Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test Faces Major Server Hurdles

The inaugural network test for Elden Ring Nightreign—which is still ongoing at the time of writing—has hit a rough patch with severe server congestion. Many participants have been unable to even begin playing during the scheduled test windows, leading to widespread frustration and a swift response from developer FromSoftware.

Widespread Connection Issues

Several testers, including members of the gaming press, have encountered such extreme connectivity problems that they spent the first hour of the test unable to log in. FromSoftware quickly acknowledged these difficulties on social media, confirming that the high volume of players caused server congestion. While apologizing for the inconvenience, the studio encouraged players to continue attempting to match after some time had passed.

PlayStation Servers in the Spotlight

The troubles seem most pronounced on PlayStation. In fact, the PlayStation servers were briefly taken offline for maintenance. FromSoftware announced, “Work is ongoing to restore server functionality,” and promised to share further updates as soon as possible. Players on PlayStation were asked for patience as the team worked to get everything back up and running.

Limited Testing Windows

A key complication is the limited availability of the Elden Ring Nightreign network test. The trial is accessible only during five three-hour sessions on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S from February 14 to February 17. Here’s the schedule:

Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test Times

• February 14: 3 AM–6 AM PT / 6 AM–9 AM ET
• February 14: 7 PM–10 PM PT / 10 PM–1 AM ET
• February 15: 11 AM–2 PM PT / 2 PM–5 PM ET
• February 16: 3 AM–6 AM PT / 6 AM–9 AM ET
• February 16: 7 PM–10 PM PT / 10 PM–1 AM ET

According to Bandai Namco, this test is a “preliminary verification” allowing selected players to try part of the game before its full release. The publisher has labeled it a large-scale Network Stress Test intended to measure the online infrastructure’s performance, with the ultimate goal of polishing Elden Ring Nightreign before its planned May launch.

Frustrations and Hope for Improvement

Although it’s undoubtedly preferable to encounter these server hiccups now rather than at launch, players who set aside time for the test have expressed disappointment. FromSoftware has promised to address the issues, and many are hopeful that upcoming sessions will run more reliably.

A New Co-op Adventure

Elden Ring Nightreign is FromSoftware’s standalone cooperative spin-off set in a universe parallel to 2022’s Elden Ring. This test version allows groups of up to three players—dubbed Nightfarers—to band together and face new horrors. They’ll traverse a continuously shifting map packed with increasingly formidable bosses, culminating in a climactic showdown against the Nightlord. Bandai Namco also confirmed that squads must survive a three-day and three-night cycle during the test, hinting at dynamic gameplay that adapts over time.

Overall, fans remain excited about this fresh twist on the Elden Ring formula. Hopefully, the next testing windows will provide a smoother experience and help the developers fine-tune this highly anticipated co-op journey.