"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 been marred by significant server issues, leaving many players unable to participate. IGN staff members who gained access to the test reported that the server problems were so severe that they couldn't play the game for the first hour. The issues were so pronounced that FromSoftware took to social media to acknowledge the server congestion, which was preventing players from finding matches. The developer apologized and urged players to attempt matching again after some time.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that the *Elden Ring Nightreign* network test is only available during five three-hour windows on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S from February 14 to February 17. Below is the schedule for the test sessions:

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 further elaborated, stating, "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's preferable that *Elden Ring Nightreign* encounters these server issues during the test phase rather than at its full launch in May, players who set aside time to try the game have expressed frustration. Hopefully, 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 will enable three players to join forces, guiding their chosen Nightfarers through battles against new terrors, exploring an ever-changing map, and facing 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 endure.

Last year, IGN had the privilege of visiting FromSoftware and going 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 further insights, check out IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki about *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.