Elden Ring Network Test Marred by Server Woes, FromSoftware Offers Apology

Elden Ring Nightreign's initial network test, currently underway, is experiencing significant server difficulties, preventing many players from participating.

IGN staff involved in the test reported severe server issues, rendering the game inaccessible for the first hour. The problems were so extensive that FromSoftware issued a public statement acknowledging the server congestion and player matchmaking difficulties. While apologizing for the inconvenience, they encouraged players to retry after some time.

The limited availability of the network test—five three-hour sessions between February 14th and 17th on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S—further compounds the issue. The schedule is as follows:

Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test Session Times:

• 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 describes the test as a "preliminary verification test" to assess the online system's performance. They expressed anticipation for player feedback to improve Elden Ring Nightreign.

Although it's preferable for these server issues to surface now rather than at the May launch, players who had planned to participate have understandably expressed frustration. Hopefully, future test sessions will run more smoothly.

Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone cooperative spin-off, is set in a parallel world to 2022's Elden Ring. The network test allows three players to collaborate, battling new enemies, exploring a dynamic map, overcoming increasingly challenging bosses, and ultimately confronting the Nightlord. The test incorporates a three-day-and-night cycle that teams must endure.

IGN previously had hands-on time with an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign, describing it as a faster-paced, action-oriented experience compared to the original Elden Ring. [Link to IGN's hands-on preview]

[Link to IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki]

Elden Ring Nightreign will be released on May 30, 2025, priced at $40 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC (Steam).

Which other Dark Souls bosses would enhance Elden Ring Nightreign?

Ornstein and Smough (Dark Souls)Artorias the Abysswalker (Dark Souls)Looking Glass Knight (Dark Souls 2)Burnt Ivory King (Dark Souls 2)Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3)Pontiff Sulyvahn (Dark Souls 3)Other (please specify in comments)AnswerSee Results