Alright, fellow Tarnished, gather 'round the Site of Grace because I've got some news that might make you want to throw your controller. The first Elden Ring Nightreign network test kicked off today, and let me tell you, it was an absolute mess. Instead of glorious combat in the Lands Between, players spent more time battling server goblins and connection errors than any actual in-game enemies. If you were one of the lucky few on PS5 who actually managed to get in and play, consider yourself blessed by the Greater Will. For the vast majority, it was a three-hour window of pure frustration from the very first minute.
The chaos was so intense that FromSoftware themselves had to step in and issue a public apology. The official Elden Ring social media account announced that the PlayStation servers were buckling under pressure due to maintenance issues. Imagine this: you've been hyped for months, you clear your schedule for this limited three-hour test session, you boot up your console... and all you get is a loading screen that laughs in your face. That was the reality for countless players today. The core issue? Severe server congestion. The FromSoftware account posted (via translation), "Currently, the ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN game server is congested, and it is difficult to match. We apologize for the inconvenience..." It was a classic case of overwhelming demand meeting unprepared infrastructure.
The Aftermath and What's Next
So, what happens after such a botched start? Well, FromSoftware mentioned they are considering adding an extra Network Test session to make up for the lost time and frustration. While there's no official confirmation yet, the community is buzzing with hope. We should hear more details soon. Let's break down the remaining scheduled test sessions, hoping they run smoother:
| Session | Date | Time (PT) |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Feb 14th | 3 AM - 6 AM |
| Session 2 | Feb 14th | 7 PM - 10 PM |
| Session 3 | Feb 15th | 11 AM - 2 PM |
| Session 4 | Feb 16th | 3 AM - 6 AM |
| Session 5 | Feb 16th | 7 PM - 10 PM |
Personally, I'm praying they don't just add another session but also extend the duration. Three hours feels criminally short, especially when you factor in time spent on character creation and just soaking in the new atmosphere. Fingers crossed for a last-minute change! 🤞
The Silver Lining and Future Hype
Despite the server meltdown, the hype for Elden Ring Nightreign is still at astronomical levels. Why? Because even before the game's full release on May 30, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, we've already gotten some juicy leaks. The game's Steam page accidentally revealed DLC plans, hinting at additional characters and, of course, more nightmarish bosses to conquer. This tells us that FromSoftware has massive, long-term plans for this expansion, which is incredibly exciting.
Let's be real, network test issues, while frustrating, are somewhat par for the course with highly anticipated online games. They stress-test the systems and (hopefully) lead to a smoother launch. The important thing is that FromSoftware is acknowledging the problem and communicating with the player base. I'd much rather have a rocky test now than a disastrous launch day. So, to all my fellow warriors who got error-coded today: don't you dare go hollow. Dust off your armor, recharge your spirits, and get ready for the next test window. The night of the reign is almost upon us, and I have a feeling it's going to be legendary once these server issues are sorted. See you in the Lands Between, hopefully with a stable connection! 💀🔥