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 highly anticipated release date announcement comes just before the Elden Ring Nightreign network test, which is scheduled to take place exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S from February 14 to February 17, 2025. However, the test won't be accessible 24/7; instead, it will be conducted during five specific three-hour windows.
Elden Ring Nightreign network test session timings:
February 14: 3am-6am PT / 6am-9am ETFebruary 14: 7pm-10pm PT / 10pm-1am ETFebruary 15: 11am-2pm PT / 2pm-5pm ETFebruary 16: 3am-6am PT / 6am-9am ETFebruary 16: 7pm-10pm PT / 10pm-1am ET
Bandai Namco describes the network test 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 assess the online system's functionality and performance. Your participation is crucial in helping to refine Elden Ring Nightreign before its official release.
Elden Ring Nightreign is FromSoftware's new standalone cooperative spin-off, set in a parallel universe to the world of the 2022 Elden Ring. During the network test, up to three players can join forces as Nightfarers to combat new threats, explore an ever-shifting map, and confront increasingly challenging bosses, culminating in a battle against the Nightlord. The test will simulate a three-day-and-night cycle that players must survive.
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 opportunity to visit FromSoftware and go hands-on with an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign. The experience left us impressed, with Elden Ring Nightreign described as transforming the careful dungeon crawls of Elden Ring into exhilarating, fast-paced speedruns.
For more insights, check out IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki for even more on Elden Ring Nightreign.
