"Elden Ring Nightreign Release Date Announced"

Elden Ring Nightreign, the highly anticipated standalone co-operative spin-off from FromSoftware, is set to launch on May 30, 2025, priced at $40. It will be available across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam, as confirmed by publisher Bandai Namco.

Ahead of its release, a network test for Elden Ring Nightreign is scheduled to begin on February 14 and conclude on February 17. This test will be exclusive to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S and will not be available for the entire four-day period but rather during five specific three-hour sessions:

• 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 network test as a "preliminary verification test" where selected testers will play a segment of the game to evaluate the online system's functionality and performance. This large-scale Network Stress Test aims to enhance Elden Ring Nightreign before its full launch.

Set in a world parallel to that of the original Elden Ring, Elden Ring Nightreign allows three players to team up as Nightfarers, battling new terrors, exploring an ever-changing map, and facing increasingly challenging bosses, culminating in a showdown with the Nightlord. The network test will feature a three-day-and-night cycle that players must outlast.

The game's official description elaborates on the adventure beginning at the Roundtable Hold, where players select from eight unique characters, each with distinct abilities and powerful Ultimates. Their journey leads them to Limveld, an ever-changing environment, where they must make quick decisions during combat and exploration, especially as the night cycle shrinks the map with the approaching Night’s Tide.

At the end of each night, players confront a formidable boss. Success leads to greater challenges, with the third night culminating in a battle against the chosen Nightlord. While players can tackle the night alone, teamwork is encouraged, with players combining their unique abilities to overcome these challenges. Even in defeat, players earn relics that allow them to customize and upgrade their characters according to their preferred play styles.

Elden Ring Nightreign promises a unique experience from FromSoftware, featuring a condensed action RPG where no two journeys are the same due to the ever-shifting nature of enemies, rewards, and the Limveld environment. Players can discover powerful weapons and greater Rune rewards by defeating enemies and exploring dangerous map areas. Sites of Grace offer opportunities to level up and gain essential power, with each session-based adventure akin to navigating an open-air dungeon, providing chances to enhance lasting stat bonuses. Successful runs against the night bring players closer to defeating the Nightlord and uncovering the story behind each Nightfarer in this parallel world.

Last year, IGN had the privilege of visiting FromSoftware and experiencing an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign. Our impressions were highly positive, noting that the game "takes the cautious dungeon crawls of Elden Ring and turbocharges them into propulsive, slash ‘n’ dash speedruns."

For more insights, check out IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki about Elden Ring Nightreign.