Elden Ring Network Test Hit by Server Problems

The initial network test for Elden Ring Nightreign, currently underway, is experiencing significant server issues, preventing many players from participating. IGN staff reported being unable to access the game for the first hour due to the severity of the server problems.

FromSoftware acknowledged the widespread issues, citing server congestion as the cause, and apologized for the inconvenience. They encouraged players to try again later.

The limited availability of the network test—five three-hour sessions between February 14th and 17th on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S—exacerbates the frustration caused by the server problems. The schedule is as follows:

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 describes this test as a "preliminary verification test" to evaluate the online system's performance. While preferable to encountering these issues at launch (May 30th, 2025), the server problems have understandably frustrated players who had allocated time for the test. Hopefully, future sessions will run more smoothly.

Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone co-op spin-off, takes place in a world parallel to the original Elden Ring. The network test allows three players to team up as Nightfarers, battling new enemies, exploring a dynamic map, overcoming challenging bosses, and ultimately confronting the Nightlord. The test features a three-day-and-night cycle that players must endure.

IGN previously went hands-on with an early build, describing Elden Ring Nightreign as transforming "cautious dungeon crawls…into propulsive, slash ‘n’ dash speedruns." For more information, check out IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki.

Elden Ring Nightreign launches May 30th, 2025, priced at $40 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC (Steam).