The fervor surrounding Elden Ring Nightreign has reached a fever pitch. As 2025 unfolds, the standalone cooperative extension of FromSoftware's beloved universe is shaping up to be one of the year's most awaited gaming voyages. Bandai Namco has initiated the next critical phase by sending out highly coveted invitations for a closed network test, offering a select group of players an early, albeit limited, glimpse into the realm of Nightreign. This preliminary trial is not just a treat for fans; it serves a vital function for the development team, allowing them to stress-test servers and gather priceless player feedback before the grand unveiling later this year. For those who registered, it's time to vigilantly check both inboxes and spam folders for that golden ticket.

📅 The Network Test Schedule: Mark Your Calendars

The network test for Elden Ring Nightreign is structured as a series of short, concentrated play windows. These sessions are designed to simulate server load and gather data efficiently. The access dates and times, as officially outlined, are as follows (all times in Pacific Time and Eastern Time):

Date Session Window (PT) Session Window (ET)
February 14 3:00 AM - 6:00 AM 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM
February 14 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM 10:00 PM - 1:00 AM (Feb 15)
February 15 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
February 16 3:00 AM - 6:00 AM 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM
February 16 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM 10:00 PM - 1:00 AM (Feb 17)

This approach of staggered sessions is a proven strategy, reminiscent of the network tests conducted for the original Elden Ring. It ensures developers can monitor server stability across different peak times and regions.

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🎮 What to Expect in the Nightreign Playtest

Participants should temper their expectations, as this network test is fundamentally a technical trial rather than a full-game preview. Key limitations have been confirmed:

  • No Character Creation: Players will not have access to the full character creator. Instead, they must select from one of eight pre-built characters, each likely representing a distinct archetype or combat style to test various gameplay mechanics.

  • Limited Scope: The adventure will be confined to a specific area or set of encounters. The primary goals are to test server infrastructure for cooperative play and to gauge initial player reactions to core mechanics.

  • Feedback is Key: FromSoftware and Bandai Namco are keenly interested in player impressions. This feedback loop is crucial for final polish and balancing before the official launch.

⚠️ A Crucial Warning: Beware of Playtest Scams

Unfortunately, the high demand for access has spawned a dark underbelly of opportunism. Following the distribution of codes, reports have surfaced of individuals attempting to resell network test invitations for exorbitant prices, some reaching an astounding $500 USD on secondary marketplaces.

Potential buyers are urged to exercise extreme caution for several compelling reasons:

  1. Extremely Short Duration: The playtest windows are brief. Paying a premium for just a few hours of fragmented access is a notoriously poor value proposition.

  2. No Guarantee of Functionality: There is no reliable way to verify that a purchased code is legitimate or hasn't already been redeemed, leaving buyers highly susceptible to being defrauded.

  3. The Full Release is Imminent: With the official launch slated for May 30, 2025, patience is a far wiser and more rewarding strategy. Waiting ensures a complete, unrestricted, and secure experience.

The excitement is palpable, but fans should channel that energy into anticipation for the full release rather than risky, short-term schemes.

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🔮 The Road to Release: What Nightreign Promises

Elden Ring Nightreign represents a bold, cooperative-focused divergence within the Soulslike genre. As a standalone experience, it is designed from the ground up for collaborative play, allowing a party of up to three Tarnished to explore its challenges together. This network test is the first tangible step for the community to feel the game's pulse. While the test is constrained, it offers a promising glimpse into the atmospheric world, the potential synergy of cooperative combat, and the fresh mysteries that await.

The successful execution of this network test will be a significant milestone, building confidence for a smooth launch. For the countless fans who did not receive an invitation, the wait until May 30, 2025, will undoubtedly be filled with eager speculation and analysis of every shred of information that emerges from the lucky testers. The Lands Between are preparing for a new kind of incursion, one forged in partnership, and the journey is about to begin in earnest.

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📊 Elden Ring Nightreign at a Glance

Here’s a quick summary of what we know about the full game:

  • Developer: From Software

  • Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment

  • Release Date: May 30, 2025

  • Genre: Action RPG, Soulslike, Roguelite elements

  • Multiplayer: Online Co-Op (1-3 players)

  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox (confirmed via network test codes)

The stage is set, the invitations are out, and the anticipation has never been higher. Whether you're participating in the network test or awaiting the full dawn of the Nightreign, a new chapter in the Elden Ring saga is on the horizon.