Elden Ring Closed Beta Hampered by Server Concerns

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.

FromSoftware acknowledged the problem in a social media statement, citing server congestion as the cause of matchmaking failures. While apologizing for the inconvenience, they encouraged players to retry after some time.

The limited availability of the network test – five three-hour windows between February 14th and 17th on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S – exacerbates the issue. The current schedule is as follows:

Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test Schedule:

• 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 emphasized the importance of player participation in improving Elden Ring Nightreign.

Although preferable to encountering these issues at launch (May 30th, 2025), the server problems have understandably frustrated players who had allocated time for the test. Hopefully, future 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-player teams to battle "new terrors," explore a dynamic map, defeat challenging bosses, and ultimately confront the Nightlord. A three-day-and-night cycle adds another layer of challenge.

IGN previously previewed an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign, describing it as a faster-paced, action-oriented experience compared to the original Elden Ring.

IGN's hands-on preview and interview with director Junya Ishizaki offer further insights.

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