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

The initial network test for Elden Ring Nightreign, which was ongoing at the time of this article's publication, has been plagued by significant server issues, preventing many players from experiencing the game. IGN staff members who had access to the test reported severe server problems, which rendered the game inaccessible for the first hour of testing.

The issues were so severe that FromSoftware took to social media to acknowledge the problem. They confirmed that players were facing difficulties in finding matches due to server congestion. The developer apologized for the inconvenience and encouraged 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 only accessible during five three-hour windows on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S from February 14 to February 17. Here’s the detailed 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 emphasized that this "large-scale Network Stress Test is designed to evaluate various aspects of the online system's functionality and performance," and they are counting on players' cooperation to enhance Elden Ring Nightreign.

While it is preferable that Elden Ring Nightreign encounters these server issues during the testing phase rather than at its launch in May, players who had planned to test the game have expressed their frustrations. There is hope that the subsequent play sessions will operate more smoothly.

Elden Ring Nightreign is FromSoftware's standalone cooperative spin-off, set in a world parallel to that of the 2022 Elden Ring. The network test allows three players to collaborate, selecting their Nightfarers to battle against new threats, explore an ever-changing map, and confront increasingly challenging bosses, with the ultimate goal of defeating 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 privilege of visiting FromSoftware and going hands-on with an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign. The experience was impressive, with IGN stating 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 about Elden Ring Nightreign.

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