The first network test for Elden Ring Nightreign, which is currently underway, has encountered significant server issues that have left many players unable to participate. IGN staff who had access to the test reported that they were unable to play the game for the first hour due to these severe server problems.

FromSoftware acknowledged the situation on social media, confirming that the server congestion was causing difficulties for players trying to find a match. The developer issued an apology and encouraged players to attempt matching again after some time.

The timing of the Elden Ring Nightreign network test adds to the frustration, as it is only available during five specific three-hour windows on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, running from February 14 to February 17. Here’s the schedule for the sessions:

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

According to Bandai Namco, the network test serves 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 intended to assess the functionality and performance of the online system. "We are looking forward to your cooperation to make Elden Ring Nightreign even better," they stated.

While it's preferable for Elden Ring Nightreign to experience these server issues during the test phase rather than at its May launch, many players who had set aside time to participate have voiced their frustrations. It is hoped that the subsequent play sessions will operate more smoothly.

Elden Ring Nightreign is FromSoftware's standalone co-operative spin-off, set in a world parallel to that of 2022's Elden Ring. The network test allows three players to team up as Nightfarers to battle new threats, explore an ever-changing map, and challenge increasingly difficult 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. We were impressed, noting that it "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.

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.