Elden Ring 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, has encountered significant server issues, preventing many players from accessing the game. IGN staff members with access to the test reported that the server problems were so severe that they couldn't play for the first hour of the test. FromSoftware acknowledged the issue on social media, confirming that server congestion was making it difficult for players to find matches. They apologized and advised players to attempt matching again later.

The situation is further complicated by the limited availability of the *Elden Ring Nightreign* network test, which is only accessible during five three-hour windows on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S from February 14 to February 17. Here is the current schedule:

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 is a "preliminary verification test in which the selected testers play a portion of the game prior to the full game launch." They emphasized that this large-scale Network Stress Test is designed to evaluate the online system's functionality and performance. "We are looking forward to your cooperation to make *Elden Ring Nightreign* even better," they stated.

While it's preferable that *Elden Ring Nightreign* faces these server issues during the test phase rather than at its May launch, players who had set aside time to participate are understandably frustrated. There's hope that 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 the 2022 *Elden Ring*. The network test allows three players to team up as Nightfarers to battle new terrors, explore an ever-changing map, defeat challenging bosses, and ultimately confront the Nightlord. Bandai Namco noted that the test features a three-day-and-night cycle that squads must outlast.

Last year, IGN had the opportunity to visit FromSoftware and go hands-on with an early build of *Elden Ring Nightreign*. They were impressed, stating 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.

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