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 involved in the test reported severe server issues, rendering the game inaccessible for the first hour.

The problems were so widespread that FromSoftware acknowledged the server congestion and player matchmaking difficulties via social media. While offering an apology, they encouraged players to retry after some time.

The limited availability of the 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 Schedule:

• February 14: 3am-6am PT / 6am-9am ET; 7pm-10pm PT / 10pm-1am ET
• February 15: 11am-2pm PT / 2pm-5pm ET
• February 16: 3am-6am PT / 6am-9am ET; 7pm-10pm PT / 10pm-1am ET

Bandai Namco describes the test as a "preliminary verification test," aiming to evaluate the online system's performance. They expressed anticipation for player participation to improve Elden Ring Nightreign.

Although preferable to encountering these server issues at launch (May 30th, 2025), the current situation has understandably frustrated players who allocated time for the test. Future sessions are hoped to run more smoothly.

Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone cooperative spin-off, is set in a world parallel to the original Elden Ring. The network test allows three players to collaborate, facing new challenges, exploring a dynamic map, battling increasingly difficult bosses, and ultimately confronting the Nightlord. A three-day-and-night cycle adds another layer of strategic depth.

IGN previously previewed an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign, praising its fast-paced, action-oriented gameplay, a departure from the more deliberate pacing of the original Elden Ring. [Link to IGN's hands-on preview]

[Link to IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki]

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

Which other Dark Souls bosses would enhance Elden Ring Nightreign?

Ornstein and Smough (Dark Souls)Artorias the Abysswalker (Dark Souls)Looking Glass Knight (Dark Souls 2)Burnt Ivory King (Dark Souls 2)Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3)Pontiff Sulyvahn (Dark Souls 3)Other (specify in comments)