Elden Ring Nightreign Release Date Confirmed
Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone cooperative spin-off from FromSoftware, launches May 30, 2025, priced at $40 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. Bandai Namco confirmed the release date, preceding a network test exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S from February 14-17. The test, however, isn't continuous; it's divided into five three-hour sessions.
Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test Session Times:
- 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
This "preliminary verification test" evaluates the online system's performance. Bandai Namco seeks player cooperation to optimize the game.
Set in a parallel universe to the original Elden Ring, Nightreign features three-player cooperative gameplay. Players, as Nightfarers, battle new threats across a dynamic map, culminating in a confrontation with the Nightlord. The game incorporates a three-day-and-night cycle affecting map size and challenge.
The official description highlights:
Elden Ring Nightreign begins at the Roundtable Hold. Choose from eight unique characters with special abilities and Ultimates. Explore the ever-changing Limveld, adapting to combat and exploration during the shrinking night cycle. Conquer nightly bosses for increased challenges and rewards. The final night features a battle against the Nightlord. Cooperation is key; failure yields relics for character customization. Each session is unique, offering varied enemies, rewards, and map layouts. Sites of Grace provide leveling opportunities, and successful runs grant lasting stat bonuses.
IGN's hands-on preview described Nightreign as "turbocharging" Elden Ring's dungeon crawls into fast-paced speedruns. Further details can be found in IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki. [Link to IGN's interview with Junya Ishizaki] [Link to IGN's hands-on preview]
