Elden Ring Network Test Hampered by Server Woes

Elden Ring Nightreign's initial network test, underway at the time of writing, is experiencing significant server difficulties, hindering many players' participation.

IGN staff participating in the test reported severe server problems, preventing access for the first hour. The issues were so widespread that FromSoftware acknowledged the server congestion preventing matchmaking in a social media statement. While offering an apology, they encouraged players to retry after some time.

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

Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test Session Times:

• 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 launch. They aim to evaluate the online system's performance and functionality.

While preferable to encounter these server issues before the May launch, players who had allocated time for the test have expressed their disappointment. Hopefully, future sessions will run more smoothly.

Elden Ring Nightreign is FromSoftware's standalone cooperative spin-off, set in a parallel world to 2022's Elden Ring. The network test allows three-player teams to battle "against new terrors, explore an ever-changing map, defeat increasingly 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, describing Elden Ring Nightreign as "turbocharg[ing] the cautious dungeon crawls of Elden Ring into propulsive, slash ‘n’ dash speedruns." [link to IGN's hands-on preview]

Further details can be found in IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki. [link to IGN's interview]

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