Elden Ring Nightreign is set to launch on May 30, 2025, and will be available for $40 across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam, as confirmed by publisher Bandai Namco. This exciting release date announcement precedes the Elden Ring Nightreign network test, scheduled exclusively for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, starting on February 14 and concluding on February 17. It's important to note that the network test will not be accessible throughout the entire duration but will be conducted in five specific three-hour windows.

Here are the detailed session timings for the Elden Ring Nightreign network test:

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

According to Bandai Namco, the network test serves as a "preliminary verification test in which selected testers play a portion of the game prior to the full game launch." This large-scale Network Stress Test is designed to assess the functionality and performance of the online system, and Bandai Namco is eager for participants' cooperation to enhance Elden Ring Nightreign further.

Elden Ring Nightreign is FromSoftware's innovative standalone co-operative spin-off, set in a universe parallel to that of the 2022's Elden Ring. The network test will enable three players to unite as Nightfarers, engaging in battles against new threats, exploring an ever-evolving map, and challenging increasingly formidable bosses, culminating in a showdown with the Nightlord. The test features a unique three-day-and-night cycle that teams must endure.

Here's the official description:

The all-new adventure in Elden Ring Nightreign begins at the Roundtable Hold, set in a universe parallel to the events of Elden Ring. Players must choose from eight unique characters, each with their own abilities and powerful Ultimates. Their journeys take them to Limveld, an ever-changing environment, where they will have to make split-second decisions when it comes to combat and exploration in the face of a night cycle that shrinks the map with the coming Night’s Tide.

At the end of each night, players will face a powerful boss and, if victorious, awaken to bigger challenges. Each session will culminate in the third night when they must face off against the chosen Nightlord. Individuals can fight the night alone, but strength will come in numbers. Nightfarers must learn to cooperate to take down these challenges, combining their unique abilities together for an unparalleled experience. All is not lost for those who fall in defeat. Unsuccessful runs will grant players relics to allow them to customize and upgrade their characters tailored to their personal play styles.

Elden Ring Nightreign is unlike any experience created before by FromSoftware, Inc. In this condensed action RPG, players will never experience the same journey twice as enemies, rewards, and Limveld itself are ever-shifting and evolving with each new session. Defeating greater enemies and venturing into the more dangerous parts of the map will uncover more powerful weapons and greater Rune rewards. Finding Sites of Grace gives each hero a chance to level up and gain crucial power. With each session-based adventure being akin to playing through an open-air dungeon, every journey provides an opportunity to grow lasting stat bonuses. Successful runs against the night bring players ever closer to defeating the Nightlord and unraveling the story behind each Nightfarer in this parallel world.

Last year, IGN had the privilege of visiting FromSoftware and experiencing an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign firsthand. Our impressions were overwhelmingly positive, describing Elden Ring Nightreign as a game that "takes the cautious dungeon crawls of Elden Ring and turbocharges them into propulsive, slash 'n' dash speedruns."

For a deeper dive into Elden Ring Nightreign, don't miss IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki.