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

The first network test for *Elden Ring Nightreign*, currently underway at the time of writing, is experiencing significant server issues that have prevented many players from accessing the game. IGN staff who had access to the test reported severe server problems that barred them from playing for the first hour. The issues were so widespread that FromSoftware, the game's developer, issued a statement on social media acknowledging the server congestion that was causing difficulties in finding matches. They apologized for the inconvenience and encouraged players to attempt matching again later.

Compounding the issue, the *Elden Ring Nightreign* network test is only accessible during five three-hour windows on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, spanning from February 14 to February 17. Below is the detailed schedule for the network 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 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 players' cooperation in improving *Elden Ring Nightreign*.

While it's preferable that *Elden Ring Nightreign* encounters 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's hope that subsequent play sessions will be smoother.

*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 enables three players to join forces and guide their chosen Nightfarers in battles against new threats, exploring an ever-changing map to conquer increasingly challenging bosses and ultimately confront 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 privilege of visiting FromSoftware and getting hands-on experience with an early build of *Elden Ring Nightreign*. We were thoroughly impressed, noting that *Elden Ring Nightreign* "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 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.