Elden Ring Nightreign Release Confirmed

Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone cooperative spin-off from FromSoftware, launches May 30, 2025, priced at $40 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC (Steam).

Before launch, a network test exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S will run February 14-17. Access will be limited to five, three-hour sessions across those days.

Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test Session Times (PT/ET):

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

This network test, described by Bandai Namco as a "preliminary verification test," aims to evaluate the online system's performance and functionality.

Set in a parallel universe to the original Elden Ring, Nightreign features three-player cooperative gameplay. Players, as Nightfarers, battle new enemies, explore a dynamic map, and confront increasingly difficult bosses, culminating in a showdown with the Nightlord. The game features a three-day-and-night cycle that dramatically alters the gameplay experience.

Here's a summary of the gameplay:

Elden Ring Nightreign begins at the Roundtable Hold. Players choose from eight unique characters, each with distinct abilities and powerful Ultimates. The ever-changing environment of Limveld demands quick decisions in combat and exploration, impacted by the Night’s Tide which shrinks the playable area. Each night ends with a boss battle; victory leads to greater challenges. The final night's battle is against the Nightlord. Failure yields relics for character customization and upgrades. Each session offers a unique experience due to the ever-shifting enemies, rewards, and map. Sites of Grace allow for leveling up and stat boosts. Successful runs grant lasting stat bonuses.

IGN's hands-on preview described Nightreign as "turbocharg[ing] the cautious dungeon crawls of Elden Ring into propulsive, slash ‘n’ dash speedruns.” For more details, see IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki. [Link to IGN interview would go here]