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 substantial server difficulties, hindering many players' participation.

IGN staff involved in the test reported severe server problems, rendering the game inaccessible for the first hour. The issues were so widespread that FromSoftware issued a public statement acknowledging the server congestion preventing players from finding matches. While offering an apology, the developer urged 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—exacerbates the problem. 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 launch. They emphasized its purpose as a large-scale network stress test to evaluate online system functionality and performance.

Although preferable to encounter server issues now rather than at the May launch, players who allocated time for the test have expressed disappointment. Future sessions are expected to run more smoothly.

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

IGN previously had hands-on time with an early build, describing Elden Ring Nightreign as transforming "cautious dungeon crawls of Elden Ring into propulsive, slash ‘n’ dash speedruns." [Link to IGN's hands-on preview]

[Link to 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 (Steam).