance to visit FromSoftware and go hands-on with an early build of *Elden Ring Nightreign*. The experience left us impressed, as we noted that *Elden Ring Nightreign* "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.
