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

The initial network test for *Elden Ring Nightreign*, ongoing at the time of this article's publication, has encountered significant server issues, hindering many players' ability to participate. IGN staff members who had access to the test experienced such severe problems that they were unable to play for the first hour. These issues prompted FromSoftware to issue a statement on social media, acknowledging the server congestion that was preventing players from finding matches. The developer apologized and advised players to attempt reconnecting after some time.

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

Bandai Namco described the network test as 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 various aspects of the online system's functionality and performance," and expressed their hope for player cooperation to enhance *Elden Ring Nightreign*.

While it's preferable for *Elden Ring Nightreign* to face these server issues during the test phase rather than at its official launch in May, players who had set aside time to participate have voiced their frustrations. There is hope that subsequent play sessions will operate 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, guiding their chosen Nightfarers to battle against new terrors, explore an ever-changing map, and confront increasingly challenging bosses, ultimately aiming to defeat the Nightlord. Bandai Namco also noted that the network test features a three-day-and-night cycle that squads must endure.

Last year, IGN had the opportunity to visit FromSoftware and go hands-on with an early build of *Elden Ring Nightreign*. The experience left us impressed, with *Elden Ring Nightreign* described as taking "the cautious dungeon crawls of *Elden Ring* and turbocharging them into propulsive, slash 'n' dash speedruns."

For more insights, check out IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki 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.