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, as confirmed by publisher Bandai Namco. This highly anticipated release comes ahead of the Elden Ring Nightreign network test, which is scheduled exclusively for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S from February 14 to February 17. Players should note that the network test will not be available continuously over these four days but will instead be accessible during specific three-hour windows.
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." This large-scale Network Stress Test aims to evaluate the online system's functionality and performance. Bandai Namco is eager for player participation to enhance Elden Ring Nightreign further.
Elden Ring Nightreign is FromSoftware's standalone cooperative spin-off, set in a universe parallel to the 2022's Elden Ring. During the network test, players can team up in groups of three to control their chosen Nightfarers, battling new terrors, exploring an ever-changing map, and facing increasingly challenging bosses. The ultimate goal is to confront the Nightlord, with the network test featuring a three-day-and-night cycle that squads must endure.
Here's the official synopsis:
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 going hands-on with an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign. Our impressions were positive, noting 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 for even more on Elden Ring Nightreign.
