Elden Ring Nightreign’s First Network Test Plagued by Server Issues, FromSoftware Issues Apology

The first network test for Elden Ring Nightreign, which was ongoing at the time of this article's publication, has been marred by significant server issues, preventing many players from participating. IGN staff members who had access to the test reported that the server problems were so severe that they were unable to play for the first hour of the test. The issues were widespread enough 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 keep trying to connect after some time had passed.

The situation is exacerbated by the limited availability of the Elden Ring Nightreign network test, which is scheduled for five three-hour sessions 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 emphasized that this "large-scale Network Stress Test is designed to evaluate various aspects of the online system's functionality and performance," and expressed their hope for players' cooperation to enhance Elden Ring Nightreign.

While it's preferable for Elden Ring Nightreign to encounter these server issues during the network test rather than at its May launch, players who had set aside time to participate have voiced their frustrations. Hopefully, the subsequent play sessions will experience fewer problems.

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 enables three players to team up as Nightfarers to battle against new terrors, explore an ever-changing map, confront increasingly challenging bosses, and ultimately face the Nightlord. Bandai Namco also confirmed that the network test features a three-day-and-night cycle that squads must survive.

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."

For more insights, check out IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki on 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.