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, hindering many players' participation. IGN staff involved in the test reported severe server issues, rendering the game inaccessible for the first hour.

The problems were substantial enough to prompt a statement from FromSoftware on social media, acknowledging widespread matchmaking problems due to server overload. While offering apologies, the developer urged players to retry after some time.

Adding to the frustration, the Elden Ring Nightreign network test is limited to five three-hour windows between February 14th and 17th on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The schedule is as follows:

Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test Schedule:

• 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 server issues are preferable now rather than at the May launch, players who had allocated time for the test have expressed disappointment. Future sessions are hoped to proceed 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 "against new terrors, explore an ever-changing map, defeat challenging bosses, and ultimately confront the Nightlord," according to Bandai Namco. The test also features a three-day-and-night cycle.

IGN previously had hands-on time with an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign, describing it as a "turbocharged" version of Elden Ring's dungeon crawls, emphasizing its fast-paced action. [Link to IGN's hands-on preview]

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

Elden Ring Nightreign launches 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)AnswerSee Results