"Elden Ring's First Network Test Hit by Server Problems, FromSoftware Apologizes"

The first network test for Elden Ring Nightreign, ongoing at the time of this article's publication, is experiencing significant server issues that have hindered many players from accessing the game. IGN staff who were granted access to the test reported that the server problems were so severe they couldn't play for the first hour of the test.

The issues were severe enough to prompt FromSoftware to release a statement on social media, acknowledging that players were having trouble finding matches due to server congestion. The developer apologized for the inconvenience and encouraged players to try connecting again later.

The problem is compounded by the fact that the Elden Ring Nightreign network test is only available during five specific three-hour windows on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, spanning from February 14 to February 17. The schedule for these sessions is as follows:

Elden Ring Nightreign network test session timings:

• 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

According to Bandai Namco, the network test serves as a "preliminary verification test in which the selected testers play a portion of the game prior to the full game launch." They further explained, "This large-scale Network Stress Test is designed to evaluate various aspects of the online system's functionality and performance. We are looking forward to your cooperation to make Elden Ring Nightreign even better."

While it is preferable for Elden Ring Nightreign to encounter server issues during the test phase rather than at its launch in May, players who had set aside time to participate have voiced their frustration. It is hoped that the subsequent play sessions will run more smoothly.

Elden Ring Nightreign is FromSoftware's standalone co-operative spin-off set in a world parallel to that of 2022's Elden Ring. The network test allows three players to team up, choosing their Nightfarers to battle against new terrors, explore an ever-changing map, and face increasingly challenging bosses, ultimately aiming to defeat the Nightlord. Bandai Namco also confirmed that the network test features a three-day-and-night cycle that squads must try to outlast.

Last year, IGN had the opportunity to visit FromSoftware and go hands-on with an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign. We were impressed, noting that Elden Ring Nightreign "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 for even more on Elden Ring Nightreign.

Elden Ring Nightreign is set to launch on May 30, 2025, priced at $40, and will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam.