Elden Ring Nightreign's initial network test, currently underway, is experiencing significant server difficulties, preventing many players from participating.

IGN staff involved in the test reported severe server issues, rendering the game inaccessible for the first hour. The problems were so extensive that FromSoftware released a social media statement acknowledging the server congestion and player matchmaking difficulties. While offering an apology, they encouraged players to retry after some time.

The limited availability of the Elden Ring Nightreign network test—five three-hour windows between February 14th and 17th on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S—further compounds the issue. Here's the schedule:

Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test Session Times:

• 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 describes the test as a "preliminary verification test" allowing selected players to experience a portion of the game before its full release. They emphasized this large-scale network stress test's purpose in evaluating the online system's performance.

While preferable to encounter these server issues now rather than at the May launch, players who had planned to participate have expressed frustration. Future play sessions are hoped to proceed more smoothly.

Elden Ring Nightreign is FromSoftware's standalone cooperative spin-off, set in a parallel world to 2022's Elden Ring. The network test allows three-player teams to battle "against new terrors, explore an ever-changing map, defeat increasingly challenging bosses, and ultimately confront the Nightlord," according to Bandai Namco. A three-day-and-night cycle adds to the challenge.

IGN previously had hands-on experience with an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign, describing it as "turbocharg[ing] the cautious dungeon crawls of Elden Ring into propulsive, slash ‘n’ dash speedruns." Further details can be found in 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.