Elden Ring Nightreign is set to launch on May 30, 2025, priced at $40, and will be available across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. This exciting news comes from publisher Bandai Namco, who have also announced details about the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign network test.
The network test, a crucial step before the full game release, will be available exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. It will run from February 14 to February 17, 2025, but not continuously. Instead, participants can join during five designated three-hour sessions:
- 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, this network test is a "preliminary verification test" where selected testers will play a segment of the game. It's designed to stress-test the online system's functionality and performance, ensuring a smoother launch for Elden Ring Nightreign. Your participation is vital to refine the game experience.
Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone co-operative spin-off from FromSoftware, unfolds in a universe parallel to the acclaimed 2022 Elden Ring. The network test will allow up to three players to team up, selecting their Nightfarers to combat new threats, explore an ever-changing map, and challenge increasingly difficult bosses, culminating in a battle against the Nightlord. The test will feature a dynamic three-day-and-night cycle, challenging squads to survive and thrive.
Here's an official description of the game:
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 getting hands-on experience with an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign. Our impressions were overwhelmingly positive, noting that the game "takes the cautious dungeon crawls of Elden Ring and turbocharges them into propulsive, slash ‘n’ dash speedruns."
For more insights, don't miss IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki about Elden Ring Nightreign.
