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

The first network test for Elden Ring Nightreign, which was ongoing at the time of this article's publication, has been marred by significant server issues, preventing many players from accessing the game. IGN staff members who had access to the test reported that the server problems were so severe that they couldn't play the game for the first hour of the test.

The issues were severe enough that FromSoftware took to social media to acknowledge the problem, confirming that players were struggling to find matches due to server congestion. The developer issued an apology and encouraged players to attempt matching again 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 further explained 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 encounter 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 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 allows three players to team up as Nightfarers to battle against new terrors, explore an ever-changing map, and face 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 opportunity to visit FromSoftware and go hands-on with an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign. The experience left us 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.