The wait is over for Tarnished warriors eager for a new challenge. FromSoftware has officially dispatched access emails for the highly anticipated Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test, granting select players a coveted early look at the game's revamped online systems. This test serves as a crucial sneak peek, allowing participants to explore the ever-perilous Lands Between, battle formidable new foes, and gather essential gear in preparation for the ultimate showdown with the mysterious Nightlord. While it's not the full enchilada, the network test provides an invaluable glimpse into the intense, cooperative, and competitive gameplay that defines the Nightreign expansion. Players can finally get a feel for the new mechanics and decide which Nightfarer class suits their playstyle best before the official launch.

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🔥 Network Test Session Schedule

For those lucky enough to have snagged an invite, planning your playtime is key. The Network Test is structured across multiple sessions over four days, ensuring players from various time zones get a fair shot at experiencing the new content. Whether you're a night owl or an early bird, there's a slot for you. Mark your calendars, because the sessions are strictly time-limited. Here’s the complete breakdown:

Session Date (2026) Start Time (CET) End Time (CET)
Session 1 February 14th 12:00 PM 3:00 PM
Session 2 February 15th 4:00 AM 7:00 AM
Session 3 February 15th 8:00 PM 11:00 PM
Session 4 February 16th 12:00 PM 3:00 AM (Next Day)
Session 5 February 17th 4:00 AM 7:00 AM

Pro-Tip: Session 4 is the marathon run, lasting a whopping 15 hours, perfect for deep exploration and co-op shenanigans. Don't burn out before facing the Nightlord!

⚔️ Meet the Nightfarers: Playable Characters

In Elden Ring Nightreign, players assume the role of a Nightfarer, a hero bound by a unique covenant. The Network Test features four of these distinct presets, each with a specialized kit designed for different combat philosophies. Choosing the right one can make or break your run. Here’s the lowdown on who’s who in this preview:

1. The Wylder

  • Playstyle: High mobility, close-quarters combat, beginner-friendly.

  • Signature Ability: A grappling hook for rapid traversal and closing gaps. This tool is a game-changer for positioning and hit-and-run tactics.

  • Ultimate Art - Onslaught Stake: Launches a stake into the ground that detonates in a massive area-of-effect explosion. Perfect for clearing groups or finishing off a tough enemy.

  • Verdict: The go-to for players who like to get up close and personal with style. Easy to pick up, hard to master.

2. The Guardian

  • Playstyle: Defensive tank and team support.

  • Signature Ability: Uses ethereal wings to generate disruptive cyclones, controlling the battlefield and interrupting enemy attacks.

  • Ultimate Art - Wings of Salvation: Creates a sacred, protective zone that buffs and shields the entire party. An absolute lifesaver in tough boss fights or during intense PvP invasions.

  • Verdict: The backbone of any successful co-op party. If you live for protecting your allies, this is your calling.

3. The Recluse

  • Playstyle: Ranged magic damage dealer, glass cannon.

  • Signature Ability: Focuses on explosive arcane spells that deal massive damage from a distance.

  • Ultimate Art - Soulbound Song: Brands enemies with debilitating blood sigils that significantly amplify the damage they take. This ability can turn the tide by making bosses more vulnerable.

  • Verdict: A mage lover's dream. High risk, high reward. Positioning is everything to avoid getting squashed.

4. The Duchess

  • Playstyle: Evasive trickster and stealth specialist.

  • Signature Ability: Relies on lightning-fast reflexes, dodges, and illusionary techniques to deal damage while staying elusive.

  • Ultimate Art - Finale: Shrouds the entire team in a veil of secrecy, rendering them temporarily invisible to enemies. Incredible for setting up ambushes, escaping dire situations, or repositioning during a fight.

  • Verdict: The master of misdirection. Perfect for players who prefer finesse and cunning over brute force.

🎯 How to Make the Most of the Test

With limited time in each session, having a plan is crucial. Here’s a quick checklist for players:

  • Session 1 & 3: Ideal for experimenting with different Nightfarer classes. Find your main!

  • Session 2 & 5: Good for focused runs, perhaps trying a specific build or weapon path.

  • Session 4 (The Long Haul): This is where you go deep. Team up with friends, tackle challenging areas, and seriously prepare for the Nightlord encounter. Test co-op strategies and invasion tactics.

  • Focus on Co-op & PvP: The network test’s primary goal is to stress the online systems. Don’t just play solo—summon allies, get invaded, and experience the chaotic, emergent storytelling that makes Elden Ring legendary.

  • Provide Feedback: FromSoftware is listening. Use the official channels to report bugs, balance concerns, or just gush about what you love. Your input helps shape the final product.

The Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test is more than just a preview; it's a community event, a stress test, and a celebration of the journey back to the Lands Between. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer, these sessions are your first step into a larger, darker world. Choose your Nightfarer wisely, coordinate with your fellowship, and remember: hesitation is defeat. Good luck, Tarnished. The Nightlord awaits.