"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, is experiencing significant server issues that have prevented 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 for the first hour of the test.

The issues were severe enough that FromSoftware issued a statement on social media, acknowledging that players were struggling to find matches due to server congestion. The developer apologized and encouraged players to try matching again after some time.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the Elden Ring Nightreign network test is only available during five three-hour periods on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S from February 14 to February 17. Here's 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 added, "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 faces these server issues now rather than at its launch in May, players who had set aside time to try the game are expressing their frustration. Hopefully, subsequent play sessions will run 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 and take their chosen Nightfarers to battle "against new terrors, and explore an ever-changing map to defeat increasingly challenging bosses and ultimately take on the Nightlord," Bandai Namco added, confirming that the network test features a three-day-and-night cycle that squads must try to outlast.

Last year, IGN had the opportunity to visit FromSoftware and go hands-on with an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign. We came away impressed, stating that Elden Ring Nightreign "takes the cautious dungeon crawls of Elden Ring and turbocharges them into propulsive, slash 'n' dash speedruns."

Check out IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki for even more on Elden Ring Nightreign.

Elden Ring Nightreign launches on May 30, 2025, priced at $40 across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam.