The initial network test for Elden Ring Nightreign, ongoing at the time of this article's publication, is facing significant server issues that have hindered many players from accessing the game. IGN staff who were able to participate reported severe server problems, preventing them from playing for the first hour of the test.
The issues were so severe that FromSoftware took to social media to acknowledge that players were struggling to find matches due to server congestion. The developer apologized and encouraged players to attempt matching again after some time.
Compounding the issue is 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. Here 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
Bandai Namco described the network test as a "preliminary verification test in which the selected testers play a portion of the game prior to the full game launch." They further stated, "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 planned to try the game during these sessions have expressed frustration. Hopefully, subsequent play sessions will run more smoothly.
Elden Ring Nightreign is FromSoftware's standalone co-operative spin-off set in a world parallel to that of 2022's Elden Ring. The network test allows three players to team up and take their chosen Nightfarers into battle "against new terrors, and explore an ever-changing map to defeat increasingly challenging bosses and ultimately take on the Nightlord," Bandai Namco added, confirming 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. We were impressed, noting that Elden Ring Nightreign "takes the cautious dungeon crawls of Elden Ring and turbocharges them into propulsive, slash 'n' dash speedruns."
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.
