Elden Ring Network Test Hit by Server Problems

Elden Ring Nightreign's initial network test, currently underway, is experiencing significant server issues, preventing many players from accessing the game. IGN staff participating in the test reported being unable to access the game for the first hour due to severe server problems.

FromSoftware acknowledged these issues, stating that server congestion is hindering matchmaking. While the developer apologized, they encouraged players to attempt connecting again later.

The limited availability of the network test—five three-hour sessions between February 14th and 17th on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S—exacerbates the problem. The schedule 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

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

Although server issues during this pre-launch test are preferable to launch-day problems (the game releases May 30th, 2025), players who allocated time for the test have expressed understandable frustration. Hopefully, future sessions will run more smoothly.

Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone co-op spin-off, is set in a parallel world to 2022's Elden Ring. The network test allows three players to team up, battling new enemies, exploring a dynamic map, and facing increasingly difficult bosses, culminating in a confrontation with the Nightlord. The test features a three-day-and-night cycle that players must endure.

IGN previously had hands-on time with an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign, describing it as a "propulsive, slash 'n' dash speedrun" version of Elden Ring's cautious dungeon crawls. For more information, see IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki. [link to IGN interview]

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