Elden Ring Network Test Hit by Server Problems, FromSoftware Apologizes

The initial network test for Elden Ring Nightreign, which is currently underway, has encountered significant server issues, preventing many players from accessing the game. Reports from IGN staff who had access to the test highlighted that they were unable to play for the first hour due to these severe server problems.

FromSoftware acknowledged the issue on social media, confirming that server congestion was causing difficulties in finding matches. They issued an apology and urged players to attempt matchmaking again after some time.

The situation is further complicated by the limited availability of the Elden Ring Nightreign network test, which is scheduled for five three-hour sessions on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S between February 14 and February 17. The current 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 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 player cooperation to improve Elden Ring Nightreign.

While it's preferable for these server issues to surface now rather than at the game's launch in May, players who had set aside time to participate in the test have voiced their frustrations. There is optimism that the subsequent play sessions will operate more smoothly.

Elden Ring Nightreign is a standalone co-operative spin-off from FromSoftware, set in a world parallel to that of the 2022's Elden Ring. The network test allows three players to join forces as Nightfarers, battling new threats, exploring a dynamic map, and facing increasingly challenging bosses, with the ultimate goal of defeating the Nightlord. The test features a three-day-and-night cycle that squads must endure.

Last year, IGN had the chance to visit FromSoftware and go hands-on with an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign. They were impressed, noting that the game "takes the cautious dungeon crawls of Elden Ring and turbocharges them into propulsive, slash ‘n’ dash speedruns." For further insights, check out IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki.

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.