Elden Ring Nightreign, the much-anticipated standalone cooperative spin-off from FromSoftware, is set to launch on May 30, 2025, priced at $40. This thrilling game will be available across multiple platforms including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam, as confirmed by publisher Bandai Namco.
Ahead of its full release, Elden Ring Nightreign will undergo a network test exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, starting February 14 and concluding on February 17. Players should note that the test won't be available 24/7 but will be conducted during five specific three-hour sessions:
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
Bandai Namco describes this network test as a "preliminary verification test" where selected testers will play a segment of the game before its official launch. The test aims to evaluate the online system's functionality and performance, ensuring a smoother experience for all players upon release.
Set in a universe parallel to the world of Elden Ring, Elden Ring Nightreign allows players to choose from eight unique characters, each with distinct abilities and powerful Ultimates. The adventure begins at the Roundtable Hold, leading players into Limveld—an ever-changing environment where they'll face new challenges and make critical decisions amidst a dynamic night cycle that shrinks the map as the Night's Tide approaches.
During the network test, up to three players can team up as Nightfarers to combat new terrors, explore the shifting landscape, and challenge increasingly difficult bosses. The ultimate goal is to survive three day-and-night cycles and confront the formidable Nightlord.
Each night culminates in a battle against a powerful boss, and success leads to greater challenges. Players can fight alone or in groups, leveraging cooperative strategies to overcome obstacles. Even in defeat, players earn relics that allow for character customization and upgrades tailored to individual play styles.
Elden Ring Nightreign promises a unique, ever-evolving experience where enemies, rewards, and the environment of Limveld change with each session. Discovering Sites of Grace enables character leveling and power-ups, while successful runs against the night bring players closer to defeating the Nightlord and uncovering the deeper narrative behind each Nightfarer.
Last year, IGN had the privilege of going hands-on with an early build of Elden Ring Nightreign at FromSoftware. Our impressions were overwhelmingly positive, highlighting how the game transforms the careful dungeon crawls of Elden Ring into exhilarating, fast-paced speedruns. For deeper insights, don't miss IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki.
