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 difficulties, preventing many players from participating.

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

The limited availability of the Elden Ring Nightreign network test—five three-hour sessions between February 14th and 17th on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S—further compounds the issue. The current schedule is as follows:

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 emphasize the test's purpose is to evaluate the online system's performance and functionality.

While preferable to encounter these server issues now rather than at the May launch, players who had planned to participate have expressed their disappointment. It's hoped future sessions will run more smoothly.

Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone cooperative spin-off from FromSoftware, is set in a world parallel to the 2022 Elden Ring. The network test allows three-player teams to battle "new terrors," explore a dynamic map, conquer challenging bosses, and ultimately confront the Nightlord. The test incorporates a three-day-and-night cycle that players must endure.

IGN previously had hands-on time with an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign, describing the gameplay as a "turbocharged" version of Elden Ring's dungeon crawling, resulting in fast-paced, action-oriented gameplay. For more details, see IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki.

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