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

Elden Ring Nightreign's initial network test, currently underway, is experiencing significant server issues, preventing many players from participating. IGN staff with access reported being unable to join for the first hour due to extreme server problems.

FromSoftware acknowledged the server congestion, apologizing for the difficulty players faced in finding matches and encouraging them to try again later. The limited availability of the network test—only five three-hour sessions between February 14th and 17th on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S—exacerbates the frustration caused by these issues. The current schedule is as follows:

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

This network test, according to Bandai Namco, is a "preliminary verification test" allowing selected players to experience a portion of the game before launch. It's designed as a large-scale stress test to evaluate online functionality and performance.

While it's preferable that these server issues arise now rather than at the May launch, players who set aside time for the test have expressed disappointment. Hopefully, future sessions will run more smoothly.

Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone co-op spin-off, is set in a world parallel to Elden Ring 2022. The network test allows three players to team up as Nightfarers, battling new terrors, exploring a dynamic map, overcoming challenging bosses, and ultimately confronting the Nightlord. The test features a three-day-and-night cycle that players must endure.

IGN previously went hands-on with an early build, describing Elden Ring Nightreign as "turbocharging" the cautious dungeon crawls of Elden Ring into fast-paced speedruns. For more information, see IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki.

Elden Ring Nightreign launches May 30, 2025, priced at $40 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam.